My "new" 2008 C8 2.2 Exclusive

[manafas]

Greetings
Just over a week ago, less than a year after selling my last C8, I bought another one as I was missing having one so much.
They are such convenient cars, even if used as a second "utility" car.
This time I got an 08 plate 2.2 Exclusive auto, I am really pleased with the car - but its not without some issues, all of them seem electric.
The one I feel it really needs attention is an ABS and ESP failure message that appears randomly.
Sometimes I will go out and no message will be seen, some other time it shows and this can happen any time. The car however still behaves normally, brakes well, everything works even with the dash light on for ABS and ESP.
I only have a general reader (Carly) and the only error I can see that might be related is P0571 Brake Control.
I suspect it might just be a lose cable or connection due to the randomness of the "symptoms" but I am no specialist in any way.
Does any of you have had a similar experience?
Any input will be much appreciated, I have had great help from the community in the past, thank you very much.
Best regards
Pedro

[GiveMeABreak]

Don't be fooled into a false sense of security.... If the ABS / ESP light is on, then you will have no ESP functionality (stability control) and possibly no ABS and / or reduced braking assistance function.

Cruise control will not function whilst this error is in operation either.

Thankfully, the issue is brake switch related (Brake switch signal: Brake pedal faulty information (ABS or ESP info)), so that's the first place to start. Change the brake pedal switch and make sure you get the correct part as there are different variations.

[manafas]

Hi Marc
Many thanks for the great reply.
I will replace the brake switch and hope the issue will be resolved.
Best regards
Pedro

[GiveMeABreak]

Just to clarify my response - normal braking will be unaffected, but as long as you are aware of this so that you won't have any anti-skid or stability control, Emergency Brakeforce Distribution or similar features, most likely.

[xantia_v6]

Check that all 4 tyres are matched for size and brand. Slight differences in diameter can upset the ESP.

[manafas]

Thank you for the clarification.
The car is going to the garage on Monday for large service and I will get the brake switch replaced at the same time.
Until then it wont be driven anywhere, except going up the road 500 metres to the garage.
I am hoping this will fix the issue.
Best regards
Pedro

[manafas]

Check that all 4 tyres are matched for size and brand. Slight differences in diameter can upset the ESP.

Thank you, the car came with 3 tires that are the same and one that seems a bit newer but very similar to the others (but not the same).
They all have a fair amount of tread left.
It is a personal pet hate I have (different tires) but didnt want to invest in 4 new tires when these seem to do be fine.

But I can see your point and will consider my options once I replace the brake switch.

Best regards
Pedro

[Hell Razor5543]

If the tyres are all of the same dimensions there should not be an issue if there is more wear on one tyre than the others (as these will be within tolerances the ECUs can handle). The problems occur when tyres that are of similar (but NOT the same) dimensions are fitted, as this can cause sufficient differences in rotational speed of the wheels to 'confuse' the relevant ECUs.

The tyres must be of the dimensions specified by the manufacturer, for the reason that the ECUs will have been set up for those sizes.

[manafas]

If the tyres are all of the same dimensions there should not be an issue if there is more wear on one tyre than the others (as these will be within tolerances the ECUs can handle). The problems occur when tyres that are of similar (but NOT the same) dimensions are fitted, as this can cause sufficient differences in rotational speed of the wheels to 'confuse' the relevant ECUs.

The tyres must be of the dimensions specified by the manufacturer, for the reason that the ECUs will have been set up for those sizes.

Thank you. They are all 215-60-16 if that is what you mean.
Difference in wear is very small, one is clearly a newer tyre but we are probably talking 1 or 2 mm difference to the others.
Best regards
Pedro

[Hell Razor5543]

Are the tyres the correct ones for the car? There will be a label (usually somewhere in the driver door space) that will tell you the tyre pressures and size. If the label says "215/60/16" then the tyres fitted will be what the ECUs 'expect'.

[GiveMeABreak]

Regardless, of these tyre issues (if any) - the fault code specifically relates to the brake switch, so get this dealt with first.

[manafas]

Regardless, of these tyre issues (if any) - the fault code specifically relates to the brake switch, so get this dealt with first.

Just a quick update here to say that the brake switch has been replaced and so far the errors have not showed up since!!! Many thanks for the help!!!

[GiveMeABreak]

No problem, thanks for the update.

[leithant]

Just a quick update here to say that the brake switch has been replaced and so far the errors have not showed up since!!! Many thanks for the help!!!

It's a pretty common issue. Good idea to carry a spare in the car.