Handbrake and ABS light wont turn ON

28th February 2011, 11:42

Hi, I've just bought a 2002 saxo vts. I didn't notice this at first but when I turn the ignition on neither the ABS light or the handbrake light turn on. The handbrake light doesn't turn on when I pull up the handbrake and the ABS doesn't seem to work.

I have searched everywhere for an answer but can only seem to find other people's problems with these lights not turning off! I have checked all the fuses and they are ok.

Any ideas? Cheers.

28th February 2011, 14:15

The handbrake light could either be the switch a loose connection behind the instrument cluster or a faulty LED.

Steve.

28th February 2011, 14:59

Hi, my idea, purely speculative based on other suggestions to said 'lights being on' threads, is that actually the car has had the lights remain on in the past, and someone has 'fixed' the lights by blocking or removing the abs and brake lights.

28th February 2011, 22:40

Thanks for the suggestions! Never really crossed my mind someone would do that, but seems possible. Day off tomorrow so will remove the instrument cluster and see if thats the case. Hopefully it will just be a loose conection.

Will let you know how it goes, all other suggestions appreciated!
Thanks

28th February 2011, 23:11

No problem. I'd be interested to see what you find! It seems a bit extreme but you can get (previous) owners that are lazy enough to block the lights rather fix the problem - I suspect it is what's going based on the fact that the ABS doesn't even appear to be working.

The first step is check the sensors... this can be done by removing the battery, locating the ABS unit and removing the plug. Check the following point for resistance around 1000 ohms. If there's anything else or nothing across a point you've found your source - front sensor is around £40 and rear is £50 from Citroen.

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1st March 2011, 18:32

Well, checked the sensor today and only the front passenger showed any resistance (about 1000 ohms) All the rest showed nothing! Guess you were right with the whole 'fixing' of the lights.

Been speaking to a friend and he says it's the one that show resistance that is faulty?! Is this right or am I going to have to shell out for 3 new sensors?

Cheers.
Ps. Thanks for the picture, helped loads.

1st March 2011, 18:50

Right that's very odd regarding the sensor resistance - I've got two new ones at home (front and rear) so I'll get someone to resistance check them, but working ones should be around 1000 ohms I believe.
This isn't to say you have 3 faulty sensors.... it could be a problem with the wiring loom between the sensors and the ABS module. I'd check for a resistance at each connector for the ABS sensor - if you're suddenly getting resistance where previously you had nothing then the loom will be at fault, if there is still nothing you know for definite the sensors are in need of replacement.

Did you manage to check the dash lights?

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1st March 2011, 19:45

That would be great. Yeah I checked behind the dash and the LEDs are there but I checked for continuity and neither worked. Not a clue why this could be. Guess someone has done something to them at some point.

When you say check the loom between the sensors and ABS module, does this mean checking each sensor at the calliper?

Sorry for the stuid questions. I understand the basics of the sensors, loom and the module, but I've never had a car with ABS so have never had any problems like this!

Thanks

1st March 2011, 19:54

It's totally fine man, they're not stupid questions - it's what the forum is for anyway

Yep basically check the sensor (more specifically the connector) at each caliper, you'll find the fronts have about a 20 cm length to the connector and the rears are about 40 cm - probe them to confirm whether there is the required resistance or not.