Warning Light / Imbecile Car Owner

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 16:13

Hi guys.

I've just changed the front bulb on my Peugeot 206 Gti, which was rather fiddly to a clutz such as myself, and in doing so, had to disconnect the ABS connector to allow me room to manouvre.

On connecting it all back up, and starting the car up, the "handbrake" light, resembling this ((!)) stays on, even when the handbrake is fully down. I know this light also indicates low brake fluid, but could disconnecting the ABS connector, and or fiddling about in that area of caused something to keep it on, or is it simply a coincidence it happened at this time, and I need to top up the brake fluid?

Thanks!

Lum · 18 Jan 2009 at 16:34

Check your car's manual but that light is often used to indicate all faults with the braking system. Are you sure you plugged the sensor back in correctly and didn't dislodge anything else while you were working there.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 16:53

I pushed the ABS connector in securely - have checked a couple of times - I'm not sure this is in any way connected to the handbrake.

I will try topping up the brake fluid tomorrow, and may check the handbrake switch isn't stuck or dirty - if I can find it!

Finglonga · 18 Jan 2009 at 20:21

sandy10 said:
I will try topping up the brake fluid tomorrow, and may check the handbrake switch isn't stuck or dirty - if I can find it!

Brake fluid will only need topping up if it needs it, as the light wasn't illuminated before I doubt it is that. Are you sure the contacts of the plug you put back were clean and free of corrosion?

jellybeard999 · 18 Jan 2009 at 21:13

Was the battery disconnected when you removed the sensor ?

The Edge · 18 Jan 2009 at 21:14

It might need to have a fault code cleared if it wasn't quite connected when you fisrt started it.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 22:53

At no point did I disconnect the battery, I just disconnected the ABS Connector to allow me some more room to move (as it advised on an internet guide).

SB118 · 18 Jan 2009 at 22:59

What car is it? Has it got an OBD2 socket to test the system with?

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:03

it's a peugeot 206 gti, and I have no idea what a OBD2 is? wasn't he in the wu-tang clan?

gobbo · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:17

At a guess i'd say because you disconnected the ABS system whilst the battery was connected the ECU has recorded the fault.

Even though you've plugged it back in, it's still got the fault code recorded in the ECU.

I'm no expert on Peugeot ECUs, but i'd imagine you'd need a trip to garage with a code reader to be able to get it reset. Or for what it's worth, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes and see if it goes away.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:20

Will disconnecting the battery affect anything else in the car? ie alarm, radio code etc?

gobbo · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:24

As long as you disarm the alarm/immobiliser first you should be ok.

Radio will loose settings and depending on what it is you might need to re-enter the radio code if you got one with the car.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:30

Thank you

SB118 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:34

sandy10 said:
it's a peugeot 206 gti, and I have no idea what a OBD2 is? wasn't he in the wu-tang clan?

OBD - On Board Diagnostic, the socket under the dash i can plug my reader into to download the error codes and/or reset the engine management light.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:36

SB118 said:
OBD - On Board Diagnostic, the socket under the dash i can plug my reader into to download the error codes and/or reset the engine management light.

Um...pass?!

SB118 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:38

Not to worry, take to a garage and pay out instead.

sandy10 · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:40

Absolutely not!, I'll disconnect the battery for a short whole and pray!

sandy10 · 19 Jan 2009 at 14:23

Update - disconnected the battery for 15 mins or so, hasn't resolved the warning error light.

ffs! :confused:

AtlanticP · 19 Jan 2009 at 14:35

Needs the code removed from Peugeot mate. Sometimes this can also effect the performance of the ABS system so get it sorted. Will cost about £20.00 to clear it, alternatively find a local auto electrician, he should be able to do it as well.