No ABS, no ESC, no suspension, end of the world etc warning lights....

Sticks

Junior Member
Messages
31
Ok, so I keep getting the well-known dash full of warning lights as above. The alternator is OK according to the main dealer who checked it, I’ve just had a new battery fitted, and the car is kept on a CTEK charger which is wired direct to the battery. Any ideas?
 

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,306
Even though it is a new battery, it might be worth checking in case it is faulty.
The other issue could be a failed sensor in the wheel bearing which can throw up all manner of faults, your main dealer should be able to narrow it down by plugging it into their SD3 diagnostic computer.
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
Probably an ABS sensor fault, all those systems need it functioning.
Needs plugged in to know for sure
 

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,306
Unfortunately, the ABS sensor is a part of the wheel bearing & they are not known for their longevity but it's a relatively easy and quick job
 

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,306
If that's what it is, the part is around £600 but getting a plug in diagnosis first will confirm, or offer a pleasant surprise if it's something simple. I try to be the optimist!
 

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
I was getting the pound shop Xmas tree lights and warnings too, just about every cold start, just leaving the drive. A kind member shared his tip of removing the trickle charger the night before, and now it's fine. The related circuits must have a very narrow voltage range that is considered ok. Worth a try, if you use a maintenance charger...
 

tokyomb

Member
Messages
264
I was getting the pound shop Xmas tree lights and warnings too, just about every cold start, just leaving the drive. A kind member shared his tip of removing the trickle charger the night before, and now it's fine.
That was me - hope it works for the OP.
 

Sticks

Junior Member
Messages
31
Thanks everyone. Someone else mentioned not turning the engine over until about 10 seconds have passed after switching on. So far, this seems to be working. The “taking it off the charger the night before” Id simple enough so I’ll do this too. Hopefully it’ll behave itself now. If not, I’ve got more ideas for you chaps.
 

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
Thanks everyone. Someone else mentioned not turning the engine over until about 10 seconds have passed after switching on. So far, this seems to be working. The “taking it off the charger the night before” Id simple enough so I’ll do this too. Hopefully it’ll behave itself now. If not, I’ve got more ideas for you chaps.
Well, I guess that will flatten the battery a little to the point that it has the same effect as removing the trickle charger the night before, but you may already throw an alarm in the pre-startup period. Hence, night before off-charge probably better.

This trick (turn key, in my case wait for airbag light to stop flashing) is done on F1 shift cars to prime the F1 system and prevent the horrible jerky low speed clutch uptake.
 

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
Fingers crossed for you that it's electrical ghosts. Make double sure that battery is in good health AND connections are tight. My own QP did exactly this when the alternator was dying. The lights actually kept flashing during the short drive home.
If it is ABS sensor, make sure you hang onto the hub bearing. Useful spare for a noisy bearing (until next MOT) and great tool
 

stevo

Member
Messages
361
Unfortunately, the ABS sensor is a part of the wheel bearing & they are not known for their longevity but it's a relatively easy and quick job
Matt has just done this fix and the systems seem exactly the same. Replaced the wheel bearing.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
 

Michael

Member
Messages
340
Matt has just done this fix and the systems seem exactly the same. Replaced the wheel bearing.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

My GT is 2008 with 28k miles, I've replaced two of these ABS hubs and I have just recently had the ABS etc lights flash up - so same lights as before. This time though the car won't drive unless I turn the traction control off as it constantly thinks it is wheelspinning, so cuts in meaning I don't go anywhere. The advice I am getting is to put it on the diagnostic machine and the root of the problem will be displayed.

I have heard that it may not be the ABS sensor but could be the ABS unit. My car is worth maybe £26k. It is getting to a point where I'm spending upwards of 10% of the value every year on it - I think I'll get it fixed and sell.
 

Wanderer

Member
Messages
5,791
Well, I guess that will flatten the battery a little to the point that it has the same effect as removing the trickle charger the night before, but you may already throw an alarm in the pre-startup period. Hence, night before off-charge probably better.

This trick (turn key, in my case wait for airbag light to stop flashing) is done on F1 shift cars to prime the F1 system and prevent the horrible jerky low speed clutch uptake.
Is that correct? I'll try on way home!
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
My GT is 2008 with 28k miles, I've replaced two of these ABS hubs and I have just recently had the ABS etc lights flash up - so same lights as before. This time though the car won't drive unless I turn the traction control off as it constantly thinks it is wheelspinning, so cuts in meaning I don't go anywhere. The advice I am getting is to put it on the diagnostic machine and the root of the problem will be displayed.

I have heard that it may not be the ABS sensor but could be the ABS unit. My car is worth maybe £26k. It is getting to a point where I'm spending upwards of 10% of the value every year on it - I think I'll get it fixed and sell.
Needs to go in for diagnostic scan and it will determine the issue very quickly by spinning each wheel and monitor the responses.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Is that correct? I'll try on way home!

It's fully correct. Can't believe you didn't know this!

1)Turn on ignition so all the dash lights come on, wait a few seconds for some to go out (after it's self checked and primed the system), start car.
2)Marvel at how much smoother the gear change it

Enjoy.