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FF abs, traction, handbrake lights flashing

  • 26-03-2024 7:26pm
    #1
    Panthro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,928 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi all

    Non knowledgeable car owner seeking advice.

    I've a 2011 ford focus. When I was driving along a few weeks ago, the handbrake, abs and traction control lights started to flash up intermittently. Bit of a scare as I was on the motorway and for a split second it felt like the car was about to stop in its tracks.

    Took it to a garage. They plugged it in for diagnostic nothing came back. They did say the alternator was over charging so I had it replaced.

    Lights still flashed up intermittently.

    Brought it back the garage, asked them to check the sensors were all ok. (I'd been googling) They said they were and couldn’t see whats making the lights flash up.

    The service engine light then came on. So I took the car along this time to a different garage and asked them to service it and also do a diagnostic test as I began to notice the power when on when incline was dropping. Cars seems much better after the service. Nothing else came up on their diagnostic test.

    Driving along today the flipping abs, handbrake and traction control lights started to flash up again.

    What in the gremlins is going on?



Comments

  • #2
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,304 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    ABS and Traction Control would both be linked to the wheel speed sensors. The handbrake light could be on the 'system' as the traction control.

    The sensors should only be a few quid and should take a decent mechanic less then an hour to change.

    I would get both sides done while the mechanic has it up in the air.



  • #3
    Panthro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,928 ✭✭✭✭Panthro


    Rather than starting a new thread I'll follow on from my previous.

    So I brought the car back to the first garage, they said the altanator they'd put in was over charging. Then replaced it with a better brand alternator.

    Car was going pretty OK but the last few weeks I'd noticed the car was revving while idle. (I don't know anything about cars so I didn't know it might have something to do with the alternator)

    Popped into the 2nd garage and asked him to look at the revving while idle. He came back and said he thinks it's the alternator. Suggested bringing it back to garage man no.1 as it should be under warranty.

    Back to garage man no.1 again. He's replaced the alternator again. Turned on the engine this eve and the flipping thing started revving while idle again. It stopped after about 5 mins.

    WTF is going on and would this have anything to do with me cam belt as that hasn't been replaced in 5yrs?



  • #4
    mk7r
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 839 ✭✭✭mk7r


    Im not sure where you are finding these mechanics? The focus uses a smart charge alternator that will vary the voltage between 12 and 18v so he probably just thought it was overcharging....

    Tell them to check the instrument cluster for fault codes, it's likely the solder joints are cracked causing the abs lights to illuminate.

    The revving is probably a split vaccum hose which is very common on the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol focus.



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