ABS, VRC warning lights with ASR locked off

AlfaGo · #1 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

Hi,

I think the acronyms on in this thread are correct, if not I'm sure you all know what I mean.

I have a 147 with a little problem:

Every now and then I get the ABS and VRC warning lights coming on with the light on the ASR button coming on to. This only ever occurs when in traffic and when not moving very far/fast. As soon as I turn the engine off and restart that car the lights go off and everything is working again.

I have had it tested and although the diagnostic equipment sends an error code through saying that the warning lights have gone on it dies not say what the problem is.

Does anybody know what could be causing it and what I could do to fix it? Has anybody had a similar problem?

Any advice would be truly welcomed.

Thanks in advance,

AlfaGo

RSMK · #2 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

WHich equipment are you using? And what's the error code? Several things could trigger those lights ranging from a dying battery, a dying brake switch or a loose connection etc, esp that it comes and goes... if u have the error code it would help...

AlfaGo · #3 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

thanks for the reply......

It was in a Alfa apporved dealer having some other work done so I asked them to check it out. They said they would need to investigate the problem further as the error code was only reporting that the lights had been on and not a specific error. I declined on having them charge me even more money at that point so I am currently deciding what to do about it.

The battery voltage is low although it did sit on my drive for two weeks before having the other problem fixed so
it could be just that, although it starts fine and everything else is working.

?????

beanz · #4 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

Had exactly the same problem recently, new battery cured it!!!!

Smaky · #5 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

Originally Posted by AlfaGo

thanks for the reply......

It was in a Alfa apporved dealer having some other work done so I asked them to check it out. They said they would need to investigate the problem further as the error code was only reporting that the lights had been on and not a specific error. I declined on having them charge me even more money at that point so I am currently deciding what to do about it.

The battery voltage is low although it did sit on my drive for two weeks before having the other problem fixed so
it could be just that, although it starts fine and everything else is working.

?????

I think you've answered it there, if the cars been sat and the battery has drained then it's that which is causing these glitches, the lack of an error code confirms it to me that a new battery would be the way ahead.

Boris · #6 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

Originally Posted by AlfaGo

thanks for the reply......

It was in a Alfa apporved dealer having some other work done so I asked them to check it out. They said they would need to investigate the problem further as the error code was only reporting that the lights had been on and not a specific error. I declined on having them charge me even more money at that point so I am currently deciding what to do about it.

The battery voltage is low although it did sit on my drive for two weeks before having the other problem fixed so
it could be just that, although it starts fine and everything else is working.

?????

I had very similar problem when baterry was low on cold weather. When ASR was activated during start/stop driving uphills, ASR kicks in, and after ASR light, ABS/ASR warning message appeared. Since I read this forum on regular basis

I checked battery and it was low. Recharged it and everything was OK. Happened again twice after battery went low again during time (battery was not charging regulary because I drove the car only over weekends).

AlfaGo · #7 (**Post Link**) 12-11-09

looks like I need to fit a new battery as the first port of call.

Thanks for all the help

AlfaGo · #8 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

I'm back again after fitting a new battery, unfortunately the problem is still occurring which is really annoying.

If I didn't live somewhere where I spend half of my driving life in slow stop start traffic it would not be a problem as the lights only ever come on when I am in this situation. So at the moment I have two options these are to move to the countryside where the roads are faster or to put my 147 into a garage. I'm not too keen on either of these options.

Has anybody got any ideas on other things I can check? Maybe fuses, wires, connectors etc??

Any help would be great.

wykesda · #9 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

I had the same issue on my 156. I let it get worse and eventually one of the ABS sensors was deemed to be the problem and replaced. (warranty fix). Sometimes when it's wet and allights / wipers etc are on I get the fault. Rebotting the thing ususally clears the fault. Other posts indicate poor contact on sensor is a cause and hence new battery (with higher voltage) cures it.

Ignore it and restart car whe convenient.

Enjoy the "Alfaism"

regards
dave

RSMK · #10 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

Investigate your brake light switch... Try and see if you get your brake lights working when you have those mulfunction lights on. Either that or you have a bad contact/connection. Cleaning ur connections with a contact cleaner can help...

Dave Brand · #11 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

It does sound like a brake light switch problem. The brake lights will still be working properly as the switch has two separate pairs of contacts for the two functions.

Have you noticed exactly when it happens? If it's when you brake, that confirms it's a brake light switch problem. Pumping the brake pedal 20-30 times with the car stationary may cure it for a few days. Taking the switch out & dousing it with contact cleaner will probably cure it for a week or so - I wouldn't risk dismantling the switch, just run plenty of contact cleaner into the switch body past the plunger. The definitive cure is a new switch - less than £15 & a couple of minutes' work to replace.

AlfaGo · #12 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

Thanks for the last 3 responses.

The brake light switch seems to be a common theme, where abouts is the switch located so I can clean it up? The problem is it does still occur when I am not pressing the brake pedal.

#13 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

I have the same - but can get mine to happen by sitting with my foot on brake pedal (in heavy traffic or on hill - I have selespeed so need to) Again if I stop and restart errors go and I get ABS and traction control back. Battery fine on mine!.

New disks and pads - so sensors should have been checked.

Dave Brand · #14 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

Originally Posted by AlfaGo

The brake light switch seems to be a common theme, where abouts is the switch located so I can clean it up? The problem is it does still occur when I am not pressing the brake pedal.

The switch is located just above the brake pedal - it's white, so easy to spot. Just twist it ¼ turn anti-clockwise to remove it (unplug the connector first).

However, it if it's happening when you 're not braking there may be another problem, but it's worth trying to eliminate the brake light switch as a possible cause.

ALFAPAT · #15 (**Post Link**) 25-11-09

Try taking the ABS PLUG off and cleaning it and refit, if that fails go to the fuse box in the engine compartment and check the 50 amp fuse.

AlfaGo · #16 (**Post Link**) 27-11-09

Right I now have a list of things to check. I will do this at the weekend and report back on Monday.

Thanks for all the help

AlfaGo · #17 (**Post Link**) 27-11-09

Another question: where will I find the ABS plug and fuse box? (trying to learn my way around the car!)

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