Speedo/ABS problem

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My Name: h1ghf1ve

Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 2:04 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (02)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 86000
Trim Level: SX
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV6 16-valve diesel (92 PS)

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Hi, I have a strange problem with my 2002 1.4 HDi that I hope someone can shed some light on ?

Sometimes when driving along the speedo will suddenly report the wrong speed for a second or two (driving at say 40mph it will drop for an instant to say 5mph then climb back to the right speed just as fast). When this happens there are three beeps and the ABS warning light comes on.

It started to do it about once a month several years ago, but lately it's started to do it pretty much every day. There is nothing actually wrong with the ABS as far as I can tell, when the light is out it works ok. But as the ABS light is an MOT failure (which is due) it's a bit of a pain as I'm pretty sure it will come on during the test.

Any ideas much appreciated.
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My Name: Arfur Dent

Guru
Posts: 3504
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
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Been thanked: 132 times

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h1ghf1ve wrote: ↑Thu Jul 19, 2018 2:21 pm Hi, I have a strange problem with my 2002 1.4 HDi that I hope someone can shed some light on ?

Sometimes when driving along the speedo will suddenly report the wrong speed for a second or two (driving at say 40mph it will drop for an instant to say 5mph then climb back to the right speed just as fast). When this happens there are three beeps and the ABS warning light comes on.

It started to do it about once a month several years ago, but lately it's started to do it pretty much every day. There is nothing actually wrong with the ABS as far as I can tell, when the light is out it works ok. But as the ABS light is an MOT failure (which is due) it's a bit of a pain as I'm pretty sure it will come on during the test.

Any ideas much appreciated.
Hi h1ghf1ve

Speedo reading is taken from the ABS system and the ABS gets its data from the wheel sensors.

You probably have a faulty wheel sensor through damaged wiring or just a build up on the sensor.

You could be lucky and the OBD2 reader (here) could tell you which wheel it is, then you can focus on the correct one.

ABS sensor takes its wheel rotation reading from the special wheel bearing fitted to the C3.
ABS sensor Citroen C3
ABS sensor Citroen C3
ABS sensor Citroen C3
ABS sensor Citroen C3
ABS sensor on and off the car
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My Name: h1ghf1ve

Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 2:04 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (02)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 86000
Trim Level: SX
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV6 16-valve diesel (92 PS)

Post

Hi Arfur, many thanks. I am about to get the pads changed by a local mechanic, so will ask him if he can do a diagnostic on the ABS sensors at the same time. Luckily he's the sort of guy who will probably do it for a six pack of beer. 8-)

Will let you know the outcome.
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My Name: h1ghf1ve

Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 2:04 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (02)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 86000
Trim Level: SX
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV6 16-valve diesel (92 PS)

Post

As Arfur correctly suggested the diagnostics pointed to a fault with the nearside front ABS sensor. So my mechanic friend took it out, cleaned it, blew the (years of) brake dust and grunge off the sensor ring, and put it back.

No further problems so far. :D
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My Name: Arfur Dent

Guru
Posts: 3504
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
Has thanked: 336 times
Been thanked: 132 times

Post

h1ghf1ve wrote: ↑Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:50 pm As Arfur correctly suggested the diagnostics pointed to a fault with the nearside front ABS sensor. So my mechanic friend took it out, cleaned it, blew the (years of) brake dust and grunge off the sensor ring, and put it back.

No further problems so far. :D
Great, I do like a cheap fix :D

Any build up of metallic dust would upset the sensor looking for the wheel bearing signal.
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