Hi all newbie to this forum hope you can help
Ive just bought a panda for my daughter on a 55 plate it was a elderly chaps car and has stud for eighteen months in his garage unused , when i went to check the car it started first time and we drove it home but now it has come up with two warning lights on the dash the abs and the handbrake light any ideas. Thanks ( Fiat panda 1.1 active )

Brakefluidlevel Ok?

gr J

Yes checked brake fluid if anyhing it was overfiiled now removed a bit to max level

ABS light is obviously the ABS modules way of complaining of a fault.
The handbrake light is usually associated with the brake fluid level, but it could be just the switch on the handbrake stuck on.

Could be many reasons for this and without having the ABS module read, it's stabbing in the dark trying to find a fault.

Though it is worth checking what you can first.

As it's been parked up for a while, check the battery, a low/duff battery can cause all sorts of electrical niggles.

Check all the fuses as well, might be one or two that have blown due to moisture.

After these, money's best spent on a code read of the ABS, will save you in the long run.

Goudrons said:

ABS light is obviously the ABS modules way of complaining of a fault.
The handbrake light is usually associated with the brake fluid level, but it could be just the switch on the handbrake stuck on.

Could be many reasons for this and without having the ABS module read, it's stabbing in the dark trying to find a fault.

Though it is worth checking what you can first.

As it's been parked up for a while, check the battery, a low/duff battery can cause all sorts of electrical niggles.

Check all the fuses as well, might be one or two that have blown due to moisture.

After these, money's best spent on a code read of the ABS, will save you in the long run.

Click to expand...

correct - the battery is always going to be suspect,
as are possible corrosion issues with electrical connection,


getting the CODE 's read is an excellent start - where are you based ?, as we may be able to recommend a knowledgable place nearby,
Charlie - Oxford

Fitted new battery as old one didnt hold charge , will check fuses and handbrake switch then thats me done will have to take to garage . Thanks for help will post what problem was

Telly tim said:

Fitted new battery as old one didnt hold charge , will check fuses and handbrake switch then thats me done will have to take to garage . Thanks for help will post what problem was

Click to expand...

hi, where are you /the panda based ??,
i've got an '04 1.1 active,
I'd be suprised if it actually HAD ABS .. maybe another issue,

easy + cheap for a FF member to read / clear the codes for you,
charlie - Oxford

Sorry its a 55 plate, i dont no if abs was standard at that point or if he paid extra, if you know any members in this area i would be glad to know St13. Near stoke on trent

varesecrazy said:

hi, where are you /the panda based ??,
i've got an '04 1.1 active,
I'd be suprised if it actually HAD ABS .. maybe another issue,

easy + cheap for a FF member to read / clear the codes for you,
charlie - Oxford

Click to expand...

ABS was standard from 2005>

Telly tim said:

Sorry its a 55 plate, i dont no if abs was standard at that point or if he paid extra, if you know any members in this area i would be glad to know St13. Near stoke on trent

Click to expand...

apparently ABS was standard

I'll see if I know of anybody around your way,
if the car's not in constant use it MAY be worth disconnecting the battery overnight - that sometimes clears silly little niggles,

worth a try for Free..!!

Charlie

Sorry if this post is going to sound negative, but I'm wondering when the brake fluid was last changed?

If the car has been left standing for 18 months with old, wet brake fluid in it, it's possible that internal steel brake parts may have corroded - FIAT are not known for choosing corrosion-resistant metals when specifying OEM parts.

I hope not, because replacing the ABS unit & brake cylinders will likely cost you more than the car's worth.

Cars are designed to be used and need to be properly prepared if they are going to be laid up for months on end. Low mileage older cars that have been left standing for a year or two are sometimes not the bargains they seem.

Just as it's been sitting around for a while...

Could it be one that possibly was missed out on the ABS recall a few years back?

Sorry not replied busy at work Abs recall ive read about that on web is it a complete abs module change? And i take it its too late to get it done now via fiat thanks

Telly tim said:

And i take it its too late to get it done now via fiat thanks

Click to expand...

Never too late if a VOSA recall, is it on the VOSA website under the list of recalls? I can't remember

Telly tim said:

Sorry not replied busy at work Abs recall ive read about that on web is it a complete abs module change? And i take it its too late to get it done now via fiat thanks

Click to expand...

if its a recall they have to do it no matter how old or out of warrenty the car is

Recall: No. 5 of 7 Recall Ref: R/2009/078 Exact Model: Panda (all types with ABS) Description: POSSIBILITY OF FIRE VIN: ZFA16900000000000 to ZFA16900000901873 Build Date:
Numbers: 29076 Defect: There is a possibility of a short circuit in the ABS control unit due to infiltration of chemical solutions. Action: Recall affected vehicles and replace ABS module with modified type, which is also fitted with plastic cover Launch Date: 03 September 2009

jon1612 said:

if its a recall they have to do it no matter how old or out of warrenty the car is

Click to expand...

Only if it's a VOSA recall

If a general good will / customer service recall then they don't, but would be stupid not to IMO, and might have a Treating Customers Fairly issue also.

Thanks for link will contact local fiat dealer

Telly tim said:

Thanks for link will contact local fiat dealer

Click to expand...

best of luck with it,
do let us know how it goes / what needs to be changed..,

( the Orange smiley face -bottom Right) , says "THANKS"

Charlie