Failed the MOT because the light was on. Fault code read off-side front sensor. So they ordered one and replaced it today. They still couldn't get the warning light to go off. He said the fault code is showing as the same. He said we can try the bearing and hope for £80 or take it to a specialist but he said they'd probably charge £80 just to look at it.

He also said something about the metallic strip as when it was on rolling road the right hand side doesn't register a speed?! So he said it's definitely that side of the car, just can't pinpoint what it is.

Anybody had similar happen, any ideas?

Before taking it for the MOT is was on intermittently, but mostly on.

Cheers

rodduz said:

Failed the MOT because the light was on. Fault code read off-side front sensor. So they ordered one and replaced it today. They still couldn't get the warning light to go off. He said the fault code is showing as the same. He said we can try the bearing and hope for £80 or take it to a specialist but he said they'd probably charge £80 just to look at it.

He also said something about the metallic strip as when it was on rolling road the right hand side doesn't register a speed?! So he said it's definitely that side of the car, just can't pinpoint what it is.

Anybody had similar happen, any ideas?

Before taking it for the MOT is was on intermittently, but mostly on.

Cheers

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Ive had abs lights in the past has been wiring advise them to maybe do a ohms / resistance check on wiring from block where sensor connects - ecu maybe open circuit check behind splash shield the wiring sometimes comes out of protection tubing give it the tug test they can go green and break.

rodduz said:

Failed the MOT because the light was on. Fault code read off-side front sensor. So they ordered one and replaced it today. They still couldn't get the warning light to go off.

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This is what really pisses me off and gives garages and bad name

Just because the computer gives a code IT DOES NOT always mean that is the fault, can't people diagnose and prove faults anymore? I clearly remember when there was no code reader and you had to use skill and common sense!

So who paid for the sensor? Have you paid for diagnostic time? Do you have to pay for any more parts they decide to chuck at the car?

I'll suggest that to them on Monday when I go back. Where's is the splash shield so that I can take a look?

I've paid for the sensor so far, didn't charge me labour. Because they won't take returns on electrical parts apparently. He's fitting a new bearing on Monday which will cost me 80quid and to 'hope it's that' he said. So I could be spending 150 on it and it still be not working!

I was thinking the same thing, it's a disgrace thinking about it. Paying for things I don't need because the garage got it wrong?!

Thanks

rodduz said:

I'll suggest that to them on Monday when I go back. Where's is the splash shield so that I can take a look?

You can see the ABS wiring next to the front sorings, you don't need to remove the splash guard (inner arch trim) or anything.

they won't take returns on electrical parts apparently.

Not your fault though is it?

He's fitting a new bearing on Monday which will cost me 80quid and to 'hope it's that' he said.

Hmmm I have my doubts but fingers crossed!

So I could be spending 150 on it and it still be not working!

Like f**k I would

it's a disgrace thinking about it. Paying for things I don't need because the garage got it wrong?!

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Just like the banks or the government..........

Yeah, I'm not sure I'll be up for paying the £80 if that doesn't fix it. But then that means telling him to **** off, going elsewhere, paying more and paying for an MOT re-test elsewhere.

Nightmare!

rodduz said:

Yeah, I'm not sure I'll be up for paying the £80 if that doesn't fix it. But then that means telling him to **** off, going elsewhere, paying more and paying for an MOT re-test elsewhere.

Nightmare!

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Well more than often these days with the complexity of cars/laws and information it's often going to a dealership that's more effective in time and often cost.

You should of got a quote beforehand (yes I know hindsight is a wonderful thing), ask if a bit that they 'think' will work doesn't who pays for it then? why should it be you after all you are going to a garage not McDonalds!

I keep saying this almost daily but large dealerships are like sharks...they need to keep moving and eating so they need to work and bring in money. Combine that 'need' with the current financial situation in the country then you are in a fantastic position to haggle and don't be afraid to do so. Walk away if they wont give at least 10% discount (more the better) as they are many other dealerships around. Most do extra discounts with older cars and use your common sense...are there many cars in the car parking area if not then chances are they haven't got much work booked in meaning even more leverage for your bargaining

rodduz said:

I'll suggest that to them on Monday when I go back. Where's is the splash shield so that I can take a look?

I've paid for the sensor so far, didn't charge me labour. Because they won't take returns on electrical parts apparently. He's fitting a new bearing on Monday which will cost me 80quid and to 'hope it's that' he said. So I could be spending 150 on it and it still be not working!

I was thinking the same thing, it's a disgrace thinking about it. Paying for things I don't need because the garage got it wrong?!

Thanks

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The splash shield is under the wheel arch, the plastic liner.
Does the fault clear at all (if not) I very much doubt the bearing, if it clears but comes on when you move it may be ? would advise scoping but to start with just check if the wires which there are only 2 to the sensor from ecu to see if there is a break or joined together (shorting circuit)

Do I just turn the wheel so I can have a look under, turn the engine on and stick the multimeter probes on it?

It used to clear and not show at start up sometimes but now it's pretty much on all the time.

At a guess the loom is screwed they are known to let water in at the multi plugs and rot the cables inside the plastic sheath

Looks like I'm just going to have to take it back tomorrow, suggest these things to them...

Problem is most garages don't have access to the relevant wiring diagrams to enable them to do even basic tests

So better off cutting my losses and getting it to my fiat dealership then?

Andy Monty said:

Problem is most garages don't have access to the relevant wiring diagrams to enable them to do even basic tests

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Not true,block exemption means anyone can access manufacturers info (in theory) and Fiat are happy to let other garages have access to info but like dealerships it costs money. At a small fee a garage can even have a days access so there is no excuse for guessing.

Hope you get it sorted......and cheaply

T14086 said:

Not true,block exemption means anyone can access manufacturers info (in theory) and Fiat are happy to let other garages have access to info but like dealerships it costs money. At a small fee a garage can even have a days access so there is no excuse for guessing.

Hope you get it sorted......and cheaply

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yep but most indi's are too tight to pay in my experience :bang: what they fail to realise is that it saves them time guessing or trying to trace a single wire from one end of the car to the other

I think I'll ring my Fiat Dealership tomorrow, it usually seems fairly quiet there, and see what they can offer me. I'll tell them the score so far. Then I'll ring my local garage, which is always busy and has a good rep and ask them what they have tried so far to get to the bottom of it. If they have basically tried nothing then I'm probably better off going elsewhere.

Will also be asking if the bearing doesn't fix it can he send it back and I have my £80 back? As with the sensor he said they won't take electrical stuff back. A bearing isn't electrical so I'm guessing they will take it back?!

rodduz said:

Will also be asking if the bearing doesn't fix it can he send it back and I have my £80 back? As with the sensor he said they won't take electrical stuff back. A bearing isn't electrical so I'm guessing they will take it back?!

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No chance. Front wheel bearings tend to break-up on removal, so once it's in, it won't be coming out and going back in it's box if it's not the cause.

Ah right, okay. I'll just ask them the other things then.

rodduz said:

Then I'll ring my local garage, which is always busy and has a good rep and ask them what they have tried so far to get to the bottom of it. If they have basically tried nothing then I'm probably better off going elsewhere.

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Suggest to them, in a friendly way, that they check the wiring between ABS module and sensor as you suspect, with good reason, the fault lies here and it is a common problem.
Tell them to jack car up and check front ABS wiring, remove from sheath and gently tug it along it's length (cue ***** jokes) for breaks. It will take literally 10 minutes total. Can potentially save you money and save them some cred

Nice one, I'll def do that.

Will report back with the outcome.