Len Gribble

  • Posts: 5106
Van Problems
« on: January 23, 2004, 10:28:20 pm »
;)

Although not a CC question/answer but this may be beneficial who have vehicles with engine management systems (computer)

Earlier this week the engine on my van started to lose power this only happened when I turned on the lights (van just coming up too 3 years old, didn’t give 3 year warranty they do now)

Having done all the checks battery and alternator, booked it into local dealer for computer diagnostic, thinking they will find the problem, no problem showed up, lucky for me I was allowed to watch and run though the symptoms again, an apprentice remarked that it some thing to do with the braking electronics.  Ooo god how much is that going cost me! Two new brake bulbs or brake light switch the apprentice remarked.  It was only two bulbs, it appears that part of electronics sends a signal to the engine to cut power as you are braking even though your not.

Ok it cost me £35 for the check up I can live with that so I thought the forum might benefit from my experience

Len
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. (Sidcup Kent)

Ray

  • Posts: 59
Re: Van Problems
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2004, 10:42:19 pm »
Len

If I have read your post correctly the engine looses powers when the brakes are applied. When the brakes are appied the  fuel supply is cut this is to aid economy and cut emissions. If the brakes switch goes faulty or the bulbs blow this sends a dodgy signal to the ecu.

Give us back points and a carb much easier.

Ray

Len Gribble

  • Posts: 5106
Re: Van Problems
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2004, 11:23:41 pm »
;)
Hi Ray

It only lost power when the side/head lights are turn on, it didn’t not lose power in daylight that’s what confounded me, as I do some times use my brakes.

Gone are the days of a mechanic, points & carbs, unless you are very old like me 40 who are in too classics no problem no computer systems running them.


Len
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. (Sidcup Kent)

Re: Van Problems
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2004, 11:50:40 pm »
Run a Bedford Rascal - no problem costs more than 50p. ;D ;D

cleanability

  • Posts: 574
Re: Van Problems
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2004, 08:51:56 pm »
I have a Renault Kangoo. It is undoubtedly the slowest, most badly designed, faulty vehicle I've ever owned. My mate drives taxis, and says all the drivers in his company all have problems with Renaults. Stay clear of a Renault. Would love my high mileage old Vauxhall Combo back any day of the week.

John_Flynn

  • Posts: 1108
Re: Van Problems
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2004, 08:58:54 pm »
I got a Vauxhall Arena / Renault Traffic bloody fantastic no problems apart from where that fatherless guy in the Volvo hit the nearside front wing 10 days ago and took it off the road.
I get better looking each day!!

Re: Van Problems
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2004, 09:14:58 pm »
Got new Vauxhall Combo van and it is the mutts nuts ;D
Drives like a car and has six speaker CD system 8)
Too many electronic things to go wrong though......have to change at 3 years old. Used to run Citroen C15 and the thing was practically clockwork......never stopped, no matter what was wrong. ::)