Hello all
I am a new user - having purchased a diesel 2005 206SW earlier this year. She is a sweet little car, but so far I have reconditioned the alternator and may have to replace the clutch soon.
My question relates to warning lights. I have had the intermittent airbag/seatbelt warning light now and again so am not sure what to do about that.
But this morning, the brake/STOP warning light came on briefly on the way to work. It happened twice. So I am naturally worried and want to fix it. I have checked the manual and it advises this could be either the handbrake not released properly, or brake fluid is low.
Apologies for a stupid question - but I am not sure how the check the brake fluid as I cannot see the levels on the reservoir. Any tips gratefully received as I would love to solve this myself.
I mentioned the alternator, and am wondering if maybe I should get a new battery? Since the old battery did drain when my alternator went a few weeks ago. I am wondering from reading this forum if the battery could be causing issues with the warning lights?
thanks a mill
Siobhan
206SW - issues
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GrandadMonkey
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 8:00 am
- Location: Leicestershire
Re: 206SW - issues
On the 206cc a failing battery can lead to all sorts of spurious warnings and I would assume that this would be true of the 206SW although we don't really cater for that model on the Coupe-Convertible forum. None of us will have your engine or underbonnet layout as far as I know. Is yours a 1.4 or 2.0 diesel? Some of our 206cc's have the 1.4 diesel but not the larger one.
If your battery is fairly new then flattening it once when the alternator failed shouldn't cause a long-term problem if you are giving the car a decent run every few days. However, if your battery is old, either the original or one replaced more than 4 years ago, then it would be worth replacing it with a brand new one of the correct specification. A critical factor on the 206cc battery is its height which should be 190mm. On the hatchbacks it is usually 175mm. I would check carefully which yours on the SW should be. Get it wrong and you'll have connectivity issues.
If you don't replace it now, then as winter settles in, the cold weather will soon confirm whether or not your present battery is up to it. Personally I wouldn't wait until your car won't start one cold morning. It shouldn't cost anything to get your battery checked at a decent & reputable battery shop or garage. That would confirm its condition one way or another.
To check the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir I unscrew the cap but, if you do this be careful not to allow any dirt to fall into the reservoir and contaminate the fluid. If the fluid is low then it could well be an indication that the brake pad material is wearing dangerously thin so I'd check the brake pads too. If all four front pads each have significantly more than 2mm pad thickness then you are still ok, but if they are 2mm or less then new brake pads will be required. Installing new brake pads will push the caliper pistons further back in and will raise the fluid level in the reservoir. Do bear in mind though that the hydraulic fluid should be renewed every 2 or 3 years and it might be worth doing this at the same time as the pads if you don't know when it was last done.
Welcome to the forum Siobhan.
If your battery is fairly new then flattening it once when the alternator failed shouldn't cause a long-term problem if you are giving the car a decent run every few days. However, if your battery is old, either the original or one replaced more than 4 years ago, then it would be worth replacing it with a brand new one of the correct specification. A critical factor on the 206cc battery is its height which should be 190mm. On the hatchbacks it is usually 175mm. I would check carefully which yours on the SW should be. Get it wrong and you'll have connectivity issues.
If you don't replace it now, then as winter settles in, the cold weather will soon confirm whether or not your present battery is up to it. Personally I wouldn't wait until your car won't start one cold morning. It shouldn't cost anything to get your battery checked at a decent & reputable battery shop or garage. That would confirm its condition one way or another.
To check the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir I unscrew the cap but, if you do this be careful not to allow any dirt to fall into the reservoir and contaminate the fluid. If the fluid is low then it could well be an indication that the brake pad material is wearing dangerously thin so I'd check the brake pads too. If all four front pads each have significantly more than 2mm pad thickness then you are still ok, but if they are 2mm or less then new brake pads will be required. Installing new brake pads will push the caliper pistons further back in and will raise the fluid level in the reservoir. Do bear in mind though that the hydraulic fluid should be renewed every 2 or 3 years and it might be worth doing this at the same time as the pads if you don't know when it was last done.
Welcome to the forum Siobhan.
Ron
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
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Grungefan
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:28 am
Re: 206SW - issues
Thank you so much Ron - that is all great detail to help me with my investigations ;-)
It is a 1.4 diesel engine so I hope that means I am on the appropriate forum (even though she is not a CC!)
I will let ye know how I get on - the battery isnt new so it could be the issue, I will get it checked as recommended and maybe look at a new one.
thanks again
Siobhan
It is a 1.4 diesel engine so I hope that means I am on the appropriate forum (even though she is not a CC!)
I will let ye know how I get on - the battery isnt new so it could be the issue, I will get it checked as recommended and maybe look at a new one.
thanks again
Siobhan
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GrandadMonkey
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 8:00 am
- Location: Leicestershire
Re: 206SW - issues
I'm pretty sure your battery will be the 190mm tall one too Siobhan. I think this is suitable but DO check fully yourself before buying https://www.tayna.co.uk/Exide-Car-Batte ... ng=&A-7=64
Without seeing yours I can't be certain. Good luck.
Without seeing yours I can't be certain. Good luck.
Ron
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
-
Grungefan
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:28 am
Re: 206SW - issues
Hi Ron
Yes, I have checked online putting in my car reg and the 190mm battery like that one in your link is the one being offered. I don't know where else to check, as neither the Haynes manual or the small manual for the car seems to list the battery dimensions! There are plenty of good garages here that will give a thorough free check and fit new battery if I can get to one!
The warning lights flicked on again this morning on way to work
I have contacted my mechanic to see if he can take a look, as to be honest I would worry about breaking down now before I can get it sorted out. I never saw this light before I had the alternator problem a few weeks ago. So I am convinced it is the battery, although will find out when I can check it i guess!
Also, the car passed the NCT (Irish MOT) in September and at that point the brake pads were checked and ok'd for me.
Siobhan
Yes, I have checked online putting in my car reg and the 190mm battery like that one in your link is the one being offered. I don't know where else to check, as neither the Haynes manual or the small manual for the car seems to list the battery dimensions! There are plenty of good garages here that will give a thorough free check and fit new battery if I can get to one!
The warning lights flicked on again this morning on way to work
I have contacted my mechanic to see if he can take a look, as to be honest I would worry about breaking down now before I can get it sorted out. I never saw this light before I had the alternator problem a few weeks ago. So I am convinced it is the battery, although will find out when I can check it i guess!
Also, the car passed the NCT (Irish MOT) in September and at that point the brake pads were checked and ok'd for me.
Siobhan