C3 1.4 Hdi Abs Fault

[jojo42]

hello everybody, new member jojo here.. !!!!Newbie Alert!!!! :blink:

 

I'm hoping that someone here can shed some light on the problem that my wifes 2002/52 C3 1.4HDIsx 92bhp has with its ABS, i've searched for any previous post but haven't found the answers to the questions i have.

 

About three weeks ago i changed the front disks and pads and a few days later the abs warning light came on and syaed on, its the one thats the brake symbol with the skidding car in the middle. Anyway to cut a long story short, i've taken it to an auto electrical place near me and they read the code (C1380) and advised this is the ABS circulation pump (Gulp!!)

 

Right now to my questions:-

 

1) can this be replaced easily and does it require to be coded to the car by citroen?

2) the unit has a load of numbers on it, but which is the part number? or are they all the part number?

3) is this a common problem?

 

Many thanks to anyone who can enlighten me with any information, judging by some of the threads i've read some of you guys really know your stuff

 

Cheers

Joe

[Johndouglas]

Since this trouble started after replacing front pads I would check the sensor wiring for any damage before spending out. Also check any connectors in the wiring, pulling them apart and reconnecting. If you have a meter you could test the resistances of the sensors. They should each be around 1000-1500.

[jojo42]

Sorry, forgot to mention (thats the long story that i cut short) have checked the wiring for damage and the auto electrical guy checked the sensors as well as the wiring back to the control module on the top of the abs pump and found no faults..

[jojo42]

Update -

Code C1380 (ABS recirculation pump) permanent fault.

Citroen recommend in all cases where this fault code is present that should the fault code re appear after it's been cleared that the entire ABS pump/modulation unit be replaced at a cost of £613 + VAT, plus it has to be coded to the car. the quote was £720 + VAT all In.

An independant specialist has confirmed the ABS pump on my car to be 'dead' sadly he's unable to determine if it's the control module or the mechanical pump thats 'sha**ed' his words not mine..

Anyway from the research and reading that i've done, this issue could well be of my own making as it's possible that forcing the calliper pistons back to fit the new pads and hence forcing brake fluid back through the system may have caused some mechanical issue in the pump assembly, possibly debry finding its way in to the pump valves ??? this is guess work to a degree and probably wont be confirmed untill i get the diagnostic report on the pump once it goes for testing and reconditioning.

I found one guy on a forum somewhere, sadly i can't remember or find which one, that rather than follow citroen advice and take the resevior cap off suggested opening the bleed nipple of the calliper as you force the pistons back thus avoiding pushing fluid back therough the system.

Whilst this all 'kinda' makes sense to me i'm unsure of it's basis in fact..

 

What do the panel think?

 

Incidently, www.autotekelectronics.com appear to be very knowledgable and helpful, offering diagnose and minor repair for £49.99

Anyone used them? have any recommendations?

 

Thanks

 

Joe

[paul.h]

The recommendation to open the bleed nipple before pushing the piston back is also in the Haynes manual for the C3. Also to prevent problems with the master cylinder seals as well as possibly pushing dirty fluid into the ABS pump/valves. If it does not rain tomorrow I will be replacing the front pads and discs on our C3 (MOT advisory) so I intend to learn from your unfortunate experience, thankyou for posting it.

[jojo42]

Captains log, final update

 

Yippee, wifies car is all happy again...

 

Having dispatched the faulty ABS unit to ECU Testing (Nottingham) they confirmed the pump to be 'Dead on Arrival' and un repairable or at least by them so they dispatched it back to my independant Citroen specialist (French Diagnostic services of Telford).

Upon receipt of the unit FDS (Sean) opened up the pump and quickly identified a damaged/seized pump motor, so to cut a longish story short, the pump motor was replaced with a secondhand one and bobs your aunty everythings happy again and for a fraction of the cost of a new one....

 

Happy to recommend both

ECU Testing (Nottingham) for their speedy and cost effective diagnosis as in the end they only charged me the postage to return the pump.

 

French Diagnostic services (Telford) for Seans reluctance to give up on trying to fix the darn thing at a very resonable price.

 

Joe