Member Since: 19 Mar 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 217
EPB - Fault code C1A00 - Update - possible faulty alt or bat
Hi,
I cleaned and adjusted my parking brake last weekend. All seemed fine but after a couple of days I noticed the amber EPB light flashed on the dash shortly after I'd started the car. (Just flashed once)
The EPB seems to work normally, the light didn't flash again but my FCR said that there was fault code C1A00 - Control Module General Electrical Failure - Circuit voltage above threshold - permanent
I cleared the fault and everything was fine for a couple of days but this morning the warning light flashed again (just once) and the same code is showing.
Clearly there's a fault somewhere.
Any ideas what the code actually means and what I can do about it?
Many thanks
Paul
Last edited by JPW on 16th Dec 2013 1:06 pm. Edited 1 time in total
15th Dec 2013 1:42 pm
JPW
Member Since: 19 Mar 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 217
Okay, I've been doing a bit of internet research.
The full fault code I think should be C1A0017
A search on this code shows that the possible causes are:
Fault with the battery
Fault with the alternator (overcharging)
A short to power in the EPB circuit
My (cheap plug in voltmeter) is showing this morning that with the engine off but the ignition on the voltage is just below 12v (this seems way too low).
When I started the engine the voltage went up to 15.6v for perhaps the first 30 minutes and then dropped down to 14.2v for the rest of the journey.
I wonder whether with a battery on the way out - and not having run for a day or two (I have a camera/FBH remote etc. that run even with the ignition off) - the alternator could have spiked to a point where the EPB noted an over threshold value for a second or two (causing the fault code).
I guess that the other cause would be a faulty alternator - but it doesn't seem to be a permament issue if so.
What do you think?
16th Dec 2013 11:55 am
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18520
Has the alternator been changed on your D3?06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
Any issues with the site let me know!
16th Dec 2013 11:55 am
JPW
Member Since: 19 Mar 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 217
The alternator was changed about a year ago - by the dealer
Paul
16th Dec 2013 12:00 pm
snobba
Member Since: 29 Nov 2013
Location: Bromma
Posts: 52
I also have the C1A0017 error and I just changed my alternator a couple of days ago (it was done by LR). The day after I changed it I got a airbag warning and the system acting a bit weird, do not know if these are related.
But can a new alternator charge to much when it is new?
25th Dec 2013 3:17 pm
JPW
Member Since: 19 Mar 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 217
Yes - faulty alternators that overcharge can cause multiple faults - in particular the EPB can show an "over voltage†error.
There have been a few reports that new reconditioned alternators have been faulty in recent months. apparently LR have stopped supplying reconditioned versions and dealers have been told to fit new only.
If I was you, I'd go back to your supplier and get it changed.
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