gearbox,handbrake,Dsc faults

[Terence Sawyer]

Gearbox/Handbrake/DSC faults keep appearing on my 2010 3 litre diesel, When I stop and switch off the faults disappear but return shortly afterwards, the gear does not always change up with increased speed unless I use the paddles. I understand from previous blogs that there is a sensor on the brakes which could cause this and would be grateful for advice

[Big John]

Hi Terence

You really need to read the fault codes (or get them read) as that should locate the fault.

All modern cars use a host of sensors to monitor various functions and many of the functions are inter-connected.

So a possible fault, such as a faulty ABS wheel sensor, which is designed to measure wheel rotation, primarily to allow the ABS to function when needed may result in an ABS fault. However the information from that sensor is also used to allow other systems to function, such as traction control which is managed by the transmission "computer". If a sensor does not "answer" correctly when asked by its contolling computer for data, a fault is logged and the driver warned that functions may not be avaialble. In addition the car may switch them off to ensure they don't fail at a safety critical moment. For example a fault in the front parking sensor wiring disabled ALL of my parking assistance and reversing camera as well as telling me that I was "flying solo" and to take extra care as none of the cars assitance would be available until it was fixed!

Hope that helps.

John