Random Instrument Warning Lights

[daddycool1954]

Hi, I’ve a 2014 Swift Esprit based on 2.3L Ducati, 60000 miles. It’s an ex-hire vehicle and I have always had periodically the “brake disc” message and light, even though discs and pads have been replaced on all four wheels. Then this year, the “check glow plugs” message has come up intermittently (in all weathers) as now has the “airbag fault”’, sometimes accompanied by the passenger airbag symbol and the “seatbelt not fastened” (though they are). These latter lights are extinguished when cruise control Is engaged.

All the lights go out as they should as the engine is started but then return at intermittent intervals. On the only occasion when I have driven it in cold weather this winter, the glow plug light flashed as it should and I started the engine when it was extinguished. There is no difficulty in starting, nor smoke.

I’m wondering if it is the instrument panel which I can see has been a problem for others but I have not experienced some of the other reported symptoms, eg lights staying on even when the ignition is off. I am very close to the firm in Hampshire which replaces them but loathe to shell out if that’s not my problem.

Be really grateful for any advice, thank you

 

[Deneb]

Speak to Cartronix and ask their advice, but as you say that the "bogus" lights extinguish when you switch the cruise control on I suspect it is a cluster fault.

 

[rosalan]

An Auto Electrician should be able to identify this fault by hooking you up to a diagnostic unit. Otherwise a call to Swift dealers would seem to be logical where random faults occur. They install the electronics.

 

[Gellyneck]

We had "the dash cluster light" problem with our 2013 Ducato (twice) under warranty however it was where a number of the dash cluster lights glowed dimly when cruise control off and became brighter when turned on. Seems to be the other way round for yourself?

 

[daddycool1954]

Thanks all for the prompt and helpful replies.

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[rosalan]

As a first guess, which is not worth a fig, the Cruise Control is sharing a common local earth.

 

[golly]

I had Radom lights on the dash of our 2014 Pug boxer, same dash as Ducato. Had the cluster replaced under warranty, mechanic said it was caused by condensation , was common fault on ducatos and boxers .

 

[keithchesterfield2]

It's almost certainly the ECU that needs repairing.
Do not go to a Fiat dealer to have it repaired or replaced unless you've won the Lottery recently.
Google ECU repairers and talk to them - they can repair them for a couple of hundred quid and give a lifetime guarantee as well.
My 2013 Ducato had the same problem - a local ECU firm in Heanor repaired it within 24 hours and it's worked okay since.
.

 

[daddycool1954]

Many thanks, will pursue

 

[Bobby22]

First check for a faulty earth strap. Then find a cheap diagnostic scan. I hate intermittent faults!

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