HDC warning light and ignition problems please help!!

hello all ...know this is a common problem but im at my wits end
1st problem is the HDC warning light .... its constantly on ... ive tried engaging and disengaging hdc but its on all the time .from the moment i start car until i get home

2nd problem is the biggest pain .......
ignition barrel is loose or not contacting properly .
i have to put key in sometimes turn it full for about 4-6 seconds and re turn key till it starts
sometimes this can take 5 mins but today i was stuck up the bloody mountains for 20 mins before it eventually started ........
i got 6 months warranty with car and covered to get these probs fixed at any local garage
i just need a heads up if these are easily fixed or what i should demand from garage ......any help will be invaluable please

nobody know ???
need your input boys ??

Hi, windaecleaner
Both are known problem areas, the hdc warning light thing usually turns out to be a faulty brake light switch, (although the brake lights work normally the switch has other functions) or if you have the early model with the switch on the gearlever check for broken wires under the gaiter.
You will need a new ignition switch as the contacts tend to play up in the way you describe.

cheers chaser ....... had it in garage for 10 mins today and it turned out to be a loose connection to starter motor ....... sorting the hdc light tomorro...... had a look under switch on gear stick and wires seem fine .... will check brake pedal switch ... hopefully this will fix the problem

Could be a knackered switch on the gear stick - just been quoted £30ish + VAT for a new one so will be having a fiddle with mine!

oh well ......... wire not the problem ........ was out today and parked up .... went to start car and 10 mins later still no joy ..... back to garage tomorrow ..... any help before hand would be grateful ..... is it the ignition barrel ... is it fuel pumps or is it something to do with the fuel management ... when i turn key it doesnt even try to start .. sometimes i have to keep key turned full for 10-20 seconds then it sometimes starts .... im well annoyed with it now:doh:

Knobblywobbly said:

Could be a knackered switch on the gear stick - just been quoted £30ish + VAT for a new one so will be having a fiddle with mine!

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knobbly have you got the same problem ??
the hdc warning light is on constant ...... tc and abs lights are fine its just the hdc light ??

windaecleaner said:

oh well ......... wire not the problem ........ was out today and parked up .... went to start car and 10 mins later still no joy ..... back to garage tomorrow ..... any help before hand would be grateful ..... is it the ignition barrel ... is it fuel pumps or is it something to do with the fuel management ... when i turn key it doesnt even try to start .. sometimes i have to keep key turned full for 10-20 seconds then it sometimes starts .... im well annoyed with it now:doh:

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Apart from the ignition switch another thing to check is to follow the positive battery cable from the battery to its connection on the starter solenoid and check it is clean and tight. ( it could be hot if you have been trying to start so take care) If it's dodgy disconnect the battery end before attempting to clean/tighten.
Next to it there is a small push on spade connector which you can check as well.


Brake light switches are cheap enough and as I say are a common cause of HDC warning.

Chaser said:

Apart from the ignition switch another thing to check is to follow the positive battery cable from the battery to its connection on the starter solenoid and check it is clean and tight. ( it could be hot if you have been trying to start so take care) If it's dodgy disconnect the battery end before attempting to clean/tighten.
Next to it there is a small push on spade connector which you can check as well.


Brake light switches are cheap enough and as I say are a common cause of HDC warning.

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cheers chaser ....at garage today and got motor back starting first time .... dirty/loose connection at the ignition switch ...... cleaned and working fine ..... brake light switch ordered and should be here tuesday ... will let you know how i get on ......

I know it's been a year since your last post, but did swapping you brake switch cure the HDC warning light problem as I have the exact same symptoms!

Cheers.

Emeye said:

I know it's been a year since your last post, but did swapping you brake switch cure the HDC warning light problem as I have the exact same symptoms!

Cheers.

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:hysterically_laughi

nathan5346 said:

:hysterically_laughi

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What so funny?

Emeye said:

What so funny?

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That guy aint gonna respond to ur q hes long gone

nathan5346 said:

That guy aint gonna respond to ur q hes long gone

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It was worth a punt! He may have had email subs set up - it has worked in the past for me.

Emeye said:

It was worth a punt! He may have had email subs set up - it has worked in the past for me.

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tbh, he/she made 8 posts, and hasn't been back since 3rd August 2009. It seems pretty slim chance, but best of luck to you for your optimism !

Optimus Prime said:

tbh, he/she made 8 posts, and hasn't been back since 3rd August 2009. It seems pretty slim chance, but best of luck to you for your optimism !

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Are you a fellow optimist? Is that where you get your name from........