The 3 Amigo's...

I have the 3 amigo's problem, but not sure where to start with it!

I don't have any mechanically minded friends who I could borrow a diagnostic tool from, and I don't particularly want to pay a garage through the nose for 5 minutes work.

Once I know what the problem is, I feel fairly confident that I could tackle it myself. Although depending on what the problem is I may not have a choice about taking it to a garage.

Does anyone have an insight on what my first step could be? And before you say get rid of it etc. - don't

first step check your brake lights are working or not. its usuly the brake light switch that can cause this problem. do a search on here its been covered many times before

mark

Yeah the brake lights are working fine, thanks!

Trust me, I've been scouring the whole internet for this problem all night, lol!

Seeing as every cause is fairly inexpensive (apart from the ABS unit (£100ish), I may just start replacing everything. Although it may prove more expensive than a visit to the garage...hmm...

BrenRich101 said:

Yeah the brake lights are working fine, thanks!

Trust me, I've been scouring the whole internet for this problem all night, lol!

Seeing as every cause is fairly inexpensive (apart from the ABS unit (£100ish), I may just start replacing everything. Although it may prove more expensive than a visit to the garage...hmm...

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have a read of this
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/3-amigo-brake-light-switch-replacement-guide-125617.html

BrenRich101 said:

Yeah the brake lights are working fine, thanks!

Trust me, I've been scouring the whole internet for this problem all night, lol!

Seeing as every cause is fairly inexpensive (apart from the ABS unit (£100ish), I may just start replacing everything. Although it may prove more expensive than a visit to the garage...hmm...

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Might be cheaper to buy a Code Reader and start from there, rather than replace parts that are working fine.
Our local Indy charges £35 to read the codes and £35 to clear after sorting the problem, a few faults and some self diagnosis will more than pay for your own reader.
Worth their weight in gold and when you do come to flog your motor, you can sell on the reader for not a lot less than you paid.
and of course :welcome2:

it is not always the brake light switch it can be the gravity switch that is located next to the hand brake under the centre consol

teddywood1 said:

it is not always the brake light switch it can be the gravity switch that is located next to the hand brake under the centre consol

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Certainly was on mine. £68.00 LR Dealer.

ABS sensors when I had the same some years ago. Disconnect each one in turn and check across the terminals on the plug on the wire from the sensor for continuity. From memory if there is no continuity it's the culprit. Awkward to remove the old sensor from the hub but possible with a bit of perseverance. Check all 4 before you start though. Hopefully you'll get three giving a reading and one blank. Best way to check though is with a proper diagnostic plug in - it may cost you but at least it's quicker (until you have to tackle the dodgy sensor). Personal experience of them goinng was the reluctor ring on the hub expanding with rust and wearing away the face of the sensor rendering it u/s. Ring and sensor needed in that case.

Never heard of this, But seems timing is just about right for me to learn as these lights have just started to come on intermittently, job for the weekend I think

It's when I'm doing mine! All booked in at the garage Saturday morning, and doing the manual work myself with the help of a few friends with Land Rover's, so shouldn't be too bad.

I had only just heard of it the other day, but looking online it's a hell of a common problem! Good luck!

Just so you know you will demolish the old sensor taking it out unless it's not been in long. Don't be alarmed when the plastic head comes off it. My method of removal was to drill out the centre - watch out for the hard magnet in the middle, there will be a load of copper wool inside then tap a narrow screwdriver down between the sensor and the hole in the hub, a few squirts of penetrating oil and wiggle it free.
Fitting the new one, clean the bore, check the perforated reluctor ring doesn't have splits in it at the edges, grease the sensor lightly and gently push it in until it touches the ring. Then ease it back a fraction and reconnect the white plug. Once you run the car the lights should all go out. The fault will be stored in the memory but it won't show as a warning light. It's not a 5 minute job so start early. Personal experience of them was that once one went, I was chasing round the car until all four were done. That was over a couple of years though.

Lights only on now and then, would it be best to wait till they stay on all the time so easier to check wich fault it is?

(think I just answered my own question)

did you check the wiring in the gearstick?

i'd start with that one

Shame you did not have the problem last week was in Torquay and had my Hawkeye with me. On the later models they dont have reluctor ring as they use magnetic bearings, around 2002 onwards. Even though the brake lights work could still be the switch, its a cheap fix so may be worth while changing it.
Do you have hill desent on the gear stick, some earlier models do not have it, if so does it engage it as if not as stated could be the wiring to switch another common problem.

If it's intermittent it is more likely to be a switch on it's way out but if you do change it and the problem remains then it's the sensor(s).

My lights have started to come on most of the time tonight, also noticed its just 2 lights, TC and HDC, brake lights work but will probably change brake switch first anyway

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions. I have cancelled my garage appointment and ordered a new brake light switch. Didn't cost a lot, but could save me a lot of money if it turns out to fix it!

I do have the Hill Descent Control button by the gearstick, and I have heard that the wiring there can become loose causes these lights to come on. I'm taking out most of the centre console to fit a new stereo so will check that at the same time. Hopefully that will sort it out....maybe!

booboodag said:

Shame you did not have the problem last week was in Torquay and had my Hawkeye with me. On the later models they dont have reluctor ring as they use magnetic bearings, around 2002 onwards. Even though the brake lights work could still be the switch, its a cheap fix so may be worth while changing it.
Do you have hill desent on the gear stick, some earlier models do not have it, if so does it engage it as if not as stated could be the wiring to switch another common problem.

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That really is too bad, as I could have done with a quick diagnostic check to see what error codes it returns! Oh well...another time maybe...?

What's the age and mileage of the car? Has it sat unused for a while - maybe sorned for a month or so?

2004, so 8 years old and has done 86000 miles. Had it's headgasket, gearbox etc. done last year. I honestly wouldn't know what has been done with it as it's fairly new to me, and didn't really think to ask when I bought it.