My zed has gone all night-rider on me and started flashing its HICAS light when i start it up every now and then.

 

As its an import and I don't have a manual - can anyone translate what my car's trying to tell me? Is it a fluid level warning, cos it seems intermittent? And if so - how do you top it up? Should I carry on drving it when it lights up?

 

So many questions, so few answers. I guess in time i'll be able to answer a few myself.

 

As another totally unrelated point - has anyone seen XXX yet? Saw it last night and have to say it has some incredible stunts in it. Lots of Freestyle MX action - was it Mike Metzeler or someone who did the stunts? I am now going to embark on a serious gym schedule, snowboarding season and mx career so I too can be a secret agent!!!!

 

Any help on the hicas light thing is much appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Chris

Sorry can't help on the HICAS problem although mine came on the other night, but then after turning off the ignition and starting again it went off!?!

 

But re: XXX - excellent film, highly unbelievable but well worth a visit to the flicks. Typical Bond-style tomfoolery!! :D

Try checking the power steering/HICAS fluid level. It's in the round green metal container with the wires sticking out the top of the cap on the drivers side of the engine bay. My HICAS light comes on occasionally and as soon as I top up the ATF in the resevoir it's fine again (for a while)

First thing to check is indeed the Hicas fluid - it's probably running low. Also, if it's cold in the mornings, it will settle more. Just needs topping up.

 

As to XXX, absolutely brilliant film. :D :D

 

(Apart from Diesel's ears....which were annoying me throughout. :D)

 

Anita.

Yup, just top off your fluid level, that should work. If not, tighten up the clamps on the hoses leaving the power steering resivoir. If that still doesn't cure it, you may have a leak in either your HiCAS system in the rear if it's pre 1993, or at your PS pump.

 

Good luck.

yes again from me!! got my z back from the garage ( who will remain nameless BUCHERS!! ) hicas lights flashing !!

put it on a computer and no fault wanted to charge me 50 squids for diagnostics!!

took it to preformance & prestige in st helens and all it wanted was a top up!!

i think somebody mentioned an airlock could also cause the light to come on not sure though!!!

Just a wild thought. Had a similar problem a little while back, the hicas light would come on, steering would get heavy and stereo would cut out when listening to my music too loud. I also reported a loud rapid clicking noise when first starting the car. This was all linked to the battery being nackered. Replaced the battery and the clicking noise and HICAS problems disapeared. Did'nt resolve the problem of slow to start and the LCD display on the stereo at high volumes (not loud) still flashes. Think the battery I bought although rated for the Z still wasn't good enough. Anyone with a suggestion for a good make with model number of battery to buy?

 

Help appreciated.

 

Brent

Cool!!

 

Cheers guys, most pleased that the beast just needs a bit of a top-up (hopefully). Will sort that out asap.

 

Am concerned it's developing a drinking problem though - it's addicted to Stella Optimax, gets all fidgety if I try and pass it off with Tennants Unleaded, and now seems to enjoy the odd shot of HICAS Aftershock Fluid every now and then!!

Nice to see someone else using Kevin at Prestige and Performance, St Helens. Used this company for years on my Zed and Lotus Carlton. Really know their stuff but are also expensive. Not been there for a while as I started doing stuff myself. Can recommend them to anyone though.

 

Mike

:D Once the Zed settles into a good working pattern, you'll find that you need shares in Optimax. :D

 

Of course, you could drive like a granny in it...that wouldn't use as much go-go juice..... :D ;)