Can anyone tell me whether the HICAS light being on (due to low fluid) causes HICAS to be disabled ?

 

Regards

If the lights on then it is disabled.

If the lights off then all ok or the bulbs blown:rolleyes:

So a cheap way to disable HICAS is to short the wire on top of the fluid container ?

This DOESN'T sound like a good idea to me!

 

I'm thinking that the movement will still take place on the rear wheels just that after a while something will seize through lack of fliud!

I didn't say not put fluid in. I just said short the sensor so that the HICAS disables. The power steering also requires the same fluid.

 

My light is blown and last weekend I noticed that the handling changed. I worked out that the HICAS was not functioning and checked the fluid level. It was low so I headed to the nearest Halfords and topped it up. Sorted. However I actually prefered the handing when the HICAS wasn't working. After some thought I decided that maybe shorting the wires would disable the HICAS and this seems to be true. The only downside is that you don't know when the fluid is low. I guess if your bulb is working you'd get the light on all the time, mine's blown so it stays off.

 

I just wonder if there are any down sides of doing this ?

(standing in the corner)

 

Sorry dude, didn't read your post properly!

 

Anyway, I thought the warning light coming on was just that; a "warning" that the fluid is low? Does it really disable it? I wouldn't of thought so, but not 100%.

Seems your on the right track mate..

 

TT.Net - Disable HICAS post

 

Seems the only down side would be no low fluid warning.

That seems to be true then. Certainly fits with my experiments last weekend.

It would make sense, as when the speed sensor goes tits up the hicas light comes on and the hicas goes inop.

 

Having said that, make sure you dont disable your power steering along with it, or if your my size youll only be able to drive in straight lines!