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[kentman99]

My first problem is my spare key (older type fob) doesn't work properly. It won't operate the central locking from the fob, the light comes on when you press the button but nothing happens. Even with the main key you have to be right on top of the car before it unlocks. I guess that might just be the battery.  The alarm seems to be playing up aswell, it just goes off for know apparent reason! Is there a simple way of just disconnecting it? Last but not least....I keep getting the "brake light check" and "coolant level check" warnings but my brake lights are working fine and the coolant level isn't low?? Can someone also tell with normal running (not sitting in traffic) what the temp guage should read. Mine sits about 95 degrees, is that right?  Any help is always much appreciated.

[zirk]

My first problem is my spare key (older type fob) doesn't work properly. It won't operate the central locking from the fob, the light comes on when you press the button but nothing happens. Even with the main key you have to be right on top of the car before it unlocks. I guess that might just be the battery.  The alarm seems to be playing up aswell, it just goes off for know apparent reason! Is there a simple way of just disconnecting it? Last but not least....I keep getting the "brake light check" and "coolant level check" warnings but my brake lights are working fine and the coolant level isn't low?? Can someone also tell with normal running (not sitting in traffic) what the temp guage should read. Mine sits about 95 degrees, is that right?  Any help is always much appreciated.

Alarm - First thing to check is the Bonnet Switch as that seems to be the most common fault.

Coolent Level - Had that on mine recently, turned out that someone had discounected the Plug on the Top Up Tank and shorted it. Also check the Sensor Float inside the Tank is free and floating as it should.

Brakelight Check - Should only come on when first started as a prompt for you to dab the Brake Pedel to complete the Test, if its comming on whilst driving, probally a Bulb or connection on its way out, or wrong bulb types.

Chris.

[kentman99]

whereabouts is the bonnet sensor and what does it look like? How can I tell its faulty? Should the float in the header tank be bobbing about the water?  I know very little about cars as you can probably guess!

[Andy B]

whereabouts is the bonnet sensor and what does it look like? How can I tell its faulty? Should the float in the header tank be bobbing about the water?  I know very little about cars as you can probably guess!

Bonnet sensor is towards the back on your right as you're stood facing the car. Try unplugging it first, if all is OK then it's the switch at fault or, more likely, the bracket it's sat on is bent down so that the switch isn't being pressed down hard enough when the bonnet is shut.
The float will bob up & down, but doesn't always move enough to make the switch or the witch inside is fouled up with cr4p. Best bet is a new header tank - around £35 and it looks all nice & shiney too.   
Brake lights. Buy a quality brand, and see where you go from there. 

[Ghost]

Here is a pic of the engine room that could be of use to you.
The Bonnet switch is just above the yellow arrow.

[kentman99]

Thanks Andy and Ghost for your help. Will it cause a problem to leave the sensor unplugged?

[Ghost]

Dont think so, you can only try it.
Mostly they become loose so it might just need putting back into position.

[Andy B]

..... Will it cause a problem to leave the sensor unplugged?

Which one? The bonnet sensor is fine to leave unplugged, you just don't have your alarm looking at you bonnet.
Water level sensor if left unplugged will leave the light on no matter what level it's at, unless you bridge the terminals of the plug underneath the header tank. You're then back to the olde fashioned method of having a look at the level every now & then1