Steering wheel warning light

[ColinB]

Discovered this forum whilst Googling for the answer to a problem which has just started on my 52 plate 1.8LS Vectra. Three or four times now the steering wheel warning symbol has flashed up on the dash. It only happens when giving the car a bit of welly around a corner, as far as I can tell the power steering is still working. Having just paid £1k for a service (new front springs / tyres / cambelt change) thoughts of a £600 bill is scary . Any thoughts?
I also have an intermittent problem with the handbrake warning light, the bulb comes on during the ignition on check, however does not always come on afterwards.
Any help would be appreciated.
Colin

[Stevel]

Mine did that although it happened on the Motorway. VX replaced a module under warranty but the cost would have been around £600.

If it's happening around corners that suggests it might be the fluid level though.

Take a look at this thread which may apply to your motor.

http://forum.vectra-c.com/showthread.php?t=26376

Not sure about the HB light. No doubt someone will be along soon who does.

[ColinB]

Update on the problem, took the car to my local dealer who said that the power steering rack had gone. £700 later the problem appears to have been solved. They did say that it was not a common failure, which does not tie up with what appears in this forum. They could not find any fault with the handbrake warning light, however it still does not work.
I used to work on the assumption that if you bought a Ford or Vauxhall it would go wrong, but would be cheap to fix. A Toyota would not go wrong, but if it did it would cost an arm and a leg to fix. This does not seem ot be the case any more, Vauxhalls still go wrong but cost a lot to fix. I think it is time to change to a Toyota .....

[GSiFan]

Intuition would suggest that your handbrake lamp issue might be the switch fitted to the handbrake itself. The lamp illuminates with the ignition, as it should, but then fails to operate when the handbrake is used. I would bet on the switch itself. As for changing it, I wouldn't know where to begin!

Paul

[Karl]

A Toyota would not go wrong, but if it did it would cost an arm and a leg to fix. This does not seem ot be the case any more, Vauxhalls still go wrong but cost a lot to fix. I think it is time to change to a Toyota .....

VERY true statement

[simac]

Honda would be a better choice I reakon, you get the Jap reliability and a bit more style. The Toyota's are a bit bland IMO

[jonsgsi]

Toyota chief apologises for massive recall !

"TOYOTA'S President has apologised for the recall of millions of cars around the world due to faulty accelerator pedals, in a setback that has tarnished the Japanese giant's reputation for quality !"

Whoops.

I think I'll stick with my Veccy

: @ )

[ColinB]

Guess who bought a Toyota Auris?
And whose new company car is going to be a Prius?
At least they will be fixed under warranty.
Colin