1994 XJ6 VDP.

Symptoms:
- Upon start up the amber Anti-Lock and red brake lights come on, but quickly goes out.
- The lights stay off under normal driving.
- The lights do not come on under soft to moderate braking.
- The Anti-lock and brake light come on under moderate to hard braking.
- The lights will stay on if the brakes are applied after moderate to hard braking, as in at a stop.
- If I brake hard the lights will come on, but will go out once I let off the brakes and continue driving or after taking off from a stop.

Fluid is not low.

Possible causes?
Low brake pads?
Brake accumulator on its way out?
Air in the system?

 

Replace the pads and low pad sensors if necessary. Can't hurt!

Larry

 

Pads and sensors are on their way. I also ordered a new accumulator that is sitting on my counter. If I am doing new pads and a fluid flush why not?

 

Hey it's only money, right?

Larry

 

It does sound as though the accumulator can no longer store sufficient hydraulic pressure. Do you hear the electric pump run frequently?

 

When replacing the accumulator do the brakes have to be bled afterwards? I am still waiting on new rotors to arrive from SNG Barratt, but have the accumulator sitting on the shelf.

 

Yes, you'll need to bleed the entire brake system because air will be introduced at the accumulator. I can't recall whether it applies to the '94 model year, but there's a way to force the electric pump to run to help when bleeding the brakes. Hopefully Larry ( Lawrence ) will remember the procedure.

Cheers,

Don

 

Well thanks for the vote of confidence on my aging and failing memory bank Don!

I've never replaced an accumulator, but the general routine for the 94 is to switch on the ignition and let the pump bleed the rears then do the fronts manually, pumping the pedal. BTW, a set of speed bleeders is an excellent accessory for the XJ40.

A call to the makers is best when ordering as they don't list the model for our cars on their website.

Pretty sure the Mercedes ones fit, but may be a bit long, so phone to make sure.

Speed Bleeder Main Page

Larry

 

Those speed bleeders look like a great option for guys like me who work alone. I will have to order up a set for my XJ40 as well as the XJS.