I am the new owner of a very clean 1991 XJS Coupe. I have been doing many things to bring it back to spec and performing much needed deferred maintenance.
Question I have is with the brake light and ABS light. 75% of the time when I apply the brakes both these lights come on momentarily then go out.
The brakes feel fine, not difficult to use.
I've been told the brake accumulator needs to be changed, but am skeptical (and concerned since it shows as not being available).
My skepticism comes from the fact that the brakes feel fine.
Could it be something else I should be chasing?
Thanks for your input.

 

Based on your description of how the warning lights are behaving I would have to concur that the accumulator is the most likely culprit.

Yes, they are hard to find and expensive but a good one should resolve the problem.

Mark

 

Thank you Mark.
Any suggestions on a source for the brake accumulator? I suppose good used is my only option.

 

I have yet to find a reliable source for new accumulators that are a direct fit. I have 3 or 4 used ones in the shop now which came from parts cars or eBay. The good ones are on my cars and the bad ones are being saved in hopes they can be rebuilt someday.

Others here on the forum might have another solution to offer.

Mark

 

Have you topped off the brake reservoir. I have seen the sensor light up when low fluid. Also vacuum problems can cause brake booster problems.

 

Hello all. This is my first post apart from my intro post.
I too am a new owner of a XJS, in my case an '89.
Among other issues, my car has the same symptoms described.
I cant help but wonder if there isnt another accumulator out there maybe used on other products such as Ford, GM or any other OEM's which would interchange.
There were several suppliers to the OEMs such as Teves or Bosch which made the accumulators, perhaps there is some interchangeability?

I'm no expert on ABS brakes, so maybe someone knows if the accumulators are specific in terms of operation or function such as pressure or some such value?
Maybe if that could be established, then maybe a suitable replacement could be indentified.

 

It could be something as simple, as a Wheel Speed Sensor which are fairly inexpensive to buy.

If the ABS is not receiving a Signal, it could cause the ABS light to Flash.

This guy had a very similar problem, so I would suggest you check this out first as it could be a very cheap fix.

Rather than spending money on something that may already be working OK.

Problem Fixed, ABS & Hand Brake Light + Grinding Noise

http://autorepair.about.com/od/regul...s_sens_cln.htm

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/abs-light-stays-on.html