I have a 90 XJS Convertible with the Teves ABS Brakes. I have been getting both a brake light that eventually goes out and an ABS light that only goes out after about 20 minutes. Is there a test procedure?


Sometimes the light goes out with a left turn and will sometimes come on after a right turn. I want to be able to tell if it is the pump, the bake fluid reservoir, or the switch.

 

I would start with testing the accumulator. Allow the pump to run long enough to stop. You don't have to start the car. Turn the ignition switch off, and then press the brake pedal as many times as it takes the pedal to go hard. If it goes hard in just a a few pumps, 3-5, your accumulator ball is most likely lost its pressure. The fact that your pumps runs, most likely means that the switch, or the pump are bad. The accumulator ball is a service item. From what I understand, 5-10 years is the life of it. I also understand that the switch is a service item as well, so it might not be a bad idea to replace both as a matter of service. Have either ever been changed?

 

The ABS switch is priced at about $950. I will check the accumulator and report back.


Ah for the days (1989) when you had vacuum assist instead of the ABS

 

I think the main thing, is to change the accumulater ball, change out the rubber lines, and flush the brake fluid. It has only been a few years where I read how our brake fluid gets contaminated. Thats critical on these cars it seems. My fluid was literally black...
I can get you a contact for changing out that switch. It takes some kind of simple modification, but it will then take a GM switch off of a Buick Reatta I think. Maybe even a couple of other cars that make the switch MUCH less expensive. Same for the accumulator ball. It has a GM exact replacement. I paid 109.00 for mine I think. Jaguar wants 300+

 

I let the system "charge" and turned the key off. Took 7 pumps to get totally hard. It is hard to tell. I will check on the availability of a replacement accumulator.


I am interested in what is needed to change to the Reatta switch.

 

I am interested in the GM alternate for the accumulator. Can you tell me year and model that is a direct fit?

 

GM part #25528382. It is on several sites. Try a few, as I think there may be a shortage at the moment, but a friend found his at some obscure parts place, I think for about 120.00

 

If your pump runs, and shuts off, you may just have a bad accumulator. I can't stress enough how important changing your fluid is though.