RatCav

RatCav

Member
Hi there

Been doing lots of reading and cross referencing and I think I know the answer, but would like to confirm.

ABS and Traction control light will always stay on a while after start up (30+ secs or so). I can hear a pump going for it from under the hood (could be either the suspension or brake pump .. not sure as both fitted and both plugged in).

While the lights are on the pedal is soft and not much braking is had even with the foot to the floor.

When lights go off the truck brakes on the button (new pads and disks all round and calipers cleaned and greased).

Every now and then the pedal will go softer, and sometimes the ABS/TC lights come on and the brake pedal is so soft it will go to the floor at the slightest touch and little/no braking will happen.

I can hear a pump going on/off all the while the truck is running. As said I am unsure if it is the EAS or brake pump. Haven't looked that far.

Am I right this is early signs the brake accumulator is on its way out?

Cheers
Neal
 
Possibly. Or may be an air bubble somewhere. Or worse still the pump itself but that seems rare.

I'd be tempted to give the brakes a really good bleed and seeing as the accumulator isn't expensive, probably that as well. Given some of the hills I've tackled recently I'm damn glad most of my braking system is new!
 
Thank you for your prompt reply. I have just had all the disks and pads changed. They also sorted out all the calipers. When the lights go off the pedal is solid. No spongyness at all. So I am thinking that there isn't any air in the system. My gut feeling is the accumulator is failing and causing my woes.
 
That stacks up. You'll hear the pump running behind the dash (RHD). Once the lights go off it should stop. The EAS pump is off to the passenger side. If you press the pedal you should get at least 3 pumps before the pump runs again. If less then probably the accumulator. About £80 IIRC.
 
RatCav said:
Cheers .. think I will be getting covered in oil :)
Click to expand...

No, quick job. Oil filter wrench to undo the old one and then screw the new one into place. 5 minutes and you can wear your Sunday best, honest!
 
Pedal should never go to floor, maybe the Nitrogen from the accumulator has leaked into the system. Change the accumulator then follow the instructions in RAVE to bleed the system. This MUST be followed to the letter.
 
Yup .. engine off and pump pedal 30 times .. then wait 60 seconds and pump a further 4 times ;)

Accumulator on order .. will let you know how I get on.
 
Accumulator fitted and brakes are spot on .. just have what looks like a dodgy ABS sensor now. Lights go of immediately on startup. Pump takes 3-4 pedal presses before kicking in. However when getting up to speed the TC light and ABS light come on with a beep.
 
RatCav said:
Accumulator fitted and brakes are spot on .. just have what looks like a dodgy ABS sensor now. Lights go of immediately on startup. Pump takes 3-4 pedal presses before kicking in. However when getting up to speed the TC light and ABS light come on with a beep.
Click to expand...

The ABS lamp should flash on off and on again on ignition then stay on until the car is doing 5 MPH then go out. Check that all the sensors are pushed in until they are touching reluctor rings. Also check connections to sensors.
 
Last edited:
Yup .. that sounds right. The lights come on with the ignition. Then once started the handbrake light goes out almost immediately (never use the handbrake, always rest it in park) as the pump kicks in and pressurises the system. Once rolling the other two lights also go out. However oce you get up to speed (probably above 45-50 mph) The TC and ABS lights come on and it beeps/displays a TC/ABS warning on the dash. Lights then stay on until you stop and switch off. Rinse and repeat.

Going to plug it in and see which one is causing it.
 
RatCav said:
Yup .. that sounds right. The lights come on with the ignition. Then once started the handbrake light goes out almost immediately (never use the handbrake, always rest it in park) as the pump kicks in and pressurises the system. Once rolling the other two lights also go out. However oce you get up to speed (probably above 45-50 mph) The TC and ABS lights come on and it beeps/displays a TC/ABS warning on the dash. Lights then stay on until you stop and switch off. Rinse and repeat.

Going to plug it in and see which one is causing it.
Click to expand...

When switched on if hand brake is not applied it's warning lamp will go out after fluid level check. TC lamp stays on and goes out when accumulator pressure meets minimum system pressure. ABS lamp goes out when car reaches 5 MPH. The car should not be driven until TC lamp has gone out.
 
RatCav said:
never use the handbrake, always rest it in park
Click to expand...

So if there is a slight slope the full weight of the car is resting on the pin that holds it in park? With my autos I've always put it in neutral, applied hand-brake until no movement and then shifted to park before switching off. Maybe I'm going over the top.
 
That's a good idea Grrrrrr
I will do that too and will stop handbrake seizing from lack of use
 
Grrrrrr said:
So if there is a slight slope the full weight of the car is resting on the pin that holds it in park? With my autos I've always put it in neutral, applied hand-brake until no movement and then shifted to park before switching off. Maybe I'm going over the top.
Click to expand...

Indeed it is a bad idea to leave car resting on park pawl without handbrake on. Specially on an hill or incline.
 
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