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Re: ABS & Brake Oil Warning Lamps... Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Wed, 4 Sep 2002 09:12:40
In Reply to: ABS & Brake Oil Warning Lamps..., tamara, Tue, 3 Sep 2002 18:59:06 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
As the others have said, Both the lights are on if the ABS pressure is low. When you start the car, the ABS pressure is low, so the ABS pump runs to pressurize the system. When the car is shut off, the ABS pressure slowly leaks down. So the longer the car sits, the longer it takes to re-pressurize the system.
That's normal. There are a lot of things that affect how long the lights take to go off. Age is #1. The older the car, the longer it takes for the lights to go off. This is due to a lot of things - the ABS pump isn't as good as when it was new, electrical contacts arent' as good, etc. Another thing is the state of the electrical system. The ABS pump is electrically driven, so if the alternator isn't putting out as much juice, the pump will run slower.
The condition of the brake fluid is important. Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years, three at absolute most. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and this creats corrosion, gunk, and traps air into the fluid. Brake fluid doesn't compress, but dirty, wet brake fluid does. The ABS pump has to work harder to compress the dirty brake fluid.
Not driving off until the lights go out is a good idea. The ABS pump also provides brake boost. If there is a problem with the ABS system, you could lose brake boost. Drive with the lights on, and you have no idea if you'll have brake boost the next time you hit the brakes. With no boost, your braking distances will be 2 to 3 times longer, assuming you react fast enough to STAND on the brakes. Think about that the next time you come up behind a stopped truck.
If you haven't had the brake fluid flushed in the past couple of years, have it done. It's not expensive, and a lot cheaper than new brake parts. It may reduce the time, or may not. But it's only good. 30 seconds for the lights to go out isn't out of the ordinary for an older car. I see up to 45 seconds on my '88 9000.
posted by 140.157.4...
, Wed, 4 Sep 2002 09:12:40 <-- Viewing This Message
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