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Re: warning lights --self testing Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: warning lights --self testing, Tom, Mon, 18 Nov 2002 20:47:53 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The ABS system in your car uses a pump to provide pressure. This same pressure is used for power brake assist. You get the ABS and Brake Fluid lights when the ABS pressure is below 100 bar. The pump shuts off at 180 bar, and comes back on again at 140 bar. But if the car has been sitting a while, the pressure leaks down (quite normal) and the lights stay on until the pressure gets up.
As cars age, just like the rest of us, it takes longer for the pressure to get up. It's normal to see 20-40 seconds for a car that has been sitting overnight. Just as long as the lights go out, and stay out during normal brake usage.
If you haven't changed the brake fluid, and you can't be sure the brake fluid is less than 2 years old, have the brakes flushed and bled. It's a very good idea to change the fluid every two years. This isn't just a Saab thing - this is true of just about every ABS-equipped car I know. Brake fluid absorbs water which can corrode those expensive ABS parts. If there is any air in the system, which can happen as it ages, it takes longer to get the pressure up, and the pedal feel isn't great. Some folks report shorter pressurization times after a brake flush.
The battery light glow could be from the high beam light, but it pays to be safe. Get yourself a voltmeter and put it on the battery terminals with the car OFF. It should be around 12.6 volts. Start the car, and blip the throttle once or twice. Just a blip is fine, no need to rev the whee out of it. Now check the battery voltage with the headlights on, and again with the high beams on. The voltage should be over 13.0 volts at idle. Preferably more like 13.2 or 13.4. 14V is just fine.
If you're seeing voltages less than 13.0 volts at idle, or if the voltage drops more than 0.2 volts or so when you turn the high beams on, the voltage regulator in the alternator may be tired. The VR is bolted into the back of the alternator, and is a piece of cake to replace. The brushes get old and worn, and don't make as good contact as they used to.
Don't forget to check for the easy stuff - are the connections between the battery cables and the battery posts clean? Are the battery cables clean - no corrosion? If you do remove the battery cables to brighten up the posts (a good idea), make sure the previous owner gave you the radio code. The anti-theft radio won't work after a power interruption without the right code.
Welcome aboard!
posted by 12.79.5...
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