ABS = PITA

[R Dubya]

I replaced my accumulator yesterday.  I didn't have a blinking ABS light for about 15 miles and then it started.  The accumulator was a bitch to get out, but finally got it and swapped it with the one I bought from Prior.  Do I need to reset the computer to clear it of codes?  One thing I noticed is that it the pump STILL runs every time I hit the pedal, and also my filler cap is borken in the corner, would that set off a error code?  Could it be losing pressure that way?  Any input is greatly appreciated.  I am dead set on getting the f***ing light to stop blinking.   :shock:   Also - to anyone who has used the Prior accumulator, what is the best way to get it to seat correctly, its real hard to get it in position in the first place, I'm thinking that it isn't seated all the way in, that might be a problem also.  Should I have reset the computer by disconnecting the battery?

[Chris A]

No, with the abs the computer does not need resetting. I'm not sure about the prior accumulator. Its kinda sucks because it doesn't have the nut on the end. But if its screwed in all the  way it should be fine, if it wasn't the 2000 psi of brake fluid behind it would leak out somehow.

Your situation is one of the terrible paradoxes of the powermaster, is it the pressure switch or the accumulator? Typically the accumulator will die on these, but as you see, you've replaced it and the motor still runs. Without some specialized guages to see where the pump is going on and off, its a parts throw to fix it. The next step would be to swap the pressure switch. Its kinda a pain to get to because it needs quite a large socket to get to it but it can be done.

Chris

[no1kicker]

I have the same problem.  Just replaced the accumulator, and light still blinks.  Pump would not run for a day or two, and mysteriously started and has run fine since.  Still runs every time I hit the brake though.  I guess the pressure switch is next.

[R Dubya]

It's strange.  I don't quite understand it.  I took the car for at least a 30 mile cruise last night, a lot of it was downhill, and the light did not come on at all.  I did snap the filler cover when I was bleeding it the other day, would that cause a problem with fluid and pressure?  It's just in the corner and it seems to be sealing right, just one of the clips is gone.  I will try to set that acc. in there a little farther with a oil filter wrench, we'll see how much more she goes.  Thanks for the input.  Oh and BTW - I am getting 3 steady pedal presses before the pump runs when I sit in the driveway, but it's hard to tell when it's running.  One more thing -  I just changed the front struts, I bought them from Carl, and I don't know about the ABS sensors in the strut tower.  Think I should try swapping my old ones in to replace the ones that came?

[Chris A]

Uh, the abs sensors? Did you change the whole strut assy or something? Because typcially just the cartridges should change and you wouldn't have to bother with the abs sensors.

[R Dubya]

I bought the front and rear KYB's from Carl's TGP.  The front cartridges were loaded in his strut assembly and I didn't change the sensors, just swapped the springs and boots.  The light hasn't blinked in a few days, but that doesn't mean it won't again.  I'm confused.