P38A Failed French CT test: ABS problem apparently!

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Rollover

Rollover

Member
Posts
42
Location
France
Hi

My 4.0 V8 petrol P38 (X-2000) has failed its first French CT test on a number of points. The most concerning (to me) is a "suggested" problem with the ABS - according to the technician.

The ABS fault light does not illuminate (except for the normal display during the initial turning turning on of ignition and engine starting), and yet - with a typical Gallic gesture towards the accumulator and the brake pipe "block" behind it - the technician declared that there is a problem. He seemed pleased to tell me it would cost in excess of 3,000€ to fix, and the last one that he failed on this problem the owner decided it wasn't worth fixing :(

All I can detect is a vibration - a drub-drub-drub kinda vibration - on heavy braking - not an ABS operating type vibration. During normal driving and brake use - nothing discernible appears to be wrong. And no warning lights.

My good friend KW has some knowledge of these matters, and has suggested that the accumulator may have lost pressure. [On initial start the ABS pump runs for approx 1 minute, and then it runs for a few seconds every 3rd or 4th brake pedal depression.

I need to figure out what's going on, so I know what needs fixing. (I don't want to deal with, or spend money on the other more minor issues, until I know I can resolve this ABS issue.

Any thoughts out there?

TIA

Chris

PS One of the other things the technician failed it on was the fog lights pointing in the wrong direction! I didn't think that these were adjustable? [I've already swapped the headlights for EU spec units.]

I got the distinct impression he just doesn't like Brits or British cars!!:(
 
4x4 should only be tested on an all wheel rolling road, not 2 wheels at a time
I'm not aware ABS check is even part of the checks, other than the light going out when you drive off.
 
kermit_rr said:
4x4 should only be tested on an all wheel rolling road, not 2 wheels at a time
I'm not aware ABS check is even part of the checks, other than the light going out when you drive off.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'm assuming it was an all wheel rolling road - otherwise he'd have driven the car through the wall! :eek:

The light definitely goes off when driving off - and does not illuminate at any other time.:confused:
 
Sounds to me ( initial info given) all is ok.
I believe @Datatek and @Mark Piercy have similar issues with the french system.

Good luck now you found your VIN.
Sounds like your assessment of the guy maybe right :) take it somewhere else?


J
 
I agree with ^^^ all.
When accumulator is shot it will typically run every time you press the peddle, every 3-4 times for it to kick in is normal for working unit.
Before startup the fluid level should be above max line, when pump has built up pressure and stopped running that is your actual fluid level.
 
Rollover said:
Hi

My 4.0 V8 petrol P38 (X-2000) has failed its first French CT test on a number of points. The most concerning (to me) is a "suggested" problem with the ABS - according to the technician.

The ABS fault light does not illuminate (except for the normal display during the initial turning turning on of ignition and engine starting), and yet - with a typical Gallic gesture towards the accumulator and the brake pipe "block" behind it - the technician declared that there is a problem. He seemed pleased to tell me it would cost in excess of 3,000€ to fix, and the last one that he failed on this problem the owner decided it wasn't worth fixing :(

All I can detect is a vibration - a drub-drub-drub kinda vibration - on heavy braking - not an ABS operating type vibration. During normal driving and brake use - nothing discernible appears to be wrong. And no warning lights.

My good friend KW has some knowledge of these matters, and has suggested that the accumulator may have lost pressure. [On initial start the ABS pump runs for approx 1 minute, and then it runs for a few seconds every 3rd or 4th brake pedal depression.

I need to figure out what's going on, so I know what needs fixing. (I don't want to deal with, or spend money on the other more minor issues, until I know I can resolve this ABS issue.

Any thoughts out there?

TIA

Chris

PS One of the other things the technician failed it on was the fog lights pointing in the wrong direction! I didn't think that these were adjustable? [I've already swapped the headlights for EU spec units.]

I got the distinct impression he just doesn't like Brits or British cars!!:(
Click to expand...

As I said in your other thread, find another test centre.
From your description, the accumulator is OK.
The ABS light does not go out until 7kmh is reached, most French test centres are unaware of that fact.
When testing they MUST put rollers under the wheels that are not on the test rollers or they will damage the transmission.
If the ABS is actually faulty, there will be a fault logged, diagnostics needed, where are you in France? I'm near Poitiers and have diagnostics.
 
Rollover said:
Thanks. I'm assuming it was an all wheel rolling road - otherwise he'd have driven the car through the wall! :eek:

The light definitely goes off when driving off - and does not illuminate at any other time.:confused:
Click to expand...
It is unlikely it was a 4 wheel rolling road, the standard kit used is 2 wheel and they put tray rollers under the axle not being tested.
 
Datatek said:
As I said in your other thread, find another test centre.
From your description, the accumulator is OK.
The ABS light does not go out until 7kmh is reached, most French test centres are unaware of that fact.
When testing they MUST put rollers under the wheels that are not on the test rollers or they will damage the transmission.
If the ABS is actually faulty, there will be a fault logged, diagnostics needed, where are you in France? I'm near Poitiers and have diagnostics.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Yeah, the guy would have driven it all of 10m to get it in the workshop, so the ABS light would not have gone out!
I've discovered that my brake problem is most likely down to some serious corrosion of the front discs - a section - approx one third of the disc surface - has rusted - which will be affecting the braking efficiency big time. I've ordered new discs and pads all round. That should sort it.. I'm just South of Vire in Basse Normandie - a long way from you, but the offer is appreciated. Thank you.
 
Rollover said:
Thanks for that. Yeah, the guy would have driven it all of 10m to get it in the workshop, so the ABS light would not have gone out!
I've discovered that my brake problem is most likely down to some serious corrosion of the front discs - a section - approx one third of the disc surface - has rusted - which will be affecting the braking efficiency big time. I've ordered new discs and pads all round. That should sort it.. I'm just South of Vire in Basse Normandie - a long way from you, but the offer is appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Has it been used much? A bit of use and the rust usually disappears.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Has it been used much? A bit of use and the rust usually disappears.
Click to expand...


Unfortunately, the bad rust on the disc(s) is deep-seated and shows no sign of rubbing off with use.

Sadly, it was stood for best part of year (due to me being preoccupied with a cancer diagnosis and ensuing treatment..), which it didn't take kindly to - a whole host of electrical problems developed. Some of which I'm still trying to figure out. Rapid (overnight) discharge of battery was traced to faulty Driver's door outstation. A blown 60A fuse traced to a short in the wiring loom running under the carpet by the driver's door...

Currently trying to figure out an issue with the driver's door latch, which won't respond to the remote, nor will manual key operation lock or unlock the car...!]

Also getting spurious warning messages when turning ignition on - and turning off after going for a run... eg: Gearbox Fault and/or Air Bag Fault + SRS light.
 
Rollover said:
Also getting spurious warning messages when turning ignition on - and turning off after going for a run... eg: Gearbox Fault and/or Air Bag Fault + SRS light.
Click to expand...
that sounds like the car battery is low and likely nothing to worry about. give it a good charge and take it from there
 
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