Check Antilock

[MSchumak]

Two weeks ago I bought a used 90' Jeep Cherokee. A nice vehicle, I love it.
But it came without an operations manual. Since 2 days a sign named Check Antilock is litten. Does anyone know what does that means?

Thank you in advance!

Greetings from Germany,

Mike

[Jeepchickless]

Welcome to the board ! and congratulations on
the "new" Jeep !!

I don't know much about '90 models, but I am
assuming it means that there is a problem with
your anti-lock brake system. I think that would be
more of an electrical / computer problem than
actual mechanical problem with the brakes.
Hopefully someone else here can offer a suggestion
other than take it to the dealer, but that is the
only thing I could advise. Sorry.

David

[Yucca-man]

MMmmmm....Oktoberfest! :beer: :beer: :beer:

Check your brake fluid level. Also, make sure the parking brake is firmly 'down' as either of these might cause the 'brake' light to come on.

Hope that helps,
Jim :beer: Yucca-man
96 XJ

[satan]

The Check Antilock brake light on your 90 will come on for a few reasons (low fluid, slow pump pressure, computer fault, bad/disconnected sensor and others).

You have a Bendix-9 ABS system, which has a safety recall here in the USA (not sure how that'd be handled there) ; I've pasted the text of the NHTSA recall below -- hoping that'll help somehow:

The best thought would be to look at the basics.
fluid level - check this with your ignition key in the "run" position (engine doesn't need to be running), and allow the brake-pump to stop before looking at the reservoir - fill to the top of the "MAX" arrow. Most places are used to checking with the key "off" and that would cause them have not enough fluid in the reservoir bottle.

slow pump pressure - With the hand-brake pulled-up, start your Jeep and listen to how long the pump runs. The pump should stop in less than 4-minutes. Do not release the hand-brake or touch the brake pedal until the pump stops.
-- If the pump stops before 4-minutes, then your pump, actuator seals and the rest of the pressure system is in working order and you should look elsewhere.
-- If the pump runs for more than 4 minutes then your brake actuator piston assembly and/or the pump-motor assembly may be worn - these are the parts on the NHTSA recall. It's also possible that the relay controlling the pump and/or the switch controlling the relay could be bad.

computer fault - can't do much here without special tools - but on your '90, disconnecting the battery for 5 to 10-minutes may help clear the ABS computer's memory so you can start fresh.

bad/disconnected sensor - Look closely at all of the wiring associated with your ABS system -- the computer is underneath the rear seat on the left side of the vehicle - there are sensors at each wheel, and various connections to the pump, reservoir, distribution block, accumulator bloc, and stuff under the hood.

other - the Bendix system behaves oddly if you release the handbrake before the pump has built pressure - AND if you apply the brakes (foot pedal) while the system is trying to build pressure... if you ever drive with the hand-brake on, the computer also has "issues" (Most of these "other" items are related to the way the Bendix looks at the red "BRAKE" light on the dash pannel for input to some of its input)




National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall 96V260000: ABS Hydraulic Pump Failure
relates to: Chryser recall notice #702

Vehicles equipped with antilock brake system (ABS).

Antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear which could cause pump-motor deterioration.

If this occurs, the ABS function would be lose and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking. The instrument panel warning lights will signal system impairment and the base manual brakes will remain functional.

Dealers will test the vehicle's ABS and repair as necessary. The warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will be reimbursed for previous ABS component repair costs.

Owner Notification began April 24, 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.




{edit: typo on Chrysler's Number -- it's #702 -- verified}


Any help?

[thew_77]

Check the wiring coming out ouf the rear axil, after we lifed my brothers explorer the ABS wires got pinched and his light came on. Stupid computer crap.


:beer:

[MSchumak]

Thank you all for your help, ideas and suggestions!

[Jeepaholic]

The ABS systems on early XJ's were problematic. I was a tech at a Jeep dealer for years. There is indeed a recall, go have it done. It may well be done, and in that case, I'd remove the ABS system. If you need more help, email me or post.

[MSchumak]

It was indeed a problem withe the ABS system. I was at my local cryssler dealer and told them about my problem.

They said there was a recall im Germany too and the guarantee within they will repair the cars for free is 10 years or 160,000Km. My car is a 90'er, but they will repair it for free. :D :D

Right now they have my car for 3 weeks because they have problems with the delivery of the parts. No problem, right now I'm in Dallas TX, but next week I'm home and hopefully they are ready with my car...

[satan]

Glad to hear that there's a similar recall there (in the USa the recall is supposed to be a "lifetime" recall) ...

...even better news to hear that they will honor your claim evn though it's a bit out of date-range.

Good luck & safe journeys.

[MSchumak]

...and the best thing is: They are replacing the whole ABS (they said it), which is worth 2000 DM, which is about about 870$!

[satan]

Sounds about right for a new pump and control valve (they'll also be modifying a harness)...

... I was impressed with the performance difference after !