Jaguars are reliable and luxurious vehicles, but one problem that many Jaguar owners face is ABS accumulator failure. This is a component of your vehicle that is vital to the safety of both you and any other drivers on the road, so it’s important to know what to look out for that will tell you when it might be malfunctioning. Read on to learn more about what the ABS accumulator is, what causes it to fail, and how to get it fixed when it does fail.
The Purpose of the ABS Accumulator
The ABS accumulator in your Jaguar functions as part of the vehicle’s braking system. More specifically, it is where the hydraulic pressure required by the brake’s hold-release-reapply cycle is stored. There are many different components of the ABS accumulator, but one of the most important is the rubber diaphragm, which builds up the pressure using nitrogen gas.
An electric pump is used to power the normal braking system, while the ABS accumulator is designed more for emergency situations. If a car in front of you suddenly stops or an animal unexpectedly runs across the road in front of you, you need to be able to stop your car immediately. The ABS accumulator helps you accomplish this task.
Signs of a Failing ABS Accumulator
There are a few different ways that you will be able to tell when the ABS accumulator in your Jaguar is starting to fail. Here they are:
● Unresponsive brakes/less resistance in braking: Normally, you do not have to press hard on the brake to get it to react. If you instead step on the brake pedal and it depresses deeply, it is a sign that there is something wrong. The brakes will take a lot longer to react to slow the car down or worse, they may not engage at all, which is very dangerous in emergency situations.
● Brakes locking up: On the opposite end of the spectrum, it could be a sign of ABS accumulator failure if you press the brakes and they lock up, causing the car to stop far more quickly than you intended. This can lead to skidding or a rear-end collision, as drivers behind you are unprepared for such a sudden stop.
● Warning lights: As a general rule, if you see a warning light on your dashboard, you should bring your vehicle to our shop to get it checked out. In this case, you may either see a light that specifically warns you about the ABS system, or, if your vintage Jaguar doesn’t have that warning light, you may see a general check engine light. It will most likely light up in either red or an amber color.
What to Do About a Failing ABS Accumulator
When it comes to luxury car brands like Jaguars, it is generally best practice to take them into a repair shop whenever there are any problems. Many luxury cars require specialized parts and expertise, so unless you are extremely knowledgeable about car repair and have experience working specifically with Jaguars, you are likely to do more harm than good by trying to DIY a solution.
Bringing your car into a mechanic also removes guesswork, since Jaguar-trained mechanics will have the equipment necessary to diagnose the root of the problem and inform you of your options. This is particularly useful when it comes to brake problems, since similar symptoms will crop up for many different types of problems.
Royalty Auto Service: We are Your Jaguar Specialists
With that being said, if you think your Jaguar is experiencing ABS accumulator failure or any other automotive problem, Royalty Auto Service is here to help you get back onto the road as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We are conveniently located for customers in or near Amelia Island, Brunswick, Kingsland, King Bay Base, Woodbine, Yulee, and St Marys, Georgia. If you would like to learn more about us, our services, or how we can get your Jaguar back into shape, please call us and schedule an appointment today! We’d love to get to know you and earn your repeat business for all your Jaguar's needs.