From cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu Mon Jan  8 16:34:12 1996
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 16:33:58 -0500 (EST)
From: Charlene M Blake 
To: Brian Peter Gluckman 
Subject: Re: Brake failures on Bendix 10 ABS (fwd)
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My saga with the ABS.....


Newgroups: rec.autos.makers.chrysler
Subject: Re: Brake failures on Bendix 10 ABS

In article <42gmtv$lpp@portal.gmu.edu> you wrote:
: Curious (curious@hookup.net) wrote:
: : I'm conducting research into Chrysler products (minivans, Jeep Cherokees for example) with the Bendix 10 anti-lock braking system, in light of the U.S. investigation into alleged defects and intermittent brake failure. I would like to hear about people's experiences, especially from those in Canada. Please reply.  
: 	I have a 1992 Dodge Caravan SE minivan.  At 4000 miles or earlier,
: I began to note a strange pedal feel and sound (I know all about ABS
: and how they operate---this is not a "normal" situation).  The dealership
: could not duplicate and just blew brake dust out of the area.  This
: continued periodically, but since the dealership could not reproduce,
: I did not worry.  Then, at just 14,000 miles or so, the brake pedal
: would remain depressed after each and every use.  I had to actually
: pull the pedal back up with my foot.  I learned from someone following
: behind me that my rear brake lamps would remain lit all the time when
: this happened.  The brakes smelled "hot."  During this time, the parking
: brake pedal also had to be pull up to its "normal" position as it was
: not fully releasing.
: 	A trip to the dealership resulted in a TSB repair---installation
: of a brake pedal return spring kit.  This caused the pedal to feel
: excessively firm.  Subsequently, the brake pedal was difficult to push and
: the braking response was not good.  The van took much longer to stop
: as verified by an independent mechanic.  Again, back to the dealership
: where "unable to duplicate" was written on the work orders.  I continued
: to cite this problem but nothing was ever done.  Then, a "buzzing" sound
: became more prominent in the dash.  The dash instrument panel ABS
: light lit for longer period then went out.  Then, the next day the
: ABS light AND Brake light came on, stayed on a little while then went
: out.  Since I had had numerous electronic problems before this, I thought
: this might now be the case.  BUT, I did not ignore it because soon
: thereafter, I noted a dramatic reduction in braking ability.  The
: brake fluid level was checked by an independent mechanic who said
: the level was fine but he confirmed the braking reduction and said
: it should be checked immediately by the CC.  
: 	It was then revealed by the dealership that there was "very
: little pressure remaining in the system" and the van could not be
: driven.  This was days before taking a girl scout troop to a campsit
: some one hour away.  The explanation was that the parts are mechanical
: and such failures should be expected.  I was told that I would need
: a new hydraulic assembly which would cost $2100!  I got on the 
: phone to CC and they said my van was "out of warranty" and they
: did not owe me anything.  I told them what I thought about that.
: Then, they offered to pay for the part and not labor.  I had to
: beg for a rental so I could still go camping with the girl scouts.
: 	I had finally approved the work, reluctantly.  But, when
: I got back from the camping trip, I just happened to call the 
: NHTSA to see if there might be an investigation (I did this in
: 1993 when the rear window exploded spontaneously and learned that
: there was such an investigation then on the window problem).  Sure
: enough, they said there was an investigation.  I got CC to approve
: to have my brake parts to go to NHTSA.  I later learned I would
: need a new ABS pump also.  In the meantime, I consulted with an
: attorney (having documented other problems as under the lemon
: law).  I decided to NOT have the repair done and called to tell
: CC this.  I decided to disperse fliers to find other owners who
: might also have had the problem.  I found several immediately.
: Later, I went on-line and found many more.
: 	I learned there were 400 owner complaints to NHTSA in Oct.
: '94; then 900 in Feb. '95; and 1200 in April '95; now there are
: close to 2000, I understand---these minivans alone.  Mr. Reinhart
: at NHTSA who is heading up the investigation, says he wants to
: "wrap up this investigation" by summer's end, despite the fact 
: that many, many 1993 models (and even some 1994 models) are having
: problems right now.  Mr. Reinhart is at (202) 366-1573.  The
: Office of Defects # is (202) 366-2850.  Will the NHTSA safeguard
: the owners?  Guess only time will tell.  If you have had
: a brake failure in the Bendix-10 system, you may well want to make
: some phone calls.  Let me know what the response is.
: 	If the dealership tells you to *ignore* the intermittently
: flashing amber ABS light and/ or the red Brake light, BEWARE!
: Owners are losing braking ability following this event and in some
: cases WITHOUT warning.  The problem is often not diagnosed, but
: will CC take the responsibility if *you* lose your brakes following
: an "unable to duplicate" notice on your repair order.  I am afraid
: not.  Be your *own* safety advocate---document, file reports at
: NHTSA (800) 424-9393 and Center for Auto Safety (202) 328-7700,
: and monitor your braking ability closely.  If your ABS pump is
: cycling ("buzz" in dash) constantly, be extremely cautious.....
: --
: Charlene Blake
: Springfield, VA
: email: cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu
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--
Charlene Blake
Springfield, VA
email: cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu
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