ABS TRCTION CONTROL ERROR MESSAGES

[ALANCASTER]

Hi, I have a 1999 xk8 which has show an error message relating to the abs and traction control. My local (non specialist) garage have said that a new abs module and pump are required (£2000)!!!! However the local main dealer has told me in a conversation on the phone that it is more likely to be just the module (£1000)!!!

Has anyone had a similar problem and does anyone know of a source for second hand components of this kind?

Alan

[Lisa]

Hello everyone,

My 2002 XK8 yesterday started showing the same message as A Lancaster mentions above. The orange ABS traction warning light came on and the odometer message showed "ASC unavailable"

The same error has flashed up before when I've gone over a pothole. But this time it came on and stayed on while I drove for a couple of miles. When I restarted the engine after that it had (thankfully!) gone.

I'm hoping that this is just a slightly loose electrical connection somewhere and not anything to worry about.

Has anyone else experienced the same problem and what did you do about it? I am hoping it's just something simple and not the first sign of some expensive trouble coming our way!

Thanks,
Lisa

[D_Doran]

Lisa, have a look at the thread 'Persistent Error Messages' in the electrics section. This is becoming a much more common error. My own problem was sorted by simply putting a new battery in the car. Jags seem to be very prone to all sorts of quirks with even the smallest drop in battery strength.

By the way, the ASC light will flick on driving over a pothole or a wet manhole cover while accelerating as one wheel wants to spin more than the other which still has good grip. The car limits the power to the wheels in this instance and flashes up ASC (Automatic Stability control). From how it was explained to me, it is like Traction Control for individual wheels to stop the back end fishtailing due to drive from one wheel only.. I'm sure some of the more technical bods on here will correct my layman terms with a factual description if I am way off the mark.

Good luck.

Damian

[daveji]

Had the same error message with my Nov 2001 X308 saloon.
A Jag factory diagnostic troubleshooter happened to be at my service agent at the time so he scanned my car with the IDS computer.
He said the scenario is this:-
The "Traction control not available" warning is triggered by the ECU when it receives a signal from the ABS module that its reference voltage has dropped below 9.3 volts.
The fault can only be:-
a) ABS module faulty......in which case the IDS scanner will show a B*** fault code.
b) If no fault code then the battery volts dropped below the reference voltage at the ABS module indicating low volts under load and a weak battery.
In my case there was no B*** fault code so the battery was changed.
Job done !!

[Lisa]

Thanks daveji and A Lancaster for the helpful replies.

I feel a bit silly now for not realising that ASC going over a pothole is what it is supposed to do !:) I've got a lot to learn...this forum really is a help!

Error message reappeared again yesterday and stayed on for a few minutes..off to have a read of "persistant error message thread now".

Hope it is just the battery!

Thanks again,
Lisa

[D_Doran]

A quick update on the Brake Control Module problems...

I recently sent my module away for repair. Most places will quote approx £200 for repair. I found a repairer on Ebay. Job done for £89.99 and it includes a 2 year warranty. The guy will have the module repaired in 1 working day.

I have no affiliation, but am VERY impressed by his work.

Company is called ECU Solutions Wales, based in Swansea.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XK8-XJ8-AB ... 4151f09850

Hopefully that link will work for those interested.

Damian

[G_J_W]

I often get the error message "Trac not avail" when I start the car (2002 XK8 - 20,000 miles). this happens more often when it is cold or wet, which originally made me think it was the battery. Unfortunately, after changing the battery, it still does it. I'm sure I have an electrical bug somewhere...

Worryingly, I actually had "Electrical Fault" come up about a month ago, but this went after 5-10 seconds and has not returned (touch wood).

I always ask my local Jaguar specialist to hook it up to the computer and check for faults when they have it for a service, but always comes back clear.

Any ideas or insight offered would be appreciated!

[aaj]

I had same problem last year

On mine it was the cable to the Front Left Wheel Sensor

(the cable gets fatigue due to the turning of the steering & fault showed up more when on full lock)

Allan

[Nik]

Get the codes read on a Genuine Jaguar WDS or IDS they tend to be much better at interrogating the system , but as Allan says , could be as simple as a wheel sensor ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

[steveandtina]

had same prob on my xjr.my son (vauxhall tech shame on him)took it to work unclipped cleaned wheel sensor connections pluged bak in good as new. cost 1 pint of carling

[G_J_W]

Thanks for the feedback.
I can only hope for the same Carling invoice!

Gary