(1997 XJ8 in UK). I have had 'Stability Control Fail' showing on the dashboard for most of the last 5 years with the brake icon lit up, (bottom right of RPM gauge). My mechanic checks the brakes fully enery 6 months and says that there is nothing wrong with them! In the past it has been on 75 % of the time but now more like 95% of the time! When the car goes in for MOT I have always been able to demonstrate that it is intermittent and thus get a 'pass'! This year I doubt that it will be seen to be out! Any thoughts about how I should search for a solution to this problem please?

 

The change in MoT regulations this year adds, amongst other warning systems, inspection of Electronic Stability Control.

The checks now include - correct operation of the ESC malfunction warning light together with looking for obviously missing, excessively damaged or inappropriately repaired or modified components and electrical wiring, as well as an ESC switch missing, insecure or faulty. Removing the bulb is not an option!

I've no doubt your mechanic is right when he tells you there is nothing wrong with the brakes. Apart from anything else, you would know if they weren't efficient or pulled to one side.

The issue is likely to be with the AntiLock Braking / Traction Control systems. The vehicle will be fitted with either an ABS (AntiLock Braking System) Control Module or an ABS/TC (AntiLock Braking System / Traction Control) Control Module.

There's quite a lot can go wrong with these systems but the first item to check should be the sensors that support them - the Wheel Speed Sensors. The Sensors could need cleaning or their harnesses may be damaged. This is a regular issue and a potential fault to be eliminated before jumping into more complex (and costly) possibilities.

Graham

 

Many thanks Graham.....particularly for your 'regular issue' comment. When I get to bottom of my particular fault I will report back for the benefit of others with same problem. Cheers.

 

Turned out to be the lead to the sensor so maybe not as expensive as might have been!

 

The lowest cost item in the system - always the best result with any fault.

Thanks for coming back with the solution. I've amended your thread title by adding 'RESOLVED' to help anyone searching for information on the same issue in the future.

Graham