Modern cars (i.e. ones with ABS) typically do this when a fault in the ABS system is detected.

Disconnecting the battery was worth trying but not especially likely to clear a fault.

The system is tested briefly at ignition on, during which the ABS light is on, and if it passes the initial test the ABS light will then be turned off. It's worth waiting a few seconds to see if this happens.

If an error is flagged before movement, it's one type of error (such as bad connection to a sensor). If it does it after movement, it's another type (such as a sensor not picking up the wheel speed properly).

Typically, multiple checks are made and at (a couple of) different speeds.

So, when exactly does yours do this?

The ABS subsystem can usually be read by an appropriate code reader. I don't know if this applies to your specific car but someone else may say.

 

There's usually a test at about 10-15mph - which yours sounds to be passing - and then an on-going test all the time when moving.

If it only occurs going fast(ish) it can be a tyre that's different (size, inflation) or a wheel bearing.

In all cases it can be an ABS sensor (or dirt, especially rust particles, on one). You can clean the sensors on some cars if you're careful but I understand the Jag has sealed sensors which are not supposed to be removed. No idea how true that is, sorry!

If you don't usually fix this sort of thing, make notes about the circumstances of when the problem occurs (you're nearly there now) and they'll help the repairer when you take it in. They should be able to read any ABS codes, too.

Someone else help here please, I think I'm out of ideas!

 

That's not that odd. It could be a speed sensor that's cutting in and out or even a wheel bearing that's loose and allowing too much play and throwing the sensor into confusion. As you said, it will drive normally. You just don't have ABS. Hopefully, you won't need it!

 

Quick question. Did it just start one day after you started or did it come on while driving. I ask because I got the DSC not available and ABS fault warnings after making a quick left when it was damp out. It was just after getting the car. The DSC engaged then the warnings started. They would stay off for a while then come back on. To make a long story short, the dealer replaced the master cyl.

 

If the tires are the correct ones, properly balanced and properly inflated, it should not be them. But - make sure you have checked their pressures since then because they could be leaking. (Do this regularly even without new tires - smile.)

There's a chance they had trouble getting the wheels off. If they hit a wheel to break it loose that could upset a sensor. Not very likely, Id' think.

There's even a small chance they put one back on either slightly loose or misaligned. I hope not!

Idling in park.... starts to sound like a loose connection. About all that happens when idling like that: vibration and heat soak. Not much heat soak in a minute (i.e. almost none).

If ABS is unhappy, DSC will be disabled - same subsystem.

 

This may help:
http://www.topbuzz.co.uk/maintenance...esting_abs.htm