We just had the first major storm of the year, and I was forced to drive in it. I got stuck in my parking lot (when arriving at my destination, thank God!), and I had to turn off DSC temporarily to try to throttle out of it. Unfortunately, after that, the yellow light came on and the message board said "ABS FAULT CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" At one point, I even think it said "DSC NOT AVAILABLE", but after I restarted, the DSC continued to work. However, the ABS fault message (and cruise warning) still persists.

I will check tomorrow on a restart to see if the problem is still there, but does anyone think I did any damage?

By the way, I was pretty impressed with how my XJ handled about 3" of snow with the stock Continental ContiProContact tires!

 

If this is like any other European car, it's more than likely a rear speed sensor. Maybe it just got wet in the snow?

 

Hmm.... I was hoping it would just be a hard-reboot thing. Haven't been out to the car since last night (parked in my garage spot 1/4 mile away).

 

well you may want to collect a few more opinions before trouble shooting, but in my experience (with BMW and Porsche), speed sensors are easy-- about as difficult as swapping out a sparkplug.

 

Swapping out a spark plug? Oh dear god! :P

Will I have to remove the wheels for that or can I just drive it up on ramps? Also, why does spinning a tire destroy a speed sensor?

 

Alan,
It sound very similar to the code you get if the car has been on the lift and the rear wheels has been spinning (this case - trying not to get stuck in the snow) without the front wheels spinning. I think it will reset itself?
Martin

 

I think Martin's right. These systems don't like wheel spin! Mine reset itself after wheel spin on gravel.

No snow here chaps! only El Nina!

 

Yup, the ABS light went off after about a half mile or so. Then after I restarted the engine, the "CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE" restriction was gone. Thanks guys!