Hey folks,

Bought an XJ8 with 27k miles. Stability Control Failure and ABS lights have been on.

Research says it is likely ABS control module which needs re-soldering. Also thought it could the various ABS fuses. Recent startup yielded sputtering and limp mode (could not rev past 3k).

On a hunch, I cleaned the MAF (seemed clean but I gently cleaned it anyway) and let the car idle for a bit to get fully up to temperature. No more lights nor limp mode!!

Could it really have been this simple? Possibly the result of a grannied engine and drivetrain that hasn't been fully up to temperature in years?

Car was driven by PO 600 miles in the last four years...

Thoughts?

 

Stability control and ABS are often displayed when the battery is low. Have it load tested at a local parts store.

 

Would be nice, but probably haven't got away with it that easily.

My guess is that the solder joints in the ABS module are the most likely cause and your ABS not available/limp mode will reoccur.

Removal of the ABS module is pretty easy, less than 20 minutes. There are posts describing how to cut into the module and re-solder the joints, I prefer to send it to specialists who repair, test and warranty for around $45.00

Check out post #3682 on page 93 of the "What did you do to your X308 today" thread
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-84298/page93/

 

The X308 has a history of the fuse link terminal nuts becoming loose

This is just after the battery positive terminal

 

Great info, thanks all!

 

Piling on a bit...
I had the same problem, It was the ABS module solder issue. I found a place on Ebay that will repair it for $45. They are down in the LA area. You pay on eBay and then send your module to them in the mail. They replace it and send your same module back.

I found YouTube videos that showed how to do resolder it myself but for $45 I figured it was worth having somebody do it with experience. It fixed my problem and am very happy with the results.

You can remove the module yourself and even still drive the car while you are waiting (I didn't though).
You can find YouTube videos that show the process. Note that you can remove the module without disconnecting the brake lines that go to it, A little wiggling necessary but possible. I would suggest that approach as you never have to open the lines and possibly get air in them.

 

also equally likely to be the microswitch on your brake pedal or a bad wheel sensor.

Easy test for the brake switch is to disable cruise control and see if trouble stays away.

a dirty /bad wheel sensor will give the same symptoms. I often see the same messages in the fall / winter, usually just for a short time after starting off until things get cleaned off. The symptoms usually disappear in the dry months