xj8 1999 - asb light is o with the message stability control fail. What is my problem and how can it be solved?

 

Hello panncampbell,

Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us.

The fastest way to diagnose the cause of your ABS and Stability Control warnings is to have the vehicle scanned by a system capable of reading the proprietary Jaguar Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Most generic OBDII scanners can only read the Powertrain (P-prefix) codes, but codes related to the Anti-Lock Brake System and Stability Control system tend to be proprietary Chassis (C-prefix) and Network (U-prefix) codes.

Common causes of these warning lamps are a wheel speed sensor that has failed or has accumulated enough magnetic debris that its signal has become implausible, or its wiring harness has a broken wire or a problem with its electrical connector. Less frequently but not uncommonly on these models, poor solder joints on the circuit board of the ABS Control Module crack; especially at the two large pins for the ABS pump connector, but also at some of the smaller pins for the main module connector where the wheel speed sensor signals arrive. Many of the solder joints tend to have been starved of sufficient solder at the factory.

All of these issues are repairable, but the DTCs will help steer you in the right direction and save a lot of time and money. Once you have the codes, post them here and we'll try to help.

In the meantime, please visit the New Member Area - Intro a MUST and post a required introduction so we can learn something about you and your Jaguar and give you a proper welcome.

Cheers,

Don

 

Hi Patricia,

Somehow you posted this message as a poll in the forum for the Jaguar I-Pace EV. If you will simply click the Quick Reply button below, your response will post to this thread in the forum for the X308, which is the Jaguar factory project code for your 1999 XJ8.

These warning lamps indicate that the Anti-lock Brake System and Stability Control System, which are inter-related, have a malfunction and are not operational. This can affect your safety on wet roads or in other low-traction situations. You can usually continue to drive the vehicle, but the issues that trigger these warning lamps can also cause the engine to enter Restricted Performance, which limits the engine rpm to allow you to limp the vehicle to a safe place to stop.

A knowledgeable Jaguar specialist will usually have no trouble diagnosing and correcting the most common issues that trigger these warning lamps, though it can take time to pinpoint and correct the problem.

See if you can find a local shop with a diagnostic system capable of reading the proprietary Jaguar diagnostic trouble codes. These systems include the Jaguar IDS, WDS or SDD systems, which some independent shops may have, or a third-party system such as a higher-end Autel (MaxiSys) or Launch (X-431 Pro), or a system like AutoEnginuity with the Jaguar enhancement. It is possible that some Snap On scanners can read the Jaguar codes, but they're support for European cars tends to be less complete compared to Autel and Launch.

Please post the DTCs here and we'll try to help.

Cheers,

Don

 

In the 4 X308s I have owned the culprit was always the the solder in the ABS control module. Have this confirmed with diagnostic testing but if this is confirmed there are a number of shops that will send a rebuilt unit in exchange for your broken unit usually for a couple hundred dollars. If you can remove the unit yourself (looking from the driver's seat it is in the front left of the engine bay right behind the headlamps) you can save over the likely much more expensive shop repair bill. My apologies I don't have the link but there are a number of threads detailing this procedure on this forum.