The Anti-Lock Brake warning light came on today when I starter the car for some reason. I ran the car earlier today and the light wasn't on. It's a 96 XJS convertible. Any tips on what to look for? Thanks

 

Smartest thing to do is to get something that can pull the ABS codes.

I’m assuming you don’t have a WDS or PDU, or mongoose, or VCM.

In that case, you’re going to want to spend a little bit of money on iCarsoft i930. It has been confirmed to be able to pull the Jaguar specific ABS codes. It will probably pull the Jaguar specific transmission codes as well.

It can be found on eBay as well as Amazon.

Once you pull that ABS code, we can help
you get closer to a solution.

 

If GLM has a 6 cylinder XJS, that'll work. It won't work on a V12.
Jon

 

Vee & Jon, thanks for the replies. It is a 6 cylinder. Where is the plug in for the code reader located? I found a multipin plug in that looks similar to a computer plug in the trunk below the battery tray. Not sure what that is but I'm thinking it's not for the code reader. I appreciate the help. Thanks

 

GLM,

Your OBDII plug is on the inner passenger A-Post.

Also, if the ABS light just came on with ignition and then extinguished after the car was started or once you started to drive, I wouldn't worry about it. It may just be an inadvertent signal from a sensor. It's only if it doesn't extinguish or comes on when driving that you'd be concerned.

Get the code read anyway and let us know if you need that interpreting.

Paul

 

Yes, you're OBD2 plug is above your left leg, under the drivers side panel. You'll find it.

Having a device that pulls all the codes is a valuable tool to have for this car.

 

Vee,

Tks for clarifying the position on a LHD car. It's on the left side on a RHD car so I assume Jaguar would swap it for LHD cars. . But I forgot that the US had a requirement that it had to be located within x inches of the steering wheel, so I guess that's it was always fitted on the LH side on an XJS, as the UK didn't care where it was located.

Cheers

Paul

 

Agree.

When warning stays on after starting it is most sensor related. When it comes on while driving it is usually an Anti-Lock Brake module problem.

 

I don't know about ROW but US cars have to have the OBDII connector within 18" of the steering wheel by law.

 

Let's not speculate here. I had an issue with mine (and its the same MY as the OP), and it wasn't the module, it was the passengers side ABS wheel sensor. I would clean it, and it would be fine for months. When months turned into weeks, I replaced it at an eye watering $550.

 

When you start the car, the module checks the sensors. If they give a signal, the warning light goes out. When a sensor gives no signal, warning light stays on. If you drive faster than 10 miles per hour and the warning light comes on, you have a module problem.

 

Let’s just wait and see what code he’s got.

For the wheel sensor, as soon as you lose signal while driving, if only briefly, the ABS light comes on.

I’m sure the fault can be a known problem with solder joints on the module or it could be losing contact with one of the outrageously expensive wheel sensors….or something else.

 

Even small things can cause the ABS light. Today I did an extensive cleaning of my wheels on my 1995.25 V12, using a bunch of water and cleaner. I drove it a couple of hours later, and the ABS light came after I got up to a few MPH. It can on again after restarting after my first destination, but didn't come on again after my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stops. I suspect one of the sensors got damp and then dried out, but no clue which one.
Jon

 

Thanks to everyone on your input. I'm going to buy a code reader and go from there. I'll let you know how it goes. GLM

 

A GENERIC DTC code reader will NOT access the SRS, ABS, or any other modules on any network.
The ONLY module that is by law accessed by all DTC readers is the ECM.

The P codes are generic but the B, C, U, codes are proprietary.

 

Post #2 has the recommended reader that includes ABS and most likely Transmission codes