My car's ABS light is on and it also states "Stability System Inactive". My question is how do I tell if the ABS sensors are good or not? Thanks.

 

The first thing to do is get the system scanned with OBD II device that can read chassis codes. That will tell you which of the 4 sensors is causing the problem.
Once you know which sensor is bad then you can swap it with the opposite wheel and see if the fault travels to the new wheel. If it does the sensor is bad if it doesn't the it is probably the reluctor on the axle causing the problem.
One thing you can do is an inspection as to the condition of the wiring. It is possible you might have a damage wire to the sensor.
The first step in all trouble shooting is to see what Codes are stored and narrow down where the problem is.

 

It would be very unusual to have a bad sensor. The connecting cables are more likely to fail due to flexing, and often the code is caused by poor solder connections to the abs pump.

As Vern says, the quick way to resolve the problem is to read the codes. If you have a foreign car specialist in your area that can read the Jag codes that is the easiest way to locate the fault. There might be a software download for a smartphone that can do this, but my phone is dumb so I don't have a clue.

If you succeed in getting the codes read come back with the actual code and we will be able to help. If you let us know where you live someone may be able to suggest a shop.

 

The hard/true answer to you question is that you have to manage to get access to the factory software (dealer, etc.) and you run diagnostics. The software then tells you the code (s), and point you in the right direction, sensor or not.

The boring answer is that you start with the cheap stuff and you work your way up. Start by cleaning each sensor, and each wire connector to the sensors. Take advantage of the wheels being off, and bleed the calipers. Double check the rubber boots of the wire harness to each connector, and patch any problem. Also, check the wiring diagram and measure the connectivity of these harnesses back to the control module.

Normally, the more likely problem on the older car is that the ABS module itself is the problem. It apparently does not age well, and the power connectors to the circuit board become de-soldered. It can be re-soldered at home, apparently, or sent out to be rebuilt. There are lots of posts about this. AFAIK, these repairs are just about permanent, so a good use of resources.

Of course, these modules tend to be hungry on power, so ABS problems can be reported when the root cause is a weak battery not able to provide enough voltage when cranking to keep the electronic modules alive.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

If you want to try and chase this without going to a specialist, the link below will help. But the resistance reading of the sensors should be more like 1000-1040 ohms.

http://jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepa...heet%20XK8.pdf

 

I took the car into my mechanic. The sensors all tested fine, and the culprit is the ABS Module. Any suggestions as to the best place to get rebuilt one or new one? Thanks!

 

Most folks who have had their modules repaired through ASI in Tennessee (phone 866-983-6688) have been very pleased....

There was also a guy named Darrell Turner in California (phone 858-649-9090) that folks have had good success with....

Others have reported good results from SIA Electronics in Illinois (phone 800-737-0915)....


Call all of them, check their current repair prices and turnaround times, and report back with what you learn....

 

I wanted add that you should consider repairing/rebuilding your own module, in spite of the down time induced my mailing the module in, getting it repaired and then shipped back. If you were to source a new one (or one rebuilt already), there is always a chance the new module will be considered too new by your ECU (at the software/communication level), and require a visit to the dealer to be paired up, if at all possible. This is most likely to be a problem as your ECU is among the earliest. Just a thought.

Best of luck, keep us posted.