My wife just called to report the DSC warning light illuminating on her 2006 XK8's dashboard as she crossed over some railroad tracks. It scared her, so she pulled over, shut the car off, got the owners manual out of the glovebox, and looked up the appropriate DSC information (good for her). She didn't fully understand it, but noticed the part where it said "safe to drive". So she started the car, noticed the DSC warning light was now off, and continued on her way while calling me for advice....

I told her that she probably suffered some wheel slippage while crossing over the railroad tracks, causing the DSC warning light to come on. With her pulling over, shutting off the car, then re-starting it, she essentially reset the DSC and all is now normal....

I know that a dying battery often triggers false warning lights on the dash. I believe this car still has its factory battery, but I check the cells and add water as necessary and it has not exhibited any problems during our seven-plus weeks of ownership....

I believe that dirty or corroded wheel speed sensors can also trigger the DSC warning light. Any way of pinpointing which wheel is the guilty party?

Thoughts and suggestions? I believe it was simply the car reacting to the railroad tracks, but all opinions and advice are welcome. Need to keep her safe on the road....

 

Your wife found the owner's manual? Come on - you'll be telling us she's found the fuel tank filler cap next!

My experience with DSC is that it activates with the slightest wheelspin or spirited cornering. The flashing amber 'DSC' light is an indication it's operating and not a fault. A constant amber 'DSC System Fault' message lights up to indicate when there's a fault. Expect to see 'DSC' quite regularly.

Like you, I'd think exactly the same sequence of possible causes in order from slippage on the railtracks through wheel sensors to battery.

Unfortunate that the default for DSC system is 'ON' and this resets with each engine restart. Otherwise I'd just switch mine off and leave it off.

Graham

 

Does the ASC operate essentially the same on my 2000 XKR? I have seen it illuminate briefly on spirited cornering with acceleration. It has not remained lit.

 

yes, its the same message for your system david.

 

My DSC warning light came on last year and remained on for the rest of that day. The next day it was off and has not come on again. I was needless to say *happy*. (Maybe the bulb burned out and I`m in blissful ignorance)!

 

I see you have already posted in this thread, but I don't know if you read the whole thing. Graham does a nice job of explaining the two systems, how they work, and how they are different.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...dsc-off-70556/

 

I am a relatively new Jag owner, I have a 2003 XKR which I love, I have A DSC warning light which is on all the time now along with the ABS light. Unfortunately there are not a lot of garages here that have equipment to test what may be wrong. Should I continue to drive it? The brakes work fine although I have not had to stop in a hurry. I did read somewhere that this could be caused by a dirty sensor. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

A dirty sensor is one possible cause and you can easily check and rectify this yourself.

The permanent display of 'DSC System Fault' amber warning means that DSC may not activate under wheel spin or slide conditions. According to the Driver's handbook, the vehicle may still be driven.

The permanent display of the ABS warning light similary indicates ABS will not be available and the brakes will operate as they would on a vehicle not equiped with ABS.

Before assuming the worst and taking it to the dealer, have you tried clearing the messages?

Graham

 

The switch on the brake pedal can sometimes cause both faults and like you said it could also be a dirty wheel sensor. Rev. Sam posted some videos on the cleaning process. I think there is also a video of a brake switch replacement. Does your cruise control work?

 

+1 with itspec, almost forgot about that. Mine did the same thing...is your " Cruise Control Not Available "? 2003 and up the cruise is always on, so that came up first for me while driving down the highway. If its not on, I doubt it would be the switch though.

 

When I got the ABS / traction control fault message, the cruise control would no longer set.

Also, I was told by a Jag dealer (who read the codes) that an ABS sensor in the steering column may be a cause. Anybody hear of an ABS or traction control sensor in the steering column ?

 

not heard of anything in the steering column ABS or traction control related. He must be thinking of the clock spring, and thats an SRS system component, not an ABS.

if cruise control is affected, head straight to the pedal switch, do not pass go, do not collect.... you get the idea.