ABS/TC light coming on

Hi, I've got a problem with my 2000 diesel p38 where the abs and tc warning lights come on when I start up. The tc light comes on only when I touch the brake pedal. It started by flashing up then never happened again for a couple of days. Now it comes on all the time. The brakes are fine with the abs pump firing up as it should. The relay was cool to the touch. Took it to a mate who slapped on his snap on diagnosis gizmo. It said the relay needed replacing. So I replaced it. It still comes on. Does it need another diagnosis with the proper land rover gizmo so it could see if it's a sensor? Cheers.

Could be brakelight switch or wheel sensor. needs diag to establish fault. on a 2000 model it should self test and reset any soft fault.

Funny you should mention the brake switch. I ordered one at the same time as the relay that showed up on the diagnostic too. Maybe it'll sort itself out when it's fitted. To be honest I didn't think that would figure.

I'd push all the sensors in on each corner. They're only held in by a spring. Could be one of them has worked a little loose.

Don't know how the Snapon thing would work. Guess if it is expensive enough it might pick something up but usually you need Nanocom or similar.

How many presses of the brake pedal before the ABS pump goes again?

Change or reset the brake switch. Follow the instructions in RAVE when you do it. The brake switch is dual action, it makes one circuit and breaks another when the pedal is pressed. The two circuits MUST swap senses as the brake is pressed. If they don't you will get what you have. When you start the car both ABS and TC lamps should light. TC lamp should go off when minimum working pressure is achieved in accumulator. The car should not be driven until the TC goes out. ABS light should go off when car reaches 5 MPH. Also check ABS pump functioning as above the accumulator could be duff.

I'd get it proper diagnostics to see the fault. Had an ongoing issue with mine & was a wheel sensor. All I would say is if it is a wheel sensor get a proper Wabco as aftermarket are useless.

martynv8 said:

I'd get it proper diagnostics to see the fault. Had an ongoing issue with mine & was a wheel sensor. All I would say is if it is a wheel sensor get a proper Wabco as aftermarket are useless.

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Got a couple of front aftermarket sensors on eBay from a place in Bolton, made in France they are fine. Two years without a problem. £14.00 apiece. When received one was open circuit but was exchanged without fuss. So if you do get these check them on receipt.

wammers said:

Got a couple of front aftermarket sensors on eBay from a place in Bolton, made in France they are fine. Two years without a problem. £14.00 apiece. When received one was open circuit but was exchanged without fuss. So if you do get these check them on receipt.

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Must have had bad luck with mine. I got 1st aftermarket one from Rimmers, that worked fine for a week then started kicking in the ABS under normal breaking & quite scary. Then got one from Allmakes that again lasted 3 weeks before failing outright. Was starting to think I had other issues & swapped out the ECU but same issue.Then got a Wabco from a breakers on the bay (£12.00) & my ABS / TC all working as it should.

Grrrrrr said:

How many presses of the brake pedal before the ABS pump goes again?

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One pump, one pump only and it comes on. I'm confident it may be the brake switch which I've ordered. Hopefully that will sort it. Thanx

The abs pump should not run after one pump should be six iirc, sounds like your accumulator has gone the ball bit on top of pump easy to change depressurise the system 30 pumps on pedal and unscrew with strap wrench
and screw new on.

Try this cheap fix first., Get behind the drivers kick panel & clean or cut out the two white multi connectors & solder them straight through. When these plugs corrode they can put on the traction & abs light.

Sounds like there might be more than 1 issue.

Grrrrrr said:

Sounds like there might be more than 1 issue.

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A new relay went in the other day and now the brake plunger unit has arrived, hopefully this may sort it as the tc light only comes on when I brake to engage drive.

brianp38dse said:

The abs pump should not run after one pump should be six iirc, sounds like your accumulator has gone the ball bit on top of pump easy to change depressurise the system 30 pumps on pedal and unscrew with strap wrench
and screw new on.

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I have a spare one from my last accumulator change. I'll have to fit a new brake light unit which also showed up as a fault on the diagnostic. If it still comes on I'll change the accumulator bowl. Cheers.

Grrrrrr said:

How many presses of the brake pedal before the ABS pump goes again?

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Just the one press and on it comes.

blackburnbertie said:

Just the one press and on it comes.

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Air in system or accumulator would be first port of call. Should be at least 3 presses, preferably 5 or 6.

Grrrrrr said:

Air in system or accumulator would be first port of call. Should be at least 3 presses, preferably 5 or 6.

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If the system has the slightest bit of air alsorts of wowes start to unfold. Bleed as per rave, then do it all again. Fluid is cheaper than parts

Hi sports fans, good news. Fitted a new brake switch and the problem seems to have sorted itself out. Pressed brake pedal several times and TC light stayed off. Happy dayz.

blackburnbertie said:

Funny you should mention the brake switch. I ordered one at the same time as the relay that showed up on the diagnostic too. Maybe it'll sort itself out when it's fitted. To be honest I didn't think that would figure.

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Sorted mate, just fitted a new brake switch and pressed pedal several times and hey presto no TC light. Happy dayz.