Intermittent Traction Control Kicking-In

I have a strange and intermittent issue on my 2005 FL1 TD4. This is what happens...

The traction control and/or the ABS will operate on one of the rear wheels on a random basis. I think this is usually the left-hand rear. When it happens, it's usually immediately after exiting a right-hand turn. (Note - it's immediately after exiting, rather than when in the turn). Soon after one of these episodes I also had the ABS pulse through the pedal, this was on a gentle stop from round 10mph with no possibility of slippage.

The 3 Amigos will come on after each of these episodes and typically stay on for a few days. The lights will then randomly extinguish themselves until the next episode.

I suspect it isn't a faulty brake light switch because the brake lights still work while the 3 Amigos are on. The VCU also appears to be OK based on the tight-left/right-turn test.

I guess I need to get the codes read, but any ideas what it could be in the meantime ?

If the TC or ABS is triggering under normal road driving, then it's likely the wheel that's braking has a faulty reluctor in the bearing, or a loose bearing, or a weak sensor, or possibly a combination of those.

Check tyre pressures to. I assume they are all the same make/model.

Nodge68 said:

If the TC or ABS is triggering under normal road driving, then it's likely the wheel that's braking has a faulty reluctor in the bearing, or a loose bearing, or a weak sensor, or possibly a combination of those.

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Thanks Nodge68 - that all makes sense. I'll get my local 4x4 specialist on the case.

GrumpyGel said:

Check tyre pressures to. I assume they are all the same make/model.

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Thanks GrumpyGel - yes the tyres are same make and tread depth and the pressures are even.
Currently on Uniroyal Rainsport 5's which are idea for the current UK summer weather !

So here's an update which might help others with a similar issue.

First, I removed and cleaned the ABS sensors on both rear wheels. This improved things but didn't fix it - sometimes the 3 Amigos would stay off for the whole journey, but sometimes I'd feel the TCS kicking in soon after starting off and the 3 Amigos would come on.

Second, I fitted new ABS sensors on both wheels - so far the 3 Amigos have stayed off !
Hope I'm not speaking too soon ...

The sensors cost £30 for the pair off ebay which I think is a fair price.