When my wife left in our 2001 S-TYPE (4.0) for a meeting tonight she got only a couple of blocks before she returned with the traction control icon lit, the ABS light on, and a "Traction Control Fault" message.

The manual says it's safe to drive but "things may not work quite right"; report it to the Jaguar dealer. Any thoughts before I schedule an appointment at the other end of a 60 mile rip?

Dave Belanger

Submitted by dgbelanger@att.net on Tue, 08/02/2011 - 15:46

Brad -

Let me correct a misconception in your post. The ABS/Traction Control problems are with our 2001 S-TYTPE, NOT the 2000 Seafrost S-TYPE which has won 6 JCNA Championships in Class C-17 (2005 thru 2010).

The 2001 went to Santa Maria for Western States in 2010, won its class in the Driven Division Concours, and brought home rally and slalom trophies as well, but beyond that it has not competed. A rear wheel sensor is on order for replacement later this week..
The 2000 finished - not with brake problems - but with a perfect 100.00 score in its last Concours, then competed ina slalom, laid out a TSD rally , and was on display at Jaguar Heritage Day at one of our local dealerships.

Submitted by TheRealLiftMan… on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 21:22

All due respect, is it really time to leave the summit with an ongoing brake problem? We are genuinely disappointed that you have decided to ÔÇ£DisplayÔÇØ only this season, there are so few of us active. On the other hand just pulling the cover on a ÔÇ£DisplayÔÇØ is much less exhausting than prepping an everyday driver. Someday I hope to make the same determination, but then again maybe not.
But ever willing to help, another contaminate consideration (other than the virus) may be dust mites from the cover?
If you rule out the topical contaminate, maybe placing the cover below would rule out a leak unless its coming from the Mustang.
Not far from here are the ÔÇ£FallsÔÇØ where Ford, Einstein and Firestone roasted marshmallows together. Bet Jaguar (Swallow) wasnÔÇÖt mentioned once? How the times have changed. Good luck with whatever your efforts in the 2011 campaign. With luck maybe will meet on the field of display.
Brad and Melanie

Submitted by dgbelanger@att.net on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 21:54

Brad & Melanie -

You can take your tongues out of your cheeks; I told tpeople in the South Central Region that 2010 would be my last season to show competitively. I don't think a boot-full of strong garlic would deter a determined judge in search of a deduction! With regard to your suggestion, I have the '00 S-TYPE separated from the "01 by an XK8 and a Mustang and it is under a cover as well. It may be on display a couple of times this year.

So... start cleaning. There's room at the top! Good luck.

Submitted by TheRealLiftMan… on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 21:07

I have heard of the problem but I was sure Jag had it under control. ItÔÇÖs a virus that will most likely migrate to your other S Type. The only cure is to put both in cold storage until the close of the 2011 Concourse season, light lots of candles, cross your fingers, and load the boot's with garlic, LOTS of garlic.
Best wishes
Brad and Melanie
Proud parents of ARRR
2005 S Type R
:)

Submitted by dgbelanger@att.net on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 17:03

Dick -

Thanks for the response. The ABS light is on continuously. The traction Control light does not come on immediately but will appear after traveling a few feet. This morning I started the car, backed it out of the garage, pulled it back in, and repeated the process (about 30 ft) without seeing the TC light. I backed straight into the street, put it in Drive, and turned down a cul de sac. The TC light and message reappeared and I couldn't make them go away although I tried pressing the TC button on the console several times. The ABS light never went out.

Bottom line - to answer your question - it is repeatable.

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 08:42

On the earlier cars, it is possible to trigger the fault code by backing out of a parking space while turning sharply. The system watches the wheel speed and if they vary greatly, the system shuts down. After 2 miles, chances are that is not the case. However, it is hard to fix it if the light does not stay on so check again today. Once the fault is repeatable, it should be easy to diagnose. With the system off, you will not have antilock brakes or traction control. You will have brakes as normal in most cases.