I apologize for yet another question on this topic. I just got a 1999 XK8 with 103k miles, runs and looks great other than the typical ABS and Traction Control System light being on.

Before I tore into the ABS Module to check the solder joints and repair if necessary I tried cleaning the front wheel sensors. The dumb question I cannot figure out from reading lots of the post is this - if the front wheel sensors were indeed the culprit, do I have to clear the code somehow before the lights will go off or should the car be smart enough to figure out the problem is fixed and turn off the fault lights itself?

 

In most cases the code will stay until you clear it. Get a read and record the code and then clear the code. I cannot tell you how many times I would ask what was the code and they were unable to tell me including myself. If it comes back you still need to fix it.

 

Thanks, one more tidbit. The light does go on and off, sometimes staying off for quite some time. If you had to clear the code, wouldnt it stay on always?

 

My light would go off and at will. At times it my light would be off for a week and off and on at least 10 times in a day. I was told I needed a new ABS unit, I do need to tell you that I was dependent on a good mechanic at the time. Now on my 95xj6 my mechanic spent time checking for a bad connection on all the wheels. This car had a TSB on the ABS light. After spend a great deal of money on both ABS units I elected to do a little checking around. In doing so I found the cause of the ABS failure with a fix and I also found a place to make the repairs for around $100.00. You can find them on my webpage. I had not used the repair company but I thought it was a good find.

Clear your code and see if you continue to have the problem. If the problem continues check all the sensors and connections. If that fails look into the ABS unit.