The ABS problem is adversely affecting my relationship. 😂

gendoolittle

New member
Sep 5, 2024
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This ABS problem is immensely frustrating me. I get a LR sensor short to another and LR sensor electrical fault code. I have replaced maybe four or five sensors since the start of the year. Each time I encounter the error, I change the sensor and copper insert, which resolves the issue for around one month or after driving in wet conditions. Today, I saw that the sensor was damp with various fluids. I am aware of a seal on the back half axle; nevertheless, might the differential fluid be adversely affecting these sensors? I will repair both rear half axle seals this month, hoping that the differential fluid is damaging the sensor. Interestingly, my girlfriend is somewhat upset that I still own my P38. However, I believe she will ultimately be alright.
 
Negative.

The issue is likely a wiring fault on the car side of the connection. Replacing the sensor displaces the wire. Subsequently, a month later, it either stabilizes or the compromised wire becomes moist.
 
Should I begin at the ABS ECU and follow the wire to the sensor? I am not averse to hardwiring the sensor into the ECU. I recall owning a Discovery 2, where some individuals used extended wired sensors connected to the ECU; however, I have been unable to locate a similar option for the P38.
 
They are already effectively hardwired. The wire originates from the ECU and connects directly to the sensor's connection. The connection is integrated at the cable's terminus, therefore preventing moisture ingress. Inspect the connection and the cable along its exposed length under the vehicle for any damage. The axle end containing the sensor should be devoid of differential oil; thus, it is necessary to replace the axle oil seals.
 
A replacement (pre-owned) ABS ECU was the solution.

I purchased one from Will Tillery, who dismantles these cars.
Ensure you get the 'newer' (1999-2002) model.
 
I examined "roverguy.com," and the site has not been updated since 2021. I often get my second-hand components from an other provider, although they all seem to be priced about $150. Thank you for the referrals.
 
Will's technology stack is outdated; yet, he consistently delivers high-quality components at competitive pricing and within deadlines. Indeed, several individuals provide these components efficiently.

Kindly inform us if this resolves the problem.

To enhance the search capabilities of this site, I am providing the text from Marty's site. If this is deemed inappropriate by the moderators, please feel free to modify it as necessary.

Repairs of ABS ECU from 1999 to 2002
The subsequent P38 Range Rovers (from the 1999 model year) were equipped with the enhanced WABCO 'D' ABS system, with Traction Control on all four wheels. Nonetheless, it seems to be a frequent occurrence that these ECUs deteriorate with time, with the only remedy being the replacement with either a used unit or a brand new ECU, which costs around £850.

I am glad to announce that, in addition to my other repaired or refurbished components, I can now fix certain ECUs and sell them to the P38 community at what I feel are fair pricing, providing more assurance than purchasing a used unit.

The malfunction of these devices is often identified as 'XX sensor short to another sensor' (where 'XX' denotes a corner of the car) in diagnostic fault codes, which remain unresolved even after sensor replacement. The predominant issue is "LH rear sensor short to another sensor"; if this persists after replacing the sensor, it is likely that the ECU is defective.

The first indication of an issue is often 'ABS FAULT' followed by 'TRACTION FAILURE' on the dashboard.
I have identified many similar failure locations in four ECUs and then replaced certain components on the PCB to address the faults.

The first ECU I fixed (from my 2001 P38) has functioned for the last several months without any recurrence of the issue. Additionally, the units enumerated above have all undergone road testing on my P38, with no 'sensor short to another sensor' error codes reappearing.
 
I will ensure to provide a report thereafter.

An intriguing event occurred today. The ABS and traction control lights extinguished; while braking, I heard a clicking sound under the dashboard, after which the lights reactivated.
I suspect I may have an accumulator problem.