Road testing my car today exploring a power related problem, had to give it some beans, wheels spun up as if tcs didn't come on at all.  Shortly after I stopped to unplug MAF, started up again and tcs light was on and stayed on, as if its switched off.  Car was switched off and on a few times after but light is still on. I have read that its linked to the ABS system and so it could be the ABS sensor?  Do I need a scan?  I've just downloaded vcds-lite and ordered a cable anyway for other reasons, will that tell me what I need to know?

Usually stays on when you unplug the maf with the engine running or unplug it and start the engine

I think this is normal when the mafs unplugged but it usually clears itself after turning the ignition off and back on.

It is odd how it didn't come on after a rather violent wheelspin when something could have been shocked, but came on after maf was unplugged.  Thought it may have cleared after a couple of ignition cycles though, was left for a good few minutes in between runs.

The TC is not the best compared to the current systems. I once in a rage engaged in a brutal launch managed to smoke the fronts with the TC on....no hint of any control.....maybe it gives up at a certain speed/revs?

I did give it a fair whack, I agree it is a bit pants. I just want to know why the light hasn't gone off. As pants as it is I was at least able to turn it on and off before.

Try disconnecting the battery for a little bit. This should clear faults stored.