This is part of the stability control software (ESP, traction control etc) - the car compares the angle of your steering wheel input with the angle of the car (via a yaw sensor) and the speed of each wheel (via the wheel speed/ABS sensors) and if it detects that you're skidding/spinning it'll intervene as much as it can to bring you back.
The sensor itself is is in the steering column; it's an optical sensor and they are known to get dirty which means they stop working reliably. They can be re-calibrated, cleaned, or you can remove and replace it. It's been done by other forum members here so try doing a search to find any information on the actual procedure...
dan b you are the man just stripped it out give it a quick clean and all the warning lights are out lets hope they stay off thanks a million and merry christmas to you and everyone who uses this awesome money saving site