B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Distraction; Troubleshooting; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft
While cruising at 38;000 feet in VFR conditions the TCAS RA alert sounded. The First Officer and I performed the memory items and initiated the commanded climb. I advised ATC of our situation and was told by the controller that no other aircraft were observed in our area. TCAS then commanded us to descend and we also complied while looking outside for any intruding aircraft. The alert then said we were clear and went away. We regained our original altitude with no further conversation with ATC. All appeared normal and we determined the alert was false. The TCAS gave us 2 more false alarms. The 2nd was level at 30;000 feet and the 3rd was at 3;000 feet. While being vectored for the ILS Approach. Once on the ground the faulty TCAS was written up. Maintenance and Dispatch were made aware of the problem. After talking to Maintenance I was informed the TCAS system had been a continuing problem with multiple write-ups. I believe we were the first to get an RA alert; but it would've helped if someone had given us a heads up.
A Flight Crew reported receiving false TCAS RA advisories and stated maintenance told them it was a recurring issue with their aircraft.