Yesterday, my MODX7 (OS v2.52) detuned itself by about 30 cents. I've tried initialising all settings to no avail. As a temporary fix I've adjusted the master tuning to 448Hz but I can't believe there's no onboard calibration for such an essential function.
You're quite right. The pitch wheel is continuously sending data. I don't understand why that's affecting the master tuning though.
Most likely there's something with the Mod or Pitch wheels. Maybe some dirt got in or, worst case, some potentiometer is failing.
Try some compressed air or circuit cleaner in the middle (axle) of the wheels.
BTW, you can check if that is the case by connecting the MODX to the computer and checking if there is some continuous MIDI activity (either in a DAW or with some MIDI monitoring software).