Solved! DSC ABS fault after sketchy tire check / alignment woes

[Micah247]

I've searched the forums, but can't find what I'm experiencing. I have 2006 4.4 E53 with Bav Auto lowering springs in front and ride height adjusters on stock bags in the rear. I love the kit BTW.

My front right tire looked very low. I added air and later that day had a shop check the tire for a leak. They used the lift to pick up just the front right side. I believe the car may have still been running at that point They sprayed the tire and stem down with soapy water, couldn't find a leak. The front wheel was removed, but it was a bit stuck they had to knock it off the hub. After dunking the wheel no leak was found so everything got reassembled. They said no charge. I gave him a few dollars tip and after idling for a few minutes I reversed out of the long parking lot and drove away. After driving down the street just a short distance my DSC light along with my ABS and brake light came on.

I called my mechanic he said try resetting the system by turning the wheel all the way to the left for 10 seconds then turn all the way to the right for 10 seconds center it, shut off the vehicle wait a second turn it back on. This worked I drove away and got on the highway for about 5 miles before the lights came on again. I tried the same process again except this time after clearing all the lights I disconnected the - battery cable to try to reset the code. This seem to work as I drove around the block to test it. The next morning I made sseveral lefts and rights traveling 3 miles before I got on the highway. I drove another 30 miles before the lights came on again. Now no amount of trickery will keep the DSC and ABS lights off for more than two seconds after turning on the car.

This is where the story takes an interesting turn. Several months ago I got an alignment done at a local Town Fair Tire. I know I'm ashamed. After the alignment I noticed my steering wheel was a little crooked to the right. The vehicle tracked perfectly straight, but the crooked wheel is obviously annoying. I brought it back to have it fixed, but there was no difference. I've had no time to bring it back again so I've just been driving around dealing with It.
I'm thinking if the alignment is not correct my steering tilt sensor will not reset Properly. The only other thing I can think of is the ABS wire or sensor got damaged when the wheel was removed.

I need to do 280 miles to and from Vermont this weekend. I planned on towing and 8 x 6 trailer with two large ATVs. I have an appointment at the Stealership on Monday. Would I cause any damage if I still drive the vehicle?

[David.X5]

The beginning of your description sounds like they engaged the wheels while the front end was off the ground and the rear was on the ground - is that what you meant? That is bad for AWD...

With all those lights on, you will not have antilock brakes or stability control - both good to have with a trailer.

Except for the first comment, I would guess they damaged the wheel speed sensor on the wheel that got removed. Dealers probably has them in stock ($120 or so) and one screw to swap it out. Then do the steering wheel turning thing to reset the system.

No idea why your wheel isn't centered - it is possible, but demented, to take steering wheel off, then reinstall it one or more spline out of whack then realign the car to make it go straight with the wheel uncentered, but why??

[Micah247]

The wheel is not centered because the alignment shop did not center the wheel properly before aligning it.

Yes they spun the font wheel while the rear was on the ground.

[LVP]

I would get it scanned by dealer or an independent with a proper scanner to assess. No sense chasing every possible thing that it could be. One good scan should tell you the issue and point you in the right direction. Bad sensor, angle sensor, ABS unit, etc. You could try cleaning the sensors and the rings off, but before buying parts or throwing money at it, get it scanned.

Fixing your steering wheel dead centre is just getting a proper alignment done. I've had best luck at the dealer. I also set my rear toe to near zero toe in (0.02 total). This save the rear tires from excessive wear, but it is outside of BMW spec. They don't mind as long as I pay the bill and sign off on it

[bcredliner]

If the jacked the front up enough to extend the rear suspension it is possible that when they lowered your X the sensor arm for ride height in the back went over center and is now reversed. Check the links on both sides and see if the arms on the sensors are both facing the same direction.

[Micah247]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

If the jacked the front up enough to extend the rear suspension it is possible that when they lowered your X the sensor arm for ride height in the back went over center and is now reversed. Check the links on both sides and see if the arms on the sensors are both facing the same direction.

Good idea, but when I crawled under there just now to check. They are both facing the same direction. I compared to the photos I took when they were installed one year ago and they are still the same.

I had my alignment done this morning and it's finally nice and straight. Let's see what the dealer has to say Monday morning.

[basicm]

I'm afraid your x drive actuator is fail now. They shouldn't lift one side only.


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[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by basicm

I'm afraid your x drive actuator is fail now. They shouldn't lift one side only.


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Why would that do it? Are you saying that the only way to lift the X5 without damaging it is to use a hydraulic lift?

[Micah247]

Dealer says it's the transfer case module. They only pulled codes though. I'm wondering if it could be the plastic gear on the actuator. Opinions?

[David.X5]

Dont know, I don't have XDrive. Many people simply flip the gear. Maybe you can talk the dealer into trying that before the more expensive repairs. The official line is that they are not repairable. The replacement gears are aftermarket products.