P0500 Speed Sensor

[CapeX5]

SOLVED. Had my ABS module rebuilt just a couple of months ago. Took care of all my lights on dash. Have been working on the X for a couple of weeks and wrapped the work up. Never had battery disconnected and it is fully charged. Took it out this morning and bang, tricfecta of lights on again. I get the above code "speed sensor fault". It went away a couple of times during the day only to return. After doing some research, all posts lead to the module being defective. I can see on my scanner that all 4 wheel sensors are putting out a signal for RPM's. Your thoughts? Take it out again and return for warranty work?? Had it done at BBA, very reputable place.
Thanks
I did not get my INPA up and working yet, but through process of elimination I found that the left rear sensor was bad. Replaced, all good again. Waiting on next snow storm to check the AWD operation. Thanks for all the help

[upallnight]

The three times that I got the trifecta of light on, it was always a speed sensor. With the exception of the right front sensor, all the other were replaced at one time or another. BMW specific software should identify which speed sensor is bad.

Is the speedometer working? If not replace the left rear speed sensor.

[CapeX5]

Originally Posted by upallnight

The three times that I got the trifecta of light on, it was always a speed sensor. With the exception of the right front sensor, all the other were replaced at one time or another. BMW specific software should identify which speed sensor is bad.

Is the speedometer working? If not replace the left rear speed sensor.

Thanks Up, Yes, the speedo and cruise is working fine. My scanner is showing that I am getting signal from all 4 so that is what leads me to go to the module. I actually just removed it. Love doing that in 23degree weather. Will physically take it back to BBA tomorrow and see what they say. How did you diagnose that you had sensor issues? Would like to know that for future reference.
Thanks

[CapeX5]

Took the ABS module to BBA this morning and it checked out fine. Damn. Took the 2 front sensors out and cleaned them. Nothing looked unusual. I have already replaced the left rear about 2 months ago. Again, my speedo, fuel consumption, cruise all work fine. On my code reader/scanner I am getting an RPM reading out of all 4 sensors. What I am not getting is a "road speed" reading. Where the heck would that come from. My scanner won't do ABS diagnostics. Upon reinstalling the module this morning, all lights went out on initial test drive but were back on within 1/2 mile. Obviously the computer did a scan and found another fault. f'n complicated…..thanks for help.

[David.X5]

I had an intermittent fault in a speed sensor that did something like this. Some code readers can also get "freeze frame" data related to the code.

Anyway, my problem was self inflicted. I zip tied the speed sensor cable in place because the original clip was broken and I didn't leave enough slack. Anytime I executive a hard right turn (like parking) I would get a fault. I could clear it and it would stay away until the next hard right...

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by CapeX5

Thanks Up, Yes, the speedo and cruise is working fine. My scanner is showing that I am getting signal from all 4 so that is what leads me to go to the module. I actually just removed it. Love doing that in 23degree weather. Will physically take it back to BBA tomorrow and see what they say. How did you diagnose that you had sensor issues? Would like to know that for future reference.
Thanks

I run a BMW specific software on a window platform. When I had an E34 it was Carsoft 6.5, but I have upgraded to BMW Scanner 1.4 with the X. I have heard and read that sometimes a bad wheel bearing will allow enough movement between the speed sensor and the sensor ring to cause a trouble code.

Isn't the speedometer also the road speed?

[Helihover]

I wanna say there's a speed sensor in the tranny too.....

Manuals only?

[Helihover]

OP you can test your wheel speed sensors with an analog multimeter.

If you continue down this path of self diagnostics, you need to ditch your code reader and get some software. The software is free and the cable can be had for 15-20 bucks. The first time you run a code with this set up, you made yourself 50 bucks!!! You will need a laptop, preferably one with XP.

[David.X5]

If there is a speed sensor in the tranny, it is not part of the ABS/DSC system that makes these faults. The speedo reads vehicle speed off one rear wheel.

[CapeX5]

Originally Posted by Helihover

OP you can test your wheel speed sensors with an analog multimeter.

If you continue down this path of self diagnostics, you need to ditch your code reader and get some software. The software is free and the cable can be had for 15-20 bucks. The first time you run a code with this set up, you made yourself 50 bucks!!! You will need a laptop, preferably one with XP.

Heli,
I have bought the software and the cable. I am such a nerd and only know Mac systems. Also picked up a Windows laptop but couldn't figure out how to even install the software. Have an IT friend who I just gave the computer to tonight that will install it and hopefully show me how to use it. I am pretty sure once I have this "tool" I will be able to diagnose exactly what the issue is.