4x4 Warning Light on Dash ?

X5_Rob · #1 03-07-2013, 11:24 AM

I've done several searches for "4x4 issue" "4x4 warning light", etc. and coming up with nothing on the forum.. I must be searching the wrong keyword as I can't imagine others haven't posted regarding...

The 4x4 light on the dash just came on a couple of weeks ago.. Its gone off a few times but for the most part its on all the time.

Is there anything I can check on my own - common symptoms that cause the 4 wheel drive system to go into error?

THanks much,
Rob

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bagpype · #2 03-07-2013, 01:33 PM

Isit just the 4x4 light? On mine the 4x4 abs and traction lights came on at the sametime. It turnedout to be the transfer case actuator motor. Theres a worm gear that strips a plastic gear inside. It can be turned around easily if that is your problem. How to check? Listen when you turn your x off. It will usally click a few times under the truck after its turned off. Again, easy fix if it is. Go listen and report back.

TerminatorX5 · #3 03-07-2013, 01:44 PM

could be a wheel sensor... do you have means of reading the error codes off the OBDII?

hoaesq · #4 03-07-2013, 02:05 PM

For the time being - try starting the engine and turning the wheel to the left then back to the right and back to the left. Make sure you make a full turn on ech side. I believe this will rest it. Then get the code(s) read as TermX recommended.

X5_Rob · #5 03-07-2013, 02:48 PM

Bag - I listened and don't hear a thing when I shut her down... It started out intermittent light on but after a few weeks it seems to be permament.

btw - it's only the "4x4" light on the dash.. no other warning light is on...

Term- I don't have a device to read the codes... I will look for a shop locally that can let me know for a small fee I'm hoping vs. dealer..

I did start the car and turn the wheels back and forth as suggested.. Light is still on - next step will be to get the code read if possible...

Thanks.
Rob

upallnight · #6 03-07-2013, 04:05 PM

What is the code that is associated with the light? If the light comes on there a code. And the code will tell you what is causing the problem, or what the problem is. Right now it just a WAG (Wild Ass Guess). Could be the stripped plastic gear in the transfer case.

X5_Rob · #7 03-07-2013, 05:09 PM

Other than the dealer how do you get the codes from the computer? I called Advance Auto who said they would hook up there OBDII reader for free and give me the codes but it didn't see any.. It was a little pocket calculator sized thing that apparently only reads "check engine light" type of codes... I then went to the Tires Plus shop near my house.. They too offered for free to read the codes.. They hooked up a much more robust type thing to my X... size of a laptop.. again it didn't capture any codes...

Is the dealer the only place to get the codes read? I called my local BMW dealer and they want $130 just to tell me what the damn codes are...

Can one purchase an OBDII code reader on eBay, etc?

Thanks guys.
Rob

rb0135 · #8 03-07-2013, 05:22 PM

A simple search on this forum show Steering angle sensor the culprit. Especially if you did what hoaesq mentioned and it is still on.

BUT, I agree with the others, you have to get the code/s to know for sure.

X5_Rob · #9 03-07-2013, 05:37 PM

sorry for the simple question as this issue is beyond my experience.. Does this mean the steering angle needs to be corrected/adjusted or does this mean the sensor itself is bad and needs to be replaced?

upallnight · #10 03-07-2013, 05:37 PM

I use BMW Scanner 1.4 to read codes. It's about $40.00 bucks on the net and you will need a laptop or desktop. If you have the round 20pins connector in the engine compartment, you will need to get a cable adapter. Some codes can only be read from the round 20 pins connector, perhaps that is why the other code reader wasn't able to read the code. What year is your X ?

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