2006 X5 4.4i DSC Fault codes no Lights

[Rugerman21]

I have a 2006 X5 4.4i and I was scanning the ABS section for error codes as I have no DSC light on the instrument cluster when I try to turn DSC off or on. When starting the vehicle no lights come on in that section of the instrument cluster at all. I checked all the fuses listed for the ABS, ASC and DSC section in the Fuse box in the glove compartment. They are all good. My scanner showed the following codes initially :

5F3A - DSC: Transfer Case Malfunction
5EC0 - DSC: Steering Angle Sensor Plausibility
5F42 - DSC: Transmission Control, Limp Home Operation
5DD0 - DSC: Control Unit, Over Voltage
5EAC - DSC: DSC Sensor, Rotation Rate Plausibility
5D82 - DSC: Hydraulic Unit : Pump

I cleared the codes and then started the vehicle. Re read current codes now I have
5F3A
5EC0

My question is why do I have no error indications on the Instrument cluster lit. How can I check the instrument cluster to make sure the error indicator lights are working. What steps should I go thru to eliminate possibilities.

Thanks in Advance
Dan

[Rugerman21]

Just as an update, I went thru the steering angle adjustment procedure and took the vehicle out on the road for a few miles. The only error code that comes back is the 5F3A Transfer Case Malfunction code. Still no error light on the instrument cluster. Another question I have is does this error code disable the DSC and Descent Control buttons from functioning ? Neither button lights when pressed nor does depressing them light any indicator on the Instrument Cluster. Vehicle drives fine but I would like to get that error cleared and make sure the DSC and Descent Control work as designed. I have ordered the replacement gear for the Transfer Case Motor just in case. That will be next weeks project.

[Rugerman21]

Nobody has any ideas huh ? Well here is an update. I ordered the Transfer Case Actuator Gear since that is a known issue for the X5 and other BMW's and was the easiest thing to do initially. It was much easier to replace than the youtube video's showed. I did not need to remove the cross member in my 2006 X5 4.4i to get to the actuator motor. I removed it and sure enough the plastic internal gear was stripped in a couple of sections. Replaced the gear and re-installed the actuator motor into the transfer case. Start to finish less than 2 hours. A lot of that time was getting the plate cover off the motor. Cleaned inside and used moly grease to lubricate shaft and gear. Connected code ready and cleared previous error 5F3A Transfer Case Fault code. Started engine and no error codes came back up. Drove it a few miles roads and highway, still no error codes. I still have no DSC lights on the dash or 4x4 light either. I do get the light to light up on the Decent Control button. Hold the DSC button and still no DSC off warning light comes on. Having no error codes makes me feel pretty good but I would like to have and know the error indicator lights work so that will be the next part of my X project. By the way I love this vehicle ! Power, Smoothness and looks All Good !

[wpoll]

It is strange you don't see the DCS light at startup. Time to run OBC test 2 and check the cluster display operation.

BMW X5 - Access the Hidden Onboard Computer (OBC) Functions.

[Rugerman21]

Thanks for the reply. I just ran Test NR:02 and every light on the cluster and every digital display came on with the exception of the 3 indicators. TPMS, DCS, and whatever that 3rd indicator is. When I start the vehicle the TPMS light comes on and then goes out but the other 2 in that location do not. Those are surface mount LED's mounted on the main circuit board in the Instrument Cluster. Only the TPMS light ever lights and just on startup. I was hoping there was a test that would light those 3 indicators but have not found it yet. The vehicle does throw any error codes now that I replaced the Transfer Case Actuator gear this morning. Any other ideas? I am certainly open to any. Waiting on a 3 DVD set of the factory Maintenance Manuals to get here so I have schematics and all. I am fairly handy with tools and test equipment so not afraid to do anything just not sure what to try.

[Rugerman21]

Does not throw any errors.. sorry my hands work faster than my brain I guess..haha

[Zulu95]

I'm going back a bit here: A member a long time ago did not get the SES Light during POST. He stripped out the cluster and found the LED had been removed. Once he replaced it he found a problem was throwing the light and it cost him quite a few bucks and hours to go through the emissions system to cure the light then something else broke. That's when he gave up and the X became his ex.

[Rugerman21]

I have thought about the LED's being removed or "Fixed" in some way. That is my next mission maybe for tomorrow. I have an OBDII code reader that reads BMW codes. I had a number of error codes initially as my post indicates and have worked thru them all at present. This unit is in excellent shape for the mileage it has on it and I do not plan on getting rid of it. I was just curious if there was any normal reason that the DSC light could or would be disabled. Next option was funny business of course. Will look at that next.Thank you for your input.

[wpoll]

Start with the simple stuff - pop the switch panel out and verify the DSC switch is in fact working...

Unlikely, since you don't get the DSC (4x4) light at start up but maybe the system is disabled by a faulty switch (always closed - internally shorted).

[Rugerman21]

I thought I would go on a hunch and remove the Instrument cluster and did-assemble it. Sure enough the 2 LED's for the DCS error light and whatever light is to the right of it the LED's have been removed. I have to guess that was easier to do than for however to actually fix the reasons the light was on. The light was on due to the Transfer Case Actuator Gear being bad. $9.22 part off E-bay and less than 2 hours labor. My guess is the used car dealer I bought it from. That way they could show me the lack of error lights being lit. Damn that pisses me off. Cannot prove it was them but I doubt the people that owned the car for 11.5 years knew enough to take the Instrument cluster out and apart to remove that LED. Now I have to find a replacement LED to put back in. Anybody got the specs for that LED ?