ABS Module - 3 Lights Issue

Adas · #1 09-02-2018, 04:31 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm sure this has been discussed on the forum many times before, but I was hoping for more recent updates and experiences on this issue. I have a 2003 4.6is with the dreaded intermittent "3 lights" (ABS, brake, and traction control) coming on and the resultant 'Transmission Failsafe Program' kicking in when I hit 80mph (or thereabouts). It seems to be happening more regularly than it had been (I have had this car almost 3 years and it was pretty much doing it when I got it but I've learned to live with it). It is getting more frequent now, however, and it is just annoying and I want to fix it. When I spoke to my mechanic here in CO, he said that using BMW parts it is a $2k job (gulp!) I see that there is a non-BMW part through ECS Tuning for around the $500 mark that allegedly does the same job as a new OEM BMW part.

I have also investigated various shops who rebuild the part, but I have heard that this is pretty hit and miss and my concern is that I get a part sent out and get my mechanic to install but there is no guarantee from him (obviously) and he has had issues with using these rebuilt parts on Porsches etc (from the same company) and advises against it.

Anyone out there with experience of the other part through ECS, and/or other options?

And one final question - I'm presuming that the issue described above is definitely the ABS module? My mechanic (who I trust implicitly) has assured me that it is, just wondering if there is a potential misdiagnosis here and it could be another part?

upallnight · #2 09-02-2018, 05:33 PM

What are the codes that pop up with the lights? Just telling us you have the three lights on means you should have some trouble codes log in with one of the modules. Tell us the codes and maybe we can help you.

Adas · #3 09-03-2018, 03:03 PM

Not sure, Upallnight. I did purchase an OBC diagnostics reader a few years back but I have to say that it was pretty crappy and didn't really give me much by way of useful codes. I will try it again, and see what I can pull. But in general, does the 3-light-combo mean anything OTHER than the ABS module...?

upallnight · #4 09-03-2018, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adas

Not sure, Upallnight. I did purchase an OBC diagnostics reader a few years back but I have to say that it was pretty crappy and didn't really give me much by way of useful codes. I will try it again, and see what I can pull. But in general, does the 3-light-combo mean anything OTHER than the ABS module...?

Unless you purchased a scanner that can read ABS codes you will need to either get it scan at the dealer or an indy mechanic with the correct scanner or buy a scanner.

In the past, I used Carsoft 6.5 but with the X5 I am using BMW Scanner 1.4.

wpoll · #5 09-03-2018, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adas

... But in general, does the 3-light-combo mean anything OTHER than the ABS module...?

Yep, could be a number of things, although the most likely is the ABS. On later cars with xDrive, it could also be a worn transfer case gear but that doesn't apply to your car.

Given the lower cost of something like BMW Scanner 1.4 (vs the cost of replacing the ABS unit) it might be worth while getting a BMW-specific scanner, of finding somewhere/someone that has one.