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  #1  
Old 01-16-2020, 05:36 PM
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4x4 only light on -- I don't think it's the usual suspects--

Hello guys,
I have a problem that I can't figure out.

I have a 2006 X5 4.4 175,000mi

About a month ago the yellow 4x4 warning light began to illuminate randomly then go off after 20-30sec, nothing seemed to be wrong.

Then two weeks ago it started coming on every time I accelerated and I could feel a small kick or jolt when the light would illuminate.

I have a scan tool (Foxwell 510elite) and pulled the codes,

5EB1 DSC: Steering-angle sensor. supply
5F42 DSC: Transmission control, limp-home operation
5DD0 DSC: Control Unit, overvoltage
5DEC DSC: Transfer case malfunction

I have owed this E53 for 3yrs now and this is the first time I have pulled the codes since I purchased it so I am not sure how long they have been in there. I did a battery last year and programed it but I don't remember codes then.I cleared them and after a few days of driving with the 4x4 lighting every time I leave a stop light the only code to return is

5DEC DSC: Transfer case malfunction

I checked the usual suspects

-The transfer case actuator gear was replace 20k ago, and I can run the actuator test and it doesn't click when the truck is turned off.

-I can see the Steering angle sensor sweep thru 620 to -619 smoothly

-I can watch the DSC sensor (YAW) move as I do circles in the parking lot.

-All the wheel speed sensors are reporting and all 4 read the same.

It seemed to drive Ok so I was just driving it that way.

-------Then it snowed-----

I got stuck at the bottom of my hill
The 4x4 works at idle and up to about 5mph then the jolt I was feeling is the actuator pulling back(I could watch this with the scanner) and I completely loose any power to the front wheels.
Once I finally inched my way up the ice hill idling, I decided to just double check the T/C gear. I took it off and I would say it was 10% worn I spun it 180 and put it back in then went for drive. STUCK AGAIN.

Now I get 2 codes

5DEC DSC: Transfer case malfunction
55C4 No message from DSC

Still only the yellow 4x4 light.
The ABS and the DSC work. Going down the ice hill the ABS and stability control work to keep me straight.

I again went thru all the modules to see what wasn't talking to the GM and all looked ok. I cleared codes and the only code to come back was the
5DEC DSC: Transfer case malfunction.



Any insight or further trouble shooting suggestions would be appreciated!!

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 01-16-2020, 05:47 PM
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4x4 only light on -- I don't think it's the usual suspects--

It is interesting that you got TC malfunction yet brake light.

I’m replacing a TC on a 328xi that’s basically has the same internal tc fault but in my case the tc was damaged and leaked out all the fluid.

Check your TC fluid level and smell for burnt. I didn’t read above if you replaced the TC fluid but when the fluid wears it will set an error I’m not sure which but it would make sense to act like you are describing: 4x4 disabled but no abs or brake light.
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Last edited by andrewwynn; 01-16-2020 at 05:56 PM.
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Old 01-16-2020, 08:38 PM
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+1 on the fluid - it's not lifetime (no fluid is) and this ATC500 transfer case needs a specific fluid. You also need to run the oil wear adaptation reset routine via DIS/ISTA or a Foxwell etc. device once you have replaced the oil - and don't skip this bit, as it's important!!
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Old 01-16-2020, 08:49 PM
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Would a weak battery cause something like this too?
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Old 01-16-2020, 08:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amancuso View Post
Would a weak battery cause something like this too?
Potentially. I got this 4x4 light briefly last week - went away again though.

I also get it flash up briefly most mornings when I start the car - and I know my battery is on it's last legs - it has developed a high internal resistance (sulphated probably) and the terminal voltage drops excessively when drawing a high current (starting a diesel!).

So yeah, a low voltage condition will cause it to light up....
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Old 01-17-2020, 01:03 AM
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Usually low voltage will give you trifecta not just 4x4 but anything is possible so make sure your alternator is supplying good voltage. If not see my recent repair of wife’s alternator where I replaced the brushes and swapped the polarity to the slip rings.
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Old 01-17-2020, 05:56 AM
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In my (limited) experience, this 4X4 light will come on for numerous reasons. Mine was while dealing with the front brakes I had the ABS sensor blue plug undone while doing some test drives etc. The brake/4X4 was lit up. When putting it all back together the ABS was plugged back in and light was gone. So, an ABS fault will trigger it as well.
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Old 01-17-2020, 10:38 AM
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Thanks for the input guys.
I will check the battery/alternator I know the running voltage was 14.4
and look at the ABS sensors again also.

--Update and some history--

On the way home last night when the 4x4 light came on I also got a ding and the message center briefly displayed DSC 4x4 inactive. It did that about 5 times then stopped. But the whole way home the light still illuminated every acceleration.
On the way into work today I didn't get the DSC 4x4 Inactive warning and no new codes stored.

I did get great receipts when I bought this truck (one of the reasons I did buy it) a BMW/Mercedes indy shop did most of the previous owners work.

I'm assuming the previous owner had a similar problem looking at the receipts

The transfer case fluid and actuator gear were replaced @ 140,xxx
The Alternator, ABS computer, steering angle sensor, and all 4 wheel speed sensors were replaced @ 142,xxx.
All BMW part # on the receipts.

I was watching the T/C actuator graph on the way to work today. It hangs out around 120-122 degrees then goes up to 155 as I accelerate, then when the light comes on it backs off to about 10degrees.
Does anybody know how much that should move during normal operation?
I wonder if the clutch could be worn...
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Old 01-17-2020, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Staletuna View Post
Thanks for the input guys.
I will check the battery/alternator I know the running voltage was 14.4
and look at the ABS sensors again also.

--Update and some history--

On the way home last night when the 4x4 light came on I also got a ding and the message center briefly displayed DSC 4x4 inactive. It did that about 5 times then stopped. But the whole way home the light still illuminated every acceleration.
On the way into work today I didn't get the DSC 4x4 Inactive warning and no new codes stored.

I did get great receipts when I bought this truck (one of the reasons I did buy it) a BMW/Mercedes indy shop did most of the previous owners work.

I'm assuming the previous owner had a similar problem looking at the receipts

The transfer case fluid and actuator gear were replaced @ 140,xxx
The Alternator, ABS computer, steering angle sensor, and all 4 wheel speed sensors were replaced @ 142,xxx.
All BMW part # on the receipts.


I was watching the T/C actuator graph on the way to work today. It hangs out around 120-122 degrees then goes up to 155 as I accelerate, then when the light comes on it backs off to about 10degrees.
Does anybody know how much that should move during normal operation?
I wonder if the clutch could be worn...
Wow someone shot the parts cannon on this puppy. Only thing I would question is the replacement of the actuator gear. BMW service does not replace just the gear. They will replace the entire assembly. I would replace the entire actuator assembly which include a new motor. Just like fuel pump, actuator motor can also go bad. If that doesn't fix your problem than you need a new TC or a new BMW without this problem.
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Old 01-17-2020, 03:13 PM
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Question? Tyres sizes correct between front and back...?
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