Question about the PDC system

[AechX5]

Hi all. Thank you for accepting me into the club

I've just got hold of a E53 X5 and I've got a question if I can.

The parking sensors are playing up, I've heard this is quite common. I've checked each sensor and they are all making a clicking noise which I'm told they are supposed to do if they are working?

What's happening is, when I put the car in reverse the PDC will give out a long beep then the PDC button will just flash. Module malfunction? Or something else?

Also am I right in thinking that the PDC system is independent and will work without a head unit?

Again than you for accepting me into the club

[cpie168]

Did you try to troubleshoot each sensor? I did that by taking a folded step ladder and walk from far towards the sensor. You’ll have to put the vehicle in park and then hit the PDC button first. If you don’t hear the beeps, then you know it’s not working for sure.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by cpie168

Did you try to troubleshoot each sensor? I did that by taking a folded step ladder and walk from far towards the sensor. You’ll have to put the vehicle in park and then hit the PDC button first. If you don’t hear the beeps, then you know it’s not working for sure.

You cannot test the system if it's in failure mode like this - a single failure in the system disables the entire system.

Easiest why to diagnose it is with a BMW scan tool - this will tell you exactly which sensor (or wiring path) is causing the system to go into "failed" mode.

Mine is currently like this too - in my case INPA is telling me the front left sensor sensor has failed. It comes and goes - I'm living with it while the part ships.... and I figure out a way to change the sensor without dropping the front bumper.

Yes, I know you have to drop the bumper (on a facelift) bit this ONE front sensor can be accessed from the left tow-hook hatch, using dental tools to release the catches etc. It's like key-hole surgery but I think it's possible. I've pretty-much had the old sensor out this way...

[AechX5]

Originally Posted by wpoll

You cannot test the system if it's in failure mode like this - a single failure in the system disables the entire system.

Easiest why to diagnose it is with a BMW scan tool - this will tell you exactly which sensor (or wiring path) is causing the system to go into "failed" mode.

Mine is currently like this too - in my case INPA is telling me the front left sensor sensor has failed. It comes and goes - I'm living with it while the part ships.... and I figure out a way to change the sensor without dropping the front bumper.

Yes, I know you have to drop the bumper (on a facelift) bit this ONE front sensor can be accessed from the left tow-hook hatch, using dental tools to release the catches etc. It's like key-hole surgery but I think it's possible. I've pretty-much had the old sensor out this way...

Cool, okay so really I need to get it scanned?

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by AechX5

Cool, okay so really I need to get it scanned?

Only if you want to know what's wrong...

[EODguy]

I don't know what prices are charged for a scan in the UK, but since this is your BMW the outlay of $125 USD for a Foxwell NT-510 and the availability of having it whenever you need it.... priceless

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