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  #1  
Old 09-28-2022, 03:55 AM
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Cable harness for speed sensor

The speedometer stopped working and I've narrowed the problem to be a break in one wire of the cable harness somewhere between the ABS module and where the speed sensor's blue connector plugs in at the black box in wheel well.

I tested by unplugging the blue connector for the rear left speed sensor in the wheel well and used a pin shaped probe to attach a wire long enough to reach the engine bay. Then used a multimeter to check connectivity at location 13 and 29 in the connector at the ABS module. 13 showed connectivity, but 29 didn't so there is a break in the wire or at a connector somewhere on that cable.

It would probably be easiest to buy another cable to reach the left rear speed sensor, but I can't find it anywhere. I'm hoping someone might have a PN or a suggestion of where to look for it. I'm not having any luck finding it...
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Last edited by Blowout; 11-08-2022 at 03:54 AM.
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  #2  
Old 09-28-2022, 08:04 AM
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Pick-N-Pull or since you are going to have to pull the old one out anyway, make your own new one. I found that the most likely area is within 6" of the wheel end. Probe into the insulation of each wire and see if you can trace the break to either end as you progressively work toward the front of the car. It may not be as difficult as it seems and you can use Shoe Goo to cover the holes you made in the insulation. As I recall, there are two wires. Did you check each one individually to see if you have continuity on one and the other is broken?
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Old 09-28-2022, 01:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ahlem View Post
Pick-N-Pull or since you are going to have to pull the old one out anyway, make your own new one. I found that the most likely area is within 6" of the wheel end. Probe into the insulation of each wire and see if you can trace the break to either end as you progressively work toward the front of the car. It may not be as difficult as it seems and you can use Shoe Goo to cover the holes you made in the insulation. As I recall, there are two wires. Did you check each one individually to see if you have continuity on one and the other is broken?
Wire connected to position 29 on the connector at the ABS module has the break in it.

I had the oil pan gasket and the gasket to the oil filter housing changed in January of this year and a lot of stuff comes apart to do those. I'm wondering if they may have pulled on the sensor wiring harness during the process.

It would definitely be easier to start at the rear wheel and move forward. I'll have to put the car on jack stands and pull the tire off to get better visibility. My nose got dirt on it when I was trying to trace where the cable runs yesterday.

A video by a repair shop indicated repairing a break in the speed sensor cable can change the voltage read by the ABS. They recommended replacing the cable vs trying to repair it. If I can find the break and repair it, I'll perform a diode test again to see if it's at the nominal 1.8xx reading as the other sensors read.
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Last edited by Blowout; 09-28-2022 at 02:39 PM.
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  #4  
Old 09-28-2022, 01:59 PM
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Are you testing at the wrong pins according to pre 9/2001 diagrams.

Here is the diagram for 9/2001-9/2003 version.

https://bmwteka.com/wds/en/e53/c5b46ab2
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Old 09-28-2022, 11:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clavurion View Post
Are you testing at the wrong pins according to pre 9/2001 diagrams.

Here is the diagram for 9/2001-9/2003 version.

https://bmwteka.com/wds/en/e53/c5b46ab2
Well yeah, that could make a difference. Thank you! I was up half the night looking for a wiring harness.

I just need to check at position 14 instead of 29.

The Bentley manual I have only shows up to 09/2001 and no other drawing for later models.

Thanks again!!
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Last edited by Blowout; 09-29-2022 at 02:23 AM.
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  #6  
Old 09-29-2022, 03:37 PM
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Retested the speed sensors as shown below:


RF 15/16 - 1.865

LF 12/28 - 1.864

RR 30/31 - 1.1.866 to 1.873

LR 13/14 - 1.590


Could the new speed sensor I got off eBay cause an issue because of the lower voltage reading? Unfortunately I threw away the OEM speed sensor I pulled out so can't reinstall to check if it was good.


ETA: just ordered a salvaged OEM speed sensor that should get here Saturday. I'll check to make sure the voltage reading is same as other speed sensors before pulling the ABS module and send it out to be rebuilt.
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Last edited by Blowout; 09-29-2022 at 05:02 PM.
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  #7  
Old 10-23-2022, 04:47 PM
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Received the OEM sensor and it gave an voltage reading very close to the other speed sensors so I left it installed, but the trifecta issue still existed.

Sent the ABS module to Module Repair Pro for repair and after the kit was installed it wouldn't pass their test procedures. I bought a replacement ABS module from them that has been repaired and tested.

Their tech/owner said the 3.0 E53 doesn't have to be paired with the host vehicle 80% of the time. The V8 versions have to get them module paired 100% of the time. He said they clear the history on the module they send and I would get a code if the computer doesn't accept it. Installed it and got the following results:

- Cleared all codes and drove a couple miles applying the brakes but not hard enough to activate the ABS.

- Speedometer now works
- No codes found after driving.

- ABS, DSC and brake lights still on.

I'm assuming the module was accepted since no codes popped up?

It was getting to the end of the day on Friday and wasn't able to get hold of the MRP tech to see if they have any next steps. I'll call again on Monday to see if I can connect with someone....
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Last edited by Blowout; 10-23-2022 at 04:55 PM.
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  #8  
Old 10-31-2022, 08:31 PM
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Trifecta lights still on. Drove a couple times around about 25 miles total and the P0444 code popped up (emission valve), but no other codes.



Owner of Module repair pro said he would need codes to provide input on the issue.



Tried a different scanner to see if the PEAK scanner was missing codes, but the Innova 3100A still only shows the Emission control valve code.


Guess I have to take it in somewhere cause the car needs to be smogged for registration renewal.
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  #9  
Old 11-08-2022, 04:01 AM
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Problem fixed!


I had the steering sensors calibrated and the 3 lights went out. The shop checked the alignment and then calibrated the steering.



I already tried turning the steering wheel left to stopped position, then right and then center a few times, but the lights remained lit.



I guess both the steering needed calibration and the ABS module needed to be replaced.
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  #10  
Old 11-08-2022, 09:36 AM
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Nice work and troubleshooting.
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