4x4 Light (2006 X5 3.0i E53)

[saxon555]

Hi. The infamous 4x4 light came on yesterday (just this light, no abs or anything else). Transfer case fluid was changed this summer, there are no noticeable issues or noises coming from the transfer case and the car drives fine. There are also no codes, I scanned twice with two different scanners. I tried the steering lock trick (left, right, left full lock) but it didn’t make the light go away. The battery is also relatively new from 1 year ago. What else can I say that could be of relevance… it’s very cold here and the car has been sitting outside on the driveway. Maybe that’s a factor.
Any idea what it could be?

2006 bmw x5 3.0i E53


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[andrewwynn]

Need code to know more


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[saxon555]

As mentioned, there are strangely no codes. And I used two different scanners. I’ll have a mechanic scan it also this weekend.


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[X5chemist]

BMW specific scanners? Or just ODBII type?

[saxon555]

I just have the OBD 2 type scanners, which normally work fine. Mechanic should have a fancy BMW scanner, so we’ll see what it shows.

I actually have a windshield fluid leak, as the hose started leaking when the car was sitting outside in -20 C. Maybe the fluid leaked on something like one of the sensors, which triggered the 4x4 light…



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[X5chemist]

Wow! One thing I do hate, coolant and wash fluid being both blue.

An ODBII scanner is not going to work. On newer models and makes, some manufactures do provide codes. Our First Gen require specific scanners. I carry a Creator scanner in the glove box. I can't remember the model at this moment. Newer versions are available though. Creator models for BMW are fairly inexpensive. For deep scanning and bidirectinal use, I have a Foxwell PRO520.

[saxon555]

Yes, I thought it was coolant at first, but upon further inspection, it turned out to be the washer fluid. Coolant level is fine and the engine compartment dry.

I use these scanners for my BMWs:

Xtool U480 CAN-BUS OBD2
Innova 3020b


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[X5chemist]

Order some new gourmets. Or like one of mine, the fluid pump internals failed and leaked washer fluid. The fluid froze and cracked the housing.

I looked at both your scanners. Neither one is going to retrieve some BMW module codes or OEM manufacturer codes. Both will work for DME generic ODBII codes.

[saxon555]

Getting the windshield fluid pump changed this weekend along with the leaky hose. I’ll look into the scanner that you use. Thanks for the info.


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[Clavurion]

The code can be on DSC, VTG or LWS module.

It doesn't stop to amaze that there can be problems with freezing washer fluid. Here in Finland we (or at least I do) use the same stuff all year round which can cope down to -30 C. This has also better washing properties on insects during summer time. Previously I had a contact at BMW Germany for parts supply. Sometimes he sent with the parts package original BMW washer fluid tablets as a free gift. I had to use search what I'm supposed to do with them.