New Member with P1501 Fault Code Issue (Help Cleaner!)

[Diamond Dave]

I'm a relative new member to this board and have to say that I love what I've seen thus far! A wealth of information with truly superb members. I hope to contribute in kind as time goes on.

I own a 2001 X5 (3.0L) with 51,000 miles. Last weekend the following dash lights came on while crusing around town: EML, DSC Off Warning, Brake, and ABS. I promptly pulled over, shut off the car, and gave it a rest. Upon restarting the vehicle the dreaded "SES" light came on which I had the fine folks at Auto Zone look up for me:

P1501 - Vehicle speed sensor out of self test range (huh?)

I've done a search on X5World with regard to this specific code and nothing pulls up other than the "Fault Codes and Their Meaning" thread from one of the mods. I've done the requisite gas cap check and that's not the problem. Have been the sole owner of the vehicle and am quite anal when it comes to maintenance so it's not an abused SAV.

Anyone else seen such a thing or have experience with this fault code? Cleaner are you out there?

Thanks in advance!!!

[UCrewX5]

More than likely you have a wheel speed sensor that is going bad. The dealer should be able to hook it up to thier computers and tell you which one it is. Without knowing the specific one, you'd be playing a guessing game figuring it out (or replacing them all).

I had one go out on me about a year and a half ago. Same symptoms you describe. Changing the sensor is actually quite easy. Figuring out which one is bad is the tricky part.

[The Cleaner]

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I don’t wanna blow this one . A P1501 is an idle control valve getting stuck closed, The DSC light going nuts defiantly are ABS/Brake system indicators, but the code is an idle control valve. Are you having any idle problems, like hunting, high idle or having the idle dive when you hit the A/C? Is your tracktion control light on at the same time as the SES light?

Can you clear the codes yourself? Do they come right back or will it take some time?

[Diamond Dave]

Originally Posted by The Cleaner

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I don’t wanna blow this one . A P1501 is an idle control valve getting stuck closed, The DSC light going nuts defiantly are ABS/Brake system indicators, but the code is an idle control valve. Are you having any idle problems, like hunting, high idle or having the idle dive when you hit the A/C? Is your tracktion control light on at the same time as the SES light?

Can you clear the codes yourself? Do they come right back or will it take some time?

First off, I appreciate you guys (El Jeffe and The Cleaner) taking the time to give me your thoughts. I'm a bit confused as one reading of the P1501 code is vehicle speed sensor and the other is idle control valve. Let me address the above, however:

The wacky dash light problem (EML, DSC, ABS/Brake) cleared up as soon as I shut off the car. Nothing else is now on in addition to the SES light.

No idle problems to speak of either. I've not been using the A/C at this time of year even though here in Texas it's 70+ degrees today. I'll put it on when I go home tonight and check.

I went to Auto Zone to have the code(s) read and didn't know that they can clear them. Am unaware if the code comes back on again after it's been reset.

Suppose I have two options. One, monitor the vehicle to see if any idling problems crop up or two, take it in to the dealer (isn't it called 'stealer' here!!!????) for them to diagnose.

Thanks again for your input.

[The Cleaner]

Without any other things going on, have you thought about getting a Peake Research code scanner? It will cost about as much as 1 hour of dealer service time and will provide you with the ability to reset your SES and oil/inspection lights.

Once you have the tool, reset the light and see if the condition repeats. If it does turn out to be the ABS sensor you can use the tool to trial and error each sensor till you find the problem one. If it’s idle control related you can replace that on your own and save several hundred bucks. In either case having the ability to read and reset your codes is going to save you money long term.

You can also get a generic code scanner, but the disadvantage in that case is you can not reset your oil/inspection lights.

http://www.peakeresearch.com/

If you look around you can find them a little less expensive, but thats the site for the tool.

[The Cleaner]

Oh and if you go here you can read what each code means. Click on BMW in this case. Also click on codes explained, it will tell you about the most important digit in the code, position 3. In your case speed/idle control (number 5). It will take the myth out of the codes for you.

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/index.php


If you want to get more into diagnosis pick up the OBDll Bible by Peter David and Bosch fuel injection and engine management by Charles Probst. Obviously not for everyone, but to learn the fundamentals these are great books.

[Diamond Dave]

Originally Posted by The Cleaner

Oh and if you go here you can read what each code means.....

Cleaner, you must be a mind reader in addition to knowing your BMWs!!!! I was just about to start a Google search on a tool that I can buy to read/reset the codes. Thanks so much for the link and input. I'm buying the code scanner as soon as I hit 'submit reply'.

Endless positive karma your way and I owe you a beer or two.

Take care!

P.S. Christmas this year is at the inlaws. May just buy that book too.....