Can't turn off DSC

TimmmyD · #1 03-13-2005, 03:09 PM

I posted this question on another forum a while back and didn't get any useful resoponse. I have an '01 4.4.

My DSC button doesn't seem to turn off the DSC system. The light on the instrument cluster works (it turns on when I turn on the ignition) and the DSC system itself works as expected (light comes on and system activates when "pushed" in the snow, etc.). The button doesn't activate the instrument cluster light or deactivate the DSC system.

Is the problem just the button? Fuse? I haven't seen oe heard of anyone else complaining of this problem.

TIA to the real experts...

Sponsored Links

drex · #2 03-13-2005, 03:24 PM

have you tried holding the button down for 2 secs?

if that doesn't work, chances are that your button is DOA.

DSC works by negative pulses. if the light doesn't change but powers up and works with DSC activations, and it has worked before, you might have a switch failure.

is your '01 still under warranty?

TimmmyD · #3 03-13-2005, 03:46 PM

Yeah, I've tried holding it down. I purchased an "aftermarket" warranty when I bought it used this past December. I will look in the fine print, but I would bet the cost of the warranty that this problem wouldn't be covered. I will keep looking into it and post here if I learn anything.

Thanks for the reply!

dsheli · #4 03-14-2005, 01:33 AM

That or your DSC light it burned out. The only way to test that is to put DSC to work. What I would do is find a good sharp turn and gun it. You can feel when DSC is working and if the light is not blinking then maybe that is the problem. The light might be a LED and if it is then it must be the switch.
David

motordavid · #5 03-14-2005, 10:23 AM

TD: Drex is right on: I press the button for a few secs and it and the DSC, are gone! GL on the fix; hope it's reasonable.

The only time I defeat DSC is for climbing our Mtn in the winter, so I can spin the snow tires, and prevent that slowing/brake pinch effect.
Welcome to TheBest X Board. GL,md

JV · #6 03-14-2005, 10:54 PM

Might seem like a stupid thing, but have you tried disconnecting the battery for a couple mins? Anything electrical, such as a switch, can sometimes be brought back to life by doing this. IF you want to go to a dealer and ask about getting it taken care of under goodwill, talk to James Monaghan at BMW of Arlington, he took care of me with my friggin broken door handle.

Good luck.

JV

TimmmyD · #7 03-20-2005, 02:44 PM

JV, I liked the idea of trying a "hard reset" by disconnecting the battery. I tried it yesterday. When reconnected, the DSC, brake and airbag lights were on with key in position 2 and turned off when in position 3. I thought it just may have done the trick, but unfortunately the DSC button still does not seem to do its job, no matter how long I press and hold it.

I may try to pop out the center console and take a look at the button, but I would guess that this is more likely a software issue. Fortunately, I purchased the highest available level of coverage for my aftermarket warrantee (after reading about all of the mysterious "Open the pod bay door, Hal" issues with X5 computers and software)--as long as they consider the DSC a "powertrain control module," I am theoretically covered.

Thanks again everyone!

Sponsored Links