PDC problem

PersonaNonGrata · #1 04-22-2006, 02:00 AM

I've read all of the PDC problem threads and never though it would happen to me but it did.

I felt like since I did the installation myself it would be trouble free.

Symptoms:

When I put it in reverse, the PDC turns on and the front speaker emits a long beep even when there is no object in front. The PDC light flashes. The rear sensors do not detect anything.

Troubleshooting attempted:

I checked all of the sensors and they are wired up. There are no scratches or dirt on the sensors. All sensors are in place. I removed the control unit and inspected it. No problems with the unit itself and I replugged in the plugs. I checked the connection of the wiring harness for the rear sensors and the harness inside the spare tire well. All good there.

I am thinking it might be the control unit itself. I have read that it has been the source of problems. I'd love to swap out my control unit with someone elses to confirm or eliminate it as the problem but I don't know anyone with PDC on their X5. Has anyone experienced the same symptoms?

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SANguru · #2 04-22-2006, 02:31 AM

yes. On the M3. Control unit was replaced. would they cover it under your extended maintenance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I've read all of the PDC problem threads and never though it would happen to me but it did.

I felt like since I did the installation myself it would be trouble free.

Symptoms:

When I put it in reverse, the PDC turns on and the front speaker emits a long beep even when there is no object in front. The PDC light flashes. The rear sensors do not detect anything.

Troubleshooting attempted:

I checked all of the sensors and they are wired up. There are no scratches or dirt on the sensors. All sensors are in place. I removed the control unit and inspected it. No problems with the unit itself and I replugged in the plugs. I checked the connection of the wiring harness for the rear sensors and the harness inside the spare tire well. All good there.

I am thinking it might be the control unit itself. I have read that it has been the source of problems. I'd love to swap out my control unit with someone elses to confirm or eliminate it as the problem but I don't know anyone with PDC on their X5. Has anyone experienced the same symptoms?

tijanaw · #3 04-22-2006, 05:20 PM

Mine has been doing the same for the past month, Ii'm just ignoring it...

Zebbe · #4 04-22-2006, 06:40 PM

I've had problem with mine aswell. My indecetes that there is something in front of me when there is not.

But it comes and goes. Some times it does and some times it works. Whats wrong with mine? So enoying!

ifly · #5 04-22-2006, 06:47 PM

Mine was intermittent then just ended up being a continous problem, they replaced the control unit set the system back up and everything was golden again

DSKO · #6 04-22-2006, 06:57 PM

Beware if you have a front license plate frame!
This may come in the way of the front PDC sensors if it is too big...

I was told by my BMW dealer that this was a recurring and known problem.

PersonaNonGrata · #7 04-22-2006, 11:01 PM

It sounds like the symptoms I am experiencing are common. A new control unit will be in order. Let's see how the dealer does on this one.... In the meantime I have been driving around with my spare tire and spare tire holder out because I took it apart to get at the PDC guts. I wonder if the dealer will take my word for it and let me swap out the control units. It's easier than having the X5 in there for half a day.

DinanX5 · #8 04-22-2006, 11:26 PM

Good luck Kevin, and let us know how you make out.

Once in a while, I get a steady false alarm from the rear sensors when the PDC is activated - but no flashing indicator light that I've ever noticed. Very annoying (and embarrassing when someone else is in the car with me), but it's very intermittent... which almost makes it worse

If it happens again, maybe I'll just push for a new control unit too.

dzhoka · #9 04-23-2006, 03:13 PM

2003, 4,4 sport/p here.
PDS works ok. I installed bull nose and....blue it ,.. does not work properly with the bull-nose ...it actually create sound, as well as something in the front all time ( and it is , all time -- bull nose!) + some parallel sounds from rear sensors as well. Yes, it is possible to varify in this chaiotic sounds difference , when u backing up on somethimg , but too noyzzy , awfull ! I remooved bull nose.
Hrert is the questin is it possible to disconect ONLY front sensors..without interuption of normal work of the rear ones ???
thank you

chefwong · #10 04-23-2006, 10:54 PM

It's my understanding that if any of the sensors go south, the system does not operate and it does the long BEEP at the beginning to indicate PDC is not working ?

I had a PDC sensor goe bad. Dealer read the codes and one of the sensors was bad even though everything was there, etc. Nice thing about the diag equipment is that it tells you which sensor is bad.....hope this helps

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