Resolved my DSC/ABS/Brake warning light issue

UCrewX5 · #1 04-01-2005, 02:21 PM

I just got back from a visit to Yark BMW in Toledo, Ohio (an awesome service department, by the way - they earn a 5 in my book!!). Since last fall I have been driving with my DSC, ABC and Brake warning lights on. Everything seemed to be functioning properly during this time, but the warning lights were certainly annoying.

My suspicion was that there may be a bad wheel sensor on the drivers side, since the problem first manifested itself when the front drivers wheel basically "grabbed" and didn't want to release. After it finally released the DSC/ABS/Brake lights lit up like a christmas tree. The lights would stay on 99% of the time. Once in a while, when I would first start up the vehicle, the lights would be out. However, when I would drive a short distance the drivers side front wheel would again "grab" and lock up before releasing again and the lights would again come on in the dash.

Several weeks ago I stopped by Yark BMW while on a business trip to Toledo and had them try to diagnose the problem. Their tests reflected that the vehicle wasn't getting any readings from the front passenger side wheel sensor - the side opposite from what I suspected. Unfortunately they didn't have a replacement sensor in stock, so I had them order one for me.

Today I ran down to Toledo and had them put the new wheel sensor on (part number 34 52 6 756 379) and that seems to have done the trick. All warning lights are now extinguished and after clearing the diagnostic errors in the vehicle and test driving it for a while there are no more error messages being reported.

I kept the old part, and it really does look like it would be an easy DIY to replace it on your own. Not being sure that this would correct the problem, I let the Yark service tech do it for me and it looks like my issue has been resolved.

The sensor was just under $100 and I was charged one hour labor, so I was out the door for about 2 Bens.

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ncx · #2 04-01-2005, 11:34 PM

Interesting. This is excellent info to know. The wheel 'grab' you mention sounds a little scary. Glad you got it resolved without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

motordavid · #3 04-02-2005, 08:50 AM

UC: exc info post and story...glad you had a real diagnosis and fix.
Maybe I should make a run to that T Town Stlr for fixes on
my list of lil'troubles?!
I could look up the ol'Peppermint Lounge where half my high school spent most Friday nights using phony ID and drinking 3.2 beer, circa '63-'65, lol!
BR,md

begemot · #4 11-25-2005, 03:29 AM

Hi,

Nice story.

I had a problem with a battery this morning.

I left a car list night with opened trunk and by the morning my battery dried out.
Called my friend and asked him to bring jump start cables.
In about 30 min, my x5 is alive.

A small problem - DSC, Brakes and ABS lights are on.

Did anyone had this issues, and how can I reset those lights?

UCrewX5 · #5 11-25-2005, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by begemot

Hi,

Nice story.

I had a problem with a battery this morning.

I left a car list night with opened trunk and by the morning my battery dried out.
Called my friend and asked him to bring jump start cables.
In about 30 min, my x5 is alive.

A small problem - DSC, Brakes and ABS lights are on.

Did anyone had this issues, and how can I reset those lights?

Drive it for a short while, they should go out on their own.

dksavage · #6 11-25-2005, 10:26 PM

This sounds logical. If there are no readings from the passenger side wheel and the drivers side wheel is turning, then the traction control wil assume that the vehicle is not moving forward properly and the drivers side wheel is spinning. Hence the brake on the drivers side wheel should grab. This sounds like your situation.

chubyball · #7 11-26-2005, 01:28 AM

Code scaner can reset these light, or you can disconnect the battery for 30 mins and reconnect it, that will reset the computer.

chubyball · #8 11-30-2005, 10:31 PM

Begemot,

DId u fix the problem with the brake and ABS?

lumpia_pimp · #9 08-15-2007, 07:38 AM

Got the same problem as UCrewX5 last week(still happening, but drivable), it would basically grab for 1sec but then it would release and would do this twice in a row, sometimes 3(thought the engine was stalling, but throttle was still responsive when i give it gas). When this happens DSC/BRAKE/ABS light would come on, then center console would say 'Check Brake Lights'. Sure enough when i pull up to my drive way and got out the car while its still running, the brake lights were on(goes away when restarted).

Will try UCrewX5's fix and see what happens, might just do this myself since i gotta replace the pads soon as it looks like its almost time to replace.

Not only that, my airbag and seatbelt lights does'nt go away when i turn on the car(happens intermittently) - but this is a whole new thread.

mrbmwx5 · #10 09-01-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I just got back from a visit to Yark BMW in Toledo, Ohio (an awesome service department, by the way - they earn a 5 in my book!!). Since last fall I have been driving with my DSC, ABC and Brake warning lights on. Everything seemed to be functioning properly during this time, but the warning lights were certainly annoying.

My suspicion was that there may be a bad wheel sensor on the drivers side, since the problem first manifested itself when the front drivers wheel basically "grabbed" and didn't want to release. After it finally released the DSC/ABS/Brake lights lit up like a christmas tree. The lights would stay on 99% of the time. Once in a while, when I would first start up the vehicle, the lights would be out. However, when I would drive a short distance the drivers side front wheel would again "grab" and lock up before releasing again and the lights would again come on in the dash.

Several weeks ago I stopped by Yark BMW while on a business trip to Toledo and had them try to diagnose the problem. Their tests reflected that the vehicle wasn't getting any readings from the front passenger side wheel sensor - the side opposite from what I suspected. Unfortunately they didn't have a replacement sensor in stock, so I had them order one for me.

Today I ran down to Toledo and had them put the new wheel sensor on (part number 34 52 6 756 379) and that seems to have done the trick. All warning lights are now extinguished and after clearing the diagnostic errors in the vehicle and test driving it for a while there are no more error messages being reported.

I kept the old part, and it really does look like it would be an easy DIY to replace it on your own. Not being sure that this would correct the problem, I let the Yark service tech do it for me and it looks like my issue has been resolved.

The sensor was just under $100 and I was charged one hour labor, so I was out the door for about 2 Bens.

Thank you jeff for the info above. i am having same problem like your while i was in chicago yesterday,man mine cluster now looks like chrismas tree,now i have to wait untill tomorrow for the $tealer to open so i can get the part and will DIY it .

BTW my 01 x5 (3.0) do 600miles on one tank of gas ($100.00) from detroit to chicago and back

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