DSC warning light came on

khmer_x5 · #1 01-03-2009, 12:54 AM

it's been a while to visit this site.
ofcause I have a problem,
in oregon we had winter storm last 2 weeks, and it's pretty much done except a few spot here and there and light snow on the ground.

yesterday my DSC warning light is on (in yellow), then after i restart and going out again, the DSC triagle with circle, ABS & Brake (all in yellow) was on for a short period of time then out.
this morning i restart again and it stay on until now.

hope i make my case pretty clear, how do i get rid of this issue ?

thanks a million and happy new year to every x5world.

klnteg · #2 01-03-2009, 09:08 AM

When mine came on it was the ABS wheel speed sensors were bad.

khmer_x5 · #3 01-03-2009, 12:47 PM

is wheel sensor /break sensor are the same ?
just want to make sure

sprocket1200 · #4 01-03-2009, 12:59 PM

Yes, I believe that is what he is saying. There may be a break in the brake sensor causing it to be bad. Wheel sensor and brake sensor are not the same. Wheel sensor is not made to break.

If your brake is broke, then when the brake sensor breaks you will have to fix both.

Weasel · #5 01-03-2009, 01:51 PM

That last reply just confused me... like a hyundai behind a porche, I just don't follow!

The brake sensor is simply a sensor to alert you when the brakes have worn too thin and need to be replaced. The wheel sensors are wheel speed sensor that tells the dsc how fast that wheel is traveling, and all 4 wheels have them.

Unfortunately there is no way to properly diagnose and fix the DSC light being on without a proper diagnosis with fault codes read simply because it could be triggered by anything from a simple wheel speed sensor, a brake pressure sensor, fault in the hydrolic unit, wear to the wheel bearings causing false readings, bad DSC control unit, fault in communication between DSC and DME or EGS, etc, etc, etc.

I'd save myself the headache of throwing parts at it and pay the diagnosis fee at the dealer as they have the best equiptment to diagnose with.

sprocket1200 · #6 01-04-2009, 12:58 PM

I am sorry about the confusion. Maybe it is my spelling. I will try and clarify.

There may be a brake in the break sensor causing it to be bad. Wheel sensor and break sensor are not the same. Wheel sensor is not made to brake. Though I understand some breaks brake, but not as well when broke.

If your break is broke, then when the break sensor brakes you will stop. Since that is what you are most likely wanting out of your breaks all is well even if you can't spell!

khmer_x5 · #7 01-04-2009, 01:16 PM

does anyone know where is the break sensor are ?
are they behind the break disk ?
any pict or link on how DIY would be great.
thanks again.

chilliwilli · #8 01-04-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khmer_x5

does anyone know where is the break sensor are ?
are they behind the break disk ?
any pict or link on how DIY would be great.
thanks again.

In my opinion, you should consider heeding the advice of weasel56, he's a certified BMW tech. I'm not a fan of BMW dealers these days but they are still the most qualified for diagnosis.

tomgtv · #9 01-04-2009, 07:05 PM

Brake sensors should be replaced when you change rotors, or so
I've been told. They don't cost that much and are just plugged in.

Those ABS sensors are what cause the DSC lights and maybe speedo
function to die. The sensors are magnets that can get brake dust on
them. They are held on with one bolt, blue wire as I recall. One of
the rear sensors gives the info to the Speedo. That's why it dies if
the entire circuit is compromised. The ABS sensors are $110 and easy
to replace. I found my wire had rubbed against car and shorted. I went
old school with a Weller soldering gun and some tape.......fixed it.
Also I pulled all other sensors to clean. Take off the wheel makes it real
easy. DIY difficulty about a 1.5!

butundo · #10 01-13-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomgtv

Those ABS sensors are what cause the DSC lights and maybe speedo function to die. The sensors are magnets that can get brake dust on them. They are held on with one bolt, blue wire as I recall. One of the rear sensors gives the info to the Speedo. That's why it dies if the entire circuit is compromised. The ABS sensors are $110 and easy to replace. I found my wire had rubbed against car and shorted. I went old school with a Weller soldering gun and some tape.......fixed it. Also I pulled all other sensors to clean. Take off the wheel makes it real easy. DIY difficulty about a 1.5!

I don't recall seeing any sensors, except for the brake sensors, when I changed all of my rotors. I have even searched on realoem for a listing, and couldn't find one. I do believe that one of these sensors could be my problem, but I am not sure where they are located. Any help would be appriciated.