Warning Lights/Limp Home mode - possible cause?

[PTE]

Had some work done at my indie last week (cam cover gaskets, thermostat, nearside CV drive shaft, wishbone) on my MY00 4.4 67K. Drove the car back and all was fine - car was much improved after the work. Next day took the car out and within 10 mins of driving car the following happened:

* 3 x warning lights - ABS, DSC, centre Brake Hazard light
* All the dials were all over the place - rev, speedo, temp
* stuck in 3rd gear.
* Engine & Trans Fail warning indicator

Took it back to the indie and they plugged in the diagnostics. However even though they tried the OBD input under the dash and in the engine bay, they could not get a reading.

Having driven the car a few times since. It starts up fine. But after 10 mins or so (after the car has warmed up to a certain point I suspect) it goes back into this state.

I've read here that it could be an ABS or other sensor, but the diagnostics could not reach it to check. According to the indie whom I've no criticism of they explained that all the wiring goes through the console and if there was a problem with say a wire shorting somewhere this could cause prevent the diagnostics from working. They suspected wiring or a problem with the console.

My feeling is that if they have been rooting around in the engine bay doing some reasonably major work that maybe a wire has been moved to somewhere were it is vulnerable to the engine warming up causing the shorting and the dash warning lights coming on.

The car's going back to them next week so they can do further diagnosis.

However before it does I would really appreciate the thoughts of anyone here who may be able to suggest some possible causes. Thank you.

[645i]

I have 2000 4.4, I had the same problem, they spent 4 days trying to replicate the problem It turned out to be the abs control module. A new one will run you about 700-800 or you could get a reman for around 500. I got the reman and it works perfect, it was 1100 all said and done. Hope this helps you, good luck.

[PTE]

Thanks 645i. That's good advice. I am going to make sure I point the garage in the direction of the ABS system first. I've heard it could also be an ABS sensor which is a cheaper fix. But as you experienced the ABD is a common fail.