DSC / 4x4 Inactive warning light

[Pepsimax]

Originally Posted by JCL

I agree to the extent that a fault with the DSC controller, or ABS module, could interfere with operation of the vehicle.

However, with a pre x-drive model the torque split in the transfer case is fixed. You will still have mechanical drive. With an x-drive model, a simple fault can cause the torque to all be directed to one axle via the actuator motor on the transfer case.

I disagree. When my left rear abs sensor was faulty I had only rear wheel drive. Replaced the ABS sensor and all was normal including AWD. Now that these lamps are lit again I only have rear wheel drive.

If I disconnect the battery for 30 min and then connect them again I will have AWD for about 2 miles. Then rear wheel drive again. This makes sense though in order to save the drive train.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Pepsimax

I disagree. When my left rear abs sensor was faulty I had only rear wheel drive. Replaced the ABS sensor and all was normal including AWD. Now that these lamps are lit again I only have rear wheel drive.

If I disconnect the battery for 30 min and then connect them again I will have AWD for about 2 miles. Then rear wheel drive again. This makes sense though in order to save the drive train.

How did you determine that you only had RWD? From the light coming on on the dash and thus indicating a system fault, or by checking that the transfer case was not driving the front axle?

[Pepsimax]

From driving on ice or snow. Turn of dsc and only rear wheels are spinning without car moving forward.... Spinning circles. It is a totally different car with awd. Fun with rwd though.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Pepsimax

From driving on ice or snow. Turn of dsc and only rear wheels are spinning without car moving forward.... Spinning circles. It is a totally different car with awd. Fun with rwd though.

With the sensor out, I agree that the DSC system wouldn't work. And, with the majority of the torque being directed to the rear axle (by a mechanical set of gears) the rears would slip first. You would also have no side to side torque vectoring, so one slipping rear wheel would not be braked by the DSC system.

All that doesn't disconnect the front driveshaft, however. While it is an open differential in the transfer case, I don't see how the sensor can disconnect the AWD system given that the AWD system isn't electronic, but mechanical.

Perhaps we are saying the same thing. Yes, the rear wheels would slip without DSC intervention. You would still have AWD, although it may be a moot point in the driving conditions you were in.

[apetrov1x5]

I got a similar issue today.

four yellow lights (abs, 4x4, tyre pressure!!!, and one more light) came on and speedo does not work.

also while driving ~ 40mph the parktronic sensors were working because the speedo was showing 0

is there any damage being done by driving it for 1800 miles? I really would like to drive it the service where I always fix it...I can live with speedo not working until then.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by apetrov1x5

I got a similar issue today.

four yellow lights (abs, 4x4, tyre pressure!!!, and one more light) came on and speedo does not work.

also while driving ~ 40mph the parktronic sensors were working because the speedo was showing 0

is there any damage being done by driving it for 1800 miles? I really would like to drive it the service where I always fix it...I can live with speedo not working until then.

It isn't just the speedometer not working, it is also the dynamic stability control, traction control, and ABS. You don't say what year it is, but if it is from 2004 onwards there is the possibility of a problem in the x-drive transfer case. The only way to know is to get a proper diagnosis, from the dealer or an independent with the proper equipment (not just a basic OBD code reader).

If it is just a wheel speed sensor causing it (possible) then it isn't a major repair. If it is the instrument cluster, ABS module, etc, it can be more complicated.

You could get the codes read, and then decide together with the technician if there is a risk of damage or not. Even if there isn't a risk of damage, running that distance in winter without DSC, ABS, or AWD has its own risks.

[Pepsimax]

Agree with above poster.

Hard to say what is wrong without proper diagnosis. I did have the same trouble as you about a year ago though. First ABS DSC Brake lamps would come and go, after a while steady, then my speedo and some other stuff too, PDC still on at 50mph and so on.

Speedo is linked to left rear abs sensor as far as I understand. This COULD be your problem. I took a stab at it and replaced left rear abs sensor and that took care of the problem.

[avonside]

Car went in to Indi specialist yeaterday for the DSC/ 4x4 inactive message alert,,,,,, luckily it looks like it was the fact that my steering wheel has been on the tilt for a while and having had 3 suspension arms replaced , the vehicle geometrty was way out, so causing the steering wheel sensor to fault.
So £145 later and all seems well, its nice to have the steering wheel straight again,,,,, lets hope I have a little bit of free driving before the next costly thing to fix I do love my beloved X5 but I have owned it from new and it is only 5 1/2 years old but have had a fair few things break and go wrong bit disapointing for a vehicle that cost nearly $50k ... but the love affair continues

Originally Posted by avonside

Can anyone throw any light ( no pun intended ) on my recent issue with the above warning light, It has come on a couple of times recently with the beep and then stayed on for the rest of the journey, but once home and car turned off , next trip out no probs, it has only come on about 6 times in the last 2 months and recently with the snow here in the UK the dsc light has been flashing correctly to tell me the system is working fine,,I have a couple of thoughts is it just a sensor gone bad........does the actual four wheel drive continue to work cos the car is permanent 60/40 split four wheel drive I believe, not just a electronic trickery,,,,,,,strangley this issue has only started since I had some suspension work done,, I had the right rear upper and left rear lower arms replaced at an indi garage,,, is there some sensor or something that needs resetting after replacing suspension parts ????.The strangest thing is that it is irratic and not that frequent which makes me think the system is actualy ok but some sensor is tripping,,I hope so cos I'm sure if ther is a bigger issue we are talking loads of $$$$$$ to fix

[Pepsimax]

Originally Posted by avonside

Car went in to Indi specialist yeaterday for the DSC/ 4x4 inactive message alert,,,,,, luckily it looks like it was the fact that my steering wheel has been on the tilt for a while and having had 3 suspension arms replaced , the vehicle geometrty was way out, so causing the steering wheel sensor to fault.
So £145 later and all seems well, its nice to have the steering wheel straight again,,,,, lets hope I have a little bit of free driving before the next costly thing to fix I do love my beloved X5 but I have owned it from new and it is only 5 1/2 years old but have had a fair few things break and go wrong bit disapointing for a vehicle that cost nearly $50k ... but the love affair continues

I had the same issues myself right around xmas actually. A wheel alignment did the trick. Glad it worked out for you