DSC light on after hitch install?? Doesn't make sense!

[X5Ghost]

Installed the hitch myself, no recoding and everything was working normally. Backing up worked like it suppose to by deactivating PDC. Next day, driving on a left curve road at about 30 mph, yellow 4x4 DSC inactiv light come on! Lock to lock steering reset didn't resolve the issue. Been driving for a few days with the light on and not noticing any difference in handling but will likely notice it if conditions were slippery.

I read 11 pages of searched threads but still can't find a good answer as most people experienced the three abs/brake/DSC lights issue. I only have the yellow 4x4 light on now and no other lights.

Suggestions?

[JCL]

Read the codes. Internet searches don't replace proper diagnosis.

I don't see a connection to the hitch install, unless a wheel speed sensor wire was damaged during the install

[SlickGT1]

I second JCL. And also think some wheel sensor just died.

[recklessspyder]

JCL has the best answer but just so you don't pull your hair out forgetting something easy, check your battery connections.....especially if you dc'd them while installing.

[chris95559]

I just installed an OEM hitch on my 4.8is a few weeks ago. After installing it my dcs 4x4 light came on as well. I did the speed sensor reset and it turned it off and stayed off. Are you sure you did it right?

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by chris95559

I just installed an OEM hitch on my 4.8is a few weeks ago. After installing it my dcs 4x4 light came on as well. I did the speed sensor reset and it turned it off and stayed off. Are you sure you did it right?

What is the speed sensor reset? I did the DSC reset? Are these the same or different? What i did: with the car running but in park, turn steering wheel all the way to the right, then all the way to left. Turn off the car, restart, then drive for a few miles! Did I miss anything?


JCL, yes, I came to the same conclusion after reading a few more threads.

[chris95559]

The reset is the same as you did but I don't think you did it right. You start the car, turn the wheel all the way to the left then all the way to the right and it should go out. Make sure you are in a spot where you can drive straight after you reset it because it says your not suppose to back up right after. It seem according to what you said that you turned it all the way to the right then to the left which is wrong. After you do left then right you should see it go out.

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by chris95559

The reset is the same as you did but I don't think you did it right. You start the car, turn the wheel all the way to the left then all the way to the right and it should go out. Make sure you are in a spot where you can drive straight after you reset it because it says your not suppose to back up right after. It seem according to what you said that you turned it all the way to the right then to the left which is wrong. After you do left then right you should see it go out.

Yeah Chris, I actually tried both ways and still no successful reset. Unfortunately, the problem appears to be a bit deeper. I won't get a chance to diagnose as I'm heading out of town for a couple weeks. Will get the codes read when I return and post back! Thx

[sruthan]

Would be interested to know outcome of your fault. I've got the same issue. 4x4 amber warning light on my 2004 X5 3.0 d automatic. I had the front left balljoint and wheel alignment done a month earlier and wondered if light was because steering needed recalibration - although there were weeks between the steering work n the light coming on.

Tried the wheel lock to lock and also disconnecting battery for 1 hour but no luck.

Took it to indie who said code reader identified 'steering column sensor' fault. He tried to reset it but couldn't so says I need steering column sensor replaced (£750+ he estimated). I wasn't convinced so went to main dealer who quoted £450 to replace sensor although I didn't get them to examine the car or read codes.

My dilemma now is whether to get the dealer to do the job identified by the indie (no guarantee thats whats up) or let the dealer diagnose from scratch and repair. And I was wondering if anybody could tell me if the 'steering column sensor' is the same thing as the 'steering angle sensor' referred to on other threads?

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by sruthan

Would be interested to know outcome of your fault. I've got the same issue. 4x4 amber warning light on my 2004 X5 3.0 d automatic. I had the front left balljoint and wheel alignment done a month earlier and wondered if light was because steering needed recalibration - although there were weeks between the steering work n the light coming on.

Tried the wheel lock to lock and also disconnecting battery for 1 hour but no luck.

Took it to indie who said code reader identified 'steering column sensor' fault. He tried to reset it but couldn't so says I need steering column sensor replaced (£750+ he estimated). I wasn't convinced so went to main dealer who quoted £450 to replace sensor although I didn't get them to examine the car or read codes.

My dilemma now is whether to get the dealer to do the job identified by the indie (no guarantee thats whats up) or let the dealer diagnose from scratch and repair. And I was wondering if anybody could tell me if the 'steering column sensor' is the same thing as the 'steering angle sensor' referred to on other threads?

Yes, its the same. The steering angle sensor might have been damaged or just went bad by itself. You could probably just buy it and replace it yourself. Only thing is I can't remember if it requires any coding to tell the X you replaced it.

Let me double-check. Looks like it requires coding. Hhmm, tough call. If you trust the Indie then fine. However, IIRC, 4x4 light can be caused by bad wheel/abs sensors or a bad DSC module too. Maybe you can get the dealer to apply the diagnostic fee (partial if not all), once its confirmed that is the actual problem.