ABS, BRAKE, DSC lights resolved!

[ake53]

Yes that's the point of the thread I started. Because this is a wide topic and I feel like there is not enough info on this common problem.

[2003x5guy]

When you speak of Steering Angle Sensor recalibration... Did you get an reading at all?

I took mine in for the codes to be read. steering angle sensor popped up but was not reading anything? Even while we turned the wheel, no data from the sensor.

Trying to decide if I'm going to try the recalibration trick first before trying to replace it. But if its not reading anything then the sensor may be out of commission completely.

Which will start my next thread. How to replace the sensor lol

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by alex77ae

I did not replace the steering angle sensor,
The guy who owns the shop recalibrated the sensor with a Gt1 I believe.
But very serious diagnosis went in finding the problem, all fuses, wiring was checked.
And the steering angle reset did not work if it's not calibrated.
So far 300 miles and no lights. Passed state inspection.

If your friend has a GT1 system with DIS software, why did he just diagnose the fault code and solve the problem directly? No need to check anythng elso, DIS can bring you directly to the problem pointing out the steering angle sensor had the problem. Why did your friend still need to check other sensors and wirings?

[nezarnuaimat]

I got these three lights. After I corrected the right front tire pressure to become 32 instead of 15 the lights went away! Yes this is what happened and I still can not believe it.

[llllBULLSEYE]

yeah these lights are dumb dumb dumb it can be anything and you can only find it with a GT1 or dealer come on seriously BMW(Break my wallet). could be any of the four speed sensors,tire pressure, anything abs related including the unit, bold tire, alternator, tranny oil sensor, selector lever and way too many other reasons. For me it was a battery replaced it and now after 2 weeks the same lights are coming back on and the GT1 said its the steptronic switch.

[ake53]

Originally Posted by llllBULLSEYE

yeah these lights are dumb dumb dumb it can be anything and you can only find it with a GT1 or dealer come on seriously BMW(Break my wallet). could be any of the four speed sensors,tire pressure, anything abs related including the unit, bold tire, alternator, tranny oil sensor, selector lever and way too many other reasons. For me it was a battery replaced it and now after 2 weeks the same lights are coming back on and the GT1 said its the steptronic switch.

welcome to BMW, its a pain in the ass to own, but chicks dig it and the driving is always a pleasure.
I drive with a full mechanics set of tools, and my diagnostic laptop with all possible programs and etk, oh and a jumper box w/airpump... Because BMW

[Ricky Bobby]

Theres also a few sellers on ebay (one I am considering from TN) who do the cluster repair for approx 175 or so, lifetime warranty, etc, with shipping included.

I considered VDO repair but they are pricey considering the price of the service has gone down in recent years.

Just search "e53 cluster repair" and you'll find some sellers offering the repair service, for me I dont have the balls to do it working with the delicate ribbon.

[f18levine]

2003 X5 4.4i w/ 98k miles. DSC/BRAKE/ABS light came on. Code indicated left wheel speed sensor failed. R/R WSS, lights still on. Swapped WSS from left to right. DSC read under-voltage condition as well (12.5v). Multiple mechanics scratching heads. Local BMW dealer/service center quoted $3.5k to R/R DSC. Another mechanic quoted $1.5K for rebuilt BOSCH OEM although believes that arcing / failing electrical line may be to blame. Car is currently in shop.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by f18levine

2003 X5 4.4i w/ 98k miles. DSC/BRAKE/ABS light came on. Code indicated left wheel speed sensor failed. R/R WSS, lights still on. Swapped WSS from left to right. DSC read under-voltage condition as well (12.5v). Multiple mechanics scratching heads. Local BMW dealer/service center quoted $3.5k to R/R DSC. Another mechanic quoted $1.5K for rebuilt BOSCH OEM although believes that arcing / failing electrical line may be to blame. Car is currently in shop.

2 things. Have you tested your alternator voltage?

Secondly, you may need to have your ABS module rebuilt or get a new ABS module, the modules themselves are notorious for throwing false wheel sensor codes.

try www.boschabsrepair.com for repair service, or buy a new module from a Bavarian parts supplier for around 450. If you get a new module, it will need to be coded to the car as well, good luck!

[HEISING]

The ABS/DSC module has bonding wires in it that open up. When they open, no power gets to the hall sensor in your wheel. The module then throws a code your way saying its a faulty wheel sensor, when really it's the module under your hood.
The module looks for pulses, if it doesn't see any from a sensor, it will point to it. There are a lot of reasons the module may not be receiving pulses, so no guessing games allowed here, or there is a big chance that you will be throwing your money away. The abs/dsc module is really a crude device... "It's not very smart", so it doesn't take a whole lot of skill to trouble shoot it with a digital volt meter. If your mechanic can't do this, you may want to find someone competent.