4x4 Warning Light on Dash ?

[X5_Rob]

No big changes in temp.. its been in the 60's all week here... I'm taking it back to the indy shop tomorrow AM to have this issue and the rest of the car checked out.. My new wheels are arriving tomorrow and trying to get the X5 squared away so I can sell it...

[TwinsPoppa]

The 4x4 light IS the indicator for inactive DSC/xDrive.

Originally Posted by X5_Rob

Just got back from the BMW indy shop... interesting twist to the story... It wasn't throwing a code for the 4x4... this guy seemed to know what he was talking about.. he saw codes for my airbag (red airbag dash light is on currently) and also saw a code for my sunroof panel (I just disengaged the 2nd smaller panel as it was stuck open)..

They said they believe the DSC system is not engaging and is the problem... When you push the DSC button to engage or disengage when the car is running nothing is happening... I didn't know to check this but they showed me... THey think that system is not functioning but since its deactivated somehow its not throwing a code... They seemed to know their "BMW" stuff at this shop (and didn't even charge me).. Anything I can do to check the DSC system?

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by X5_Rob

3/14/2013 UPDATE - Coming back from the airport yesterday and had the chance to engage the down hill assist.. it didn't work.. Nor will the traction control engage/disengage.. "4x4!" yellow warning light on dash..

Get in the car today and the "4x4! light is off.. traction control engages/disengages like normal.. no hills in flatland florida to try out the DHA today..

Whatever is causing the sytem to shut down is an intermittent problem which should make this even more fun to diagnos...

The 4x4 light (DSC/xDrive) can be caused by different things. The DSC/ABS module uses the wheel sensors along with other sensors like yaw sensors and steering angle sensor.

So, it would be better if you can get to a dealer or shop that has GT1 or equivalent - BMW specific diagnostics. Because then they can not only get the code but will have a test plans to narrow down what part(s) maybe causing the problem(s) - specific to that code/fault.

So, for example, their test plan may go directly to the actual bad part or just walk through and test each sensor, then maybe the modules.

In my case, when I had just the 4x4 light, it was a bad rotation rate (yaw) sensor. At first I thought it was a bad module. Now, I also had a message of "Self Level Suspension Inactive" so its not exactly the same symptoms as yours.

If you want and are curious, here's the thread.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...al-sensor.html

Probably that is what your shop will do. Check all the sensors and modules.

[Bouchedag84]

I've got the same light on. And I haven't driven my X in over 2 months so not sure what's up... Just dropped it at the shop now for a brake job so maybe the Indie will look it up for me

[Daka]

Mine was the SAS (Steering Angle Sensor 06 3.0)
That car is gone and I have a 2014 GLK, no comparison the X5 is a FAR SUPERIOR vehicle. When my lease is up I will definitely be getting another X5

[RenoHuskerDu]

Sorry to necropost, but I am also just getting the 4x4 light on. Thanks for all the tips here. I already tried lock left, lock right, lock, left with no success. I'll try a few of the other tips tomorrow.

Are there code readers that run as android apps yet? That would be epic cool, just buy an adapter cable and run your phone to pull codes.

[RenoHuskerDu]

I tried the left/right/left trick again this morning...no luck. The DSC button has no effect on the 4x4 light, which stays on. Hill Descent does not work.

So judging from previous posts, I need to pull codes now. It could be a wheel sensor, the steering angle sensor, yaw sensor, or the transfer case worm gear bit.

[Awntchi]

Originally Posted by RenoHuskerDu

Sorry to necropost, but I am also just getting the 4x4 light on. Thanks for all the tips here. I already tried lock left, lock right, lock, left with no success. I'll try a few of the other tips tomorrow.

Are there code readers that run as android apps yet? That would be epic cool, just buy an adapter cable and run your phone to pull codes.

I'm using iCarly from Ivini apps (previously BMWhat) on my Samsung s5 and it is very good in my opinion. It's not super advanced but you can reset/ program a bunch of stuff on the E53. The only thing I don't know is if it can test the wheel speed sensors. It does check the steering angle sensor (I have a faulty one according to it) so theoretically it should be able to check other sensors....I'll update on this later today.

My 4x4 light has been on for quite some time now and initially I thought it was the steering angle sensor (after all it was coming up faulty on the app). However, reading on this forum I see many others with the exact same symptom and error code as I have and they fixed it by changing the yaw sensor...I'm baffled.

Anyway, I'm going to start with the wheel sensors first...being the quickest and cheapest fix....then the yaw sensor and last the steering angle sensor since I'm having issues with getting it out. I've asked for help on this forum on how to get it out but still waiting for a shiny diy:er to come to my rescue



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[RenoHuskerDu]

I got a new symptom last night. While backing up and turning sharply, I felt the transfer case tighten up, the 4 wheel drive activating. This tends to support the idea that it is a wheel sensor at fault. Inaccurate wheel speed data is being sent to the calculator. I can't imagine how the SAS or yaw sensor could cause this symptom.

I'm ordering that Carly pack you guys recommended.

[Awntchi]

Ok so i checked and here is how it looks like. All sensors are grouped in one category and when diagnosing I get the steering angle sensor as the culprit. I'm not sure how this works but maybe it checks all but only throws up the faulty sensor/s when done...?