Help! ABS, Brake, DSC, and Tire Pressure lights on after car wash?

Mistere311 · #1 01-25-2013, 02:25 PM

Weird problem with my 2005 X5: About 4 miles after I left a automatic car wash (dumb, I know) the ABS, Brake, DSC and Tire Pressure lights all came on. The lights all popped at once while I was traveling about 40 MPH, didn't notice any mechanical issue or clunking from the truck. The Service Engine Soon light came on later. The instrument cluster (speedo/tach) working fine. ABS does not work, nor does traction control, but the truck otherwise seems fine.

The car wash was one on a track where one wheel is static and and the track pulls the car through while the other three wheels roll freely. The auto transmission was in neutral the whole time.

First thing I need was disconnect battery for 10 mins, reconnect, all lights on instantly after start up.

Second, I checked the SES light, the OBD2 code is P152B, which appears to be a speed sensor. After I clear the code, it will always come back up after a few miles of travel.

Third, I have inspected the physical connenctions on all, and they are solid and clean. However, I noticed the driver's front outer CV boot was torn and will need to be replaced, there was CV grease everywhere, though not near the speed sensor or its wire, or connector. It appears to have been torn for sometime.

Could the car wash really have caused all this havok or is it just coincidence I have these problems right after I went there?

I also have tried all the "turn the steering wheel lock to lock" etc. fixes I've seen via search, and nothing works.

I see a variety of options: Pay for a dealership diagnosis, throw speed sensors at it, or buy the ebay GT1 cable for 35.00 and tinker with the codes myself (have laptop for it and experienced in coding for VW days, think VAG-COM).

Any other bright ideas?

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TerminatorX5 · #2 01-25-2013, 02:46 PM

how handy are you with a multimeter? you can test the speed sensors at the ABS module connector using diode mode of the multimeter. the pinouts are out there on this forum...

Mistere311 · #3 01-25-2013, 03:18 PM

Handy, and own a multimeter, not sure if it has diode mode... That sounds like a great idea, I guess I should start looking for the pinouts and learn what signal I need to see...

jgold47 · #4 01-25-2013, 03:23 PM

sounds like you got water in the speed sensor or the harness and thats throwing all the codes. It attaches to the wheel hub and is supposed to be sealed. if water got in there and re-froze it may have pushed a wire off, or cracked a connector.

I think these codes would go away on their own when the problem is fixed, so I would first say, try to warm the car up somewhere (like a heated garage) so all the moisture can evaporate. Otherwise you would have to start checking the sensors to see which one has a fault.

Does anyone know if a DIS/INPA could pinpoint which sensor is causing the fault?

Mistere311 · #5 01-25-2013, 03:36 PM

I could pull out and inspect the front wheel sensors easy enough and was hoping I could see the signals with a DIS/INPA system, I don't mind investing the 35.00 and time to have a fully capable diagnostic machine available, and have in fact order that cable. I'd just like to fix it sooner as the snow here is becoming unbearable. (Also could used the DIS/INPA for my E39) The truck is garaged nightly, but not in a heated garage (I wish!).

jgold47 · #6 01-25-2013, 03:38 PM

where are you located?

Mistere311 · #7 01-25-2013, 03:46 PM

Traverse City and this is the wife's car, so I'd like to fix ASAP.

Mistere311 · #8 01-27-2013, 05:36 PM

Update:

I removed and cleaned all four speed sensors. The rear's were in good shape but the front's look like the picture (before and after the cleaning). I cleaned them all as well as the connectors. Also swapped the front locations.

Anyone know the best way to clear the faults causing the lights? I don't have a scanner yet, so I guess driving is the best way? I hope the cleaning of the sensors will do the trick!

TerminatorX5 · #9 01-27-2013, 06:13 PM

the ABS module, as well as other modules need to receive good signal on a consistent basis (driving for a little bit)... assuming that the problem is resolved then the lights will go out.. you may need to turn the steering wheel lock to lock as well..

Mistere311 · #10 01-27-2013, 06:44 PM

Figured as much. If I don't get quickly get that P152B code again (pops up real quick), then maybe the problem was one of those dirty sensors (query which one...). Will keep the post updated.

Also, I read that the alternator might be causing this problem too, and at least at the jump point under the hood, I was getting 14.1 to 14.4 on the multimeter - is that within spec?

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