DSC, ABS, and brake light on highway

[Riggodeaux]

E53inLA, is yours an 04-06? If so, and you are getting the tale-tell clicking and lights trifecta, and autologic, DIS, or another program is pointing to the transfer case, I would think its the gear in the gear in the actuator [and replace the tranny fluid, ECS kit - how many miles on yours? Ever changed before?] before letting anyone sell me a transfer case replacement, new, rebuilt, or otherwise. Are you sure the gear was replaced properly? The fluid change won't fix the lights trifecta: replacing the gear will, as this thread [look to the linked youtubes and guidance] shows. Of course, the diagnostics aren't perfect; like I was prepared to do, you might want to try another shop using different technology [DIS or autologic, for example] if you replace the gear and aren't getting the click. Could be the ABS module, a sending unit, etc. I'll be a surprised and very disappointed shade-tree mechanic if my replacing the gear Friday morning doesn't do the trick ........

[E53inLA]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

E53inLA, is yours an 04-06? If so, and you are getting the tale-tell clicking and lights trifecta, and autologic, DIS, or another program is pointing to the transfer case, I would think its the gear in the gear in the actuator [and replace the tranny fluid, ECS kit - how many miles on yours? Ever changed before?] before letting anyone sell me a transfer case replacement, new, rebuilt, or otherwise. Are you sure the gear was replaced properly? The fluid change won't fix the lights trifecta: replacing the gear will, as this thread [look to the linked youtubes and guidance] shows. Of course, the diagnostics aren't perfect; like I was prepared to do, you might want to try another shop using different technology [DIS or autologic, for example] if you replace the gear and aren't getting the click. Could be the ABS module, a sending unit, etc. I'll be a surprised and very disappointed shade-tree mechanic if my replacing the gear Friday morning doesn't do the trick ........

I had the "trifecta". Replaced the actuator gear last week (the old one had the exact wear as in the video), and the clicking sound is gone, and the ABS and Brake lights on the dash are now off. But the 4x4 light is still on, and the handling is poor when going forward with wheels turned hard right or hard left.

2005 3.0L with 91.7K miles. Trans fluid has been changed approx every 30K miles, but changing the transfer case fluid did not show up on the "BMW X5 Fluid Maintenance Guide" I downloaded here in 2010. So the transfer case fluid has never been changed.

I'm also reading that it might be a bad ABS wheel speed sensor. ECS has those for $80-90 each

[Ricky Bobby]

That's the only code in the dsc module is left front sensor?

I've had abs pulse on me too before trifecta, could still be module.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

That's the only code in the dsc module is left front sensor?

I've had abs pulse on me too before trifecta, could still be module.

Off the top of my head I want to say yes that is the only DCS code. I do have a EBV fault code but I want to say that is in a different module as it was on a different page on my INPA printout.

[Tautog13]

Just to throw in a wildcard here:
I know tire pressure is monitored....however....and please correct me if I am wrong....but as I understand it is not "measured" in a way one might assume it would be. (think sensor that actually reads tire pressure)

Why do I Think that?
I had no indication (dash light/other) that my tires were "low" ~22psi ea. (due to low mileage/low frequency of driving)
I never got any indication the tires were low......probably because they were all (~22psi) relatively the same pressure...albeit low.

My point:
IF...your tires are underinflated as were mine...and at highway speed....is it not conceivable........a circumstance....perhaps an undulating road surface...combined with a curve....could trigger a false positive? (tire pressure related)

IOW......all tires at less than optimum inflation spec's, could throw a wheel speed related error....or more.... (tires under "load" deform/compress...tires "relieved" grow/expand).......when in fact it could simply just be underinflated tires?

Clear as mud?...............Thoughts?

Charlie

[Riggodeaux]

I pulled off the transfer case actuator and motor, ready to replace the gear to cure my trifecta. Couldn't get the d*** cover off the actuator gear so I instead did the 180 degree turn. Fixed the trifecta! Now have the new gear in the parts box, ready to replace when it happens again. I could look through the motor port and see where the gear was worn. Lights off, drove to KY for the horse races, no recurrence.

[E53inLA]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

I pulled off the transfer case actuator and motor, ready to replace the gear to cure my trifecta. Couldn't get the d*** cover off the actuator gear so I instead did the 180 degree turn. Fixed the trifecta! Now have the new gear in the parts box, ready to replace when it happens again. I could look through the motor port and see where the gear was worn. Lights off, drove to KY for the horse races, no recurrence.

We ended up drilling a hole in a corner of the metal cover, and then we could get a screwdriver under that corner and pop the cover off.

Glad to hear it worked out OK for you.

[Ricky Bobby]

Enjoy the fix for another 80k miles or more Riggo.

^^Josh, all the E53's show a code for Electronic Braking Force Distribution and ignore it if thats the code you're talking about

[buyverylow2003]

11/02/2014 New Post
{{ To All - Link I posted yesterday is invalid as the $14.95
Speed Sensor from this seller is all sold out}} I see they
have now [5] listed at $19.99 :-) Link below. I have yet to
receive this part and install it, so cannot yet vouch for the
authenticity of part.

BMW x5 E53 Front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor OE 34526756379 | eBay

11/01/2014 Original Post
I was blessed with the "Holy Trifecta" after my Indie
replaced front rotors, pads, calipers. Wear sensor
replaced also, and so that light was extinguished.

So, today, I went on eBay and found authentic OEM
RUF Autoteile part for $14.95. Will reply once it does
arrive and i replace it. eBay seller and link info below:

Speed Sensor Front BMW x5 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 34526756379 | eBay

Seller information
rufautopartsusa (23 )
100% Positive feedback

Item specifics
Condition:
New

Manufacturer Part Number:
34526756379

Country/Region of Manufacture:
Germany

Placement on Vehicle:
Front

Brand:
RUF Autoteile

Warranty:
Yes

[Ricky Bobby]

UPDATE: I put off this repair of my ABS module long enough, after almost 1.5 years and only getting it about 6 more times in extremely hot weather only, I now have gotten the trifecta on the highway today while driving in to work (29 degrees and lower with engine bay wind chill), I'm afraid the longer you let the module repair go, it will occur more frequently in different kinds of temps, as cold affects these electrical connections too.

Will pull the codes tonight and most likely send the module out in the coming days.