got "SELF LEVL INACT"

[acannell]

2004 X5 V8

Got the "SELF LEVL INACT"

Was hoping I'd get lucky and my ELM style bluetooth OBD2 scanner and torque app would be able to tell me the real fault code so I could see what sensor was bad or get a clue as to the malfunction..no such luck it reads nothing for this.

I checked the ride height level sensors..nothing obviously wrong. The dog bone is plastic and there doesnt seem to be play..the arm on the sensor moves if you jounce the truck around, as it should.

Back end seems level..according to a 4 foot level and measuring tape. No ride quality difference noticed.

I've been meaning to get a DIY GT1 or MODIC, DIS, etc.. scanner going. Looks like there is lots of info all over the internet on how to get this up and running, but I'm not sure which would be the most appropriate.

I've also considered just getting someone to read the code out for me, and then I will fix whatever is wrong and they can then clear it and calibrate the ride height system. I dont want the dealer or anyone else working on my X5.

Any advice on diagnostics I can do myself?

Anyone know what sort of output the ride height sensors have? I have a digital scope and other test equipment and maybe I can take them out and test them myself to see if they are good or not.

I'm assuming that at some point in this process someone will have to clear the fault code and do the calibration no matter what to get rid of the error and make things work properly..right?

Thanks for any help!

[4.8isX5]

Basically you need to order the romanian gt1/inpa kit...

Or find someone with it, without that you are SOL.

Do you have 4 corner air or just rear? You should be able to do everything with inpa which is easy to setup, gt1/dis is more involved but with that you will definetly be able to find out..

Sometimes it just needs to be reset, perhaps recalibrated, or worst case something is broke but you do need the cable and software.

[4.8isX5]

Also i just looked up your location hemet, if your willing to drive an hour to escondido Ca, theres a very good BMW shop there called all german auto,, they are the ones who came up with the collapsible center pipe for n62 and the valve seal tool. Really know their stuff.

[acannell]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

Also i just looked up your location hemet, if your willing to drive an hour to escondido Ca, theres a very good BMW shop there called all german auto,, they are the ones who came up with the collapsible center pipe for n62 and the valve seal tool. Really know their stuff.

okay I'm going with the Inpa setup..I happen to have an extra cheapo laptop with a serial port and some USB to serial converter cables..so maybe I can actually get that going

its just rear air

yep I know about all german auto..seems like theyve been there forever..if i cant get something cooked up then Ill have them scan it..

[RajB]

I use the scanner 1.4.0 and it reads the errors just fine. Can even code things out and reset servicing etc. only about £23 ($40).

[acannell]

Originally Posted by RajB

I use the scanner 1.4.0 and it reads the errors just fine. Can even code things out and reset servicing etc. only about £23 ($40).

hmm that looks interesting but im not sure it would read suspension codes

[RajB]

Originally Posted by acannell

hmm that looks interesting but im not sure it would read suspension codes

Yes it does. I've used it to capture my own and for others.

[acannell]

Originally Posted by RajB

Yes it does. I've used it to capture my own and for others.

thats great! ive read that not all the suspension codes are read correctly using the 1.4.0, do you remember which codes you read and what the content of the error message was? especially the dialog box titled "0xFFF suspension system" or perhaps "0xFFFF susp sys read"?

[acannell]

turned out fuse 87 in the back was blown..apparently this is somewhat common on X5's..not sure what the root cause is. replaced it and cleared the error with inpa and it hasnt come back in about a week so far