Light Trifecta (I have tried everything!!!!)
 

I am in need of serious help. Here’s my situation:
I have a 2001 (built date 09/00) X5 3.0. I have been chasing the trifecta for some time now. I has yellow DSC light and ABS light and a red/amber brake light. At first I thought it was a wheels speed sensor because the speedometer was not working. I have since fixed that. Now all wheel speeds register.
I have sent the module out to be rebuilt, got it back and the lights were still on and sent the module back just to double check. The lights are still there.
I have looked at codes and the only codes I get are a 50 and 54 inlet and outlet front left. Even when I clear the codes the lights do not go away for a second.
I have checked all the other parts of the system (that I know of) steering wheel angle, brake pedal pressure, etc. and they all seem to be working fine. However, in the status window the only two “dots” I cannot turn black are for front left inlet and outlet valves.
What are the front inlet and outlet valve(s)?
Why is the brake light red when the other two are yellow?
I have replaced the battery.
My alignment seems to be fine.
I have tried to activate the abs unit using INPA, but I do not hear anything (does the car need to be running or key just on 2nd position?).
I am really stumped and could use some help. I really do not want take it to a shop where the charge me more than the car is worth and replace everything.
Everything I have read has said that code 50 and 54 mean I need a module rebuild, but I have already done that.
If I get my hands on another module from a similar X5 will it work even if I haven’t coded it over just to help diagnose the problem?
So my question is what else should I try?


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Sorry. Second thread like this, this week. Hope you sort it out.

The ABS pump and valves self-test in the first ~50 feet of driving. If you have the windows open you will hear a 1-2 second hum (a deep brrr sound) from under the hood and a barely noticeable hesitation in the motion if you are moving slowly. It does it from cold for sure, I don't know if you get these from a warm re-start. See if you notice that - if so, its probably not the pump.

I didn't have any luck with a "close" module. When mine went bad, I had to buy one with the exact same Bosch part number and get that coded. Not sure what you would learn, as it won't function until you code it to the car anyway.

Have you done any other work? Is iit possible its the steering angle sensor? Do you know how to initialize it (turn wheel to one stop, then the other) after the power was disconnected?

Hi David,

I have not done any brake/fluid work on the car. I have tried the steering wheel trick, and that dis not work. Using INPA it appears that my steering angle sensor is okay.

I'm glad you checked the steering angle sensor. If you think this module will help, I'm willing to lend it for testing. Bought it off eBay (with the metal valve part) and it tested ok, but it wouldn't make friends with my car.

FWIW, my old unit was 0265950004. New Bosch was 1265950004

Hi again David,

I may take you up on that. Mine is a 950 004 model currently? What do you mean it would make friends with your car?

I just talked to another reputable ABS repair place and they said my codes usually mean the module is toast.

I meant my indy couldn't code it to my car. Did not try the dealer. It was tested by the module place and they said it is fine. Wasn't sure how many the indy had done, so I don't know if it was my indy or the difference in part numbers or it is really not working. He was able to code the brand new one that matched (950 004).

It just sits in the garage and laughs at me.... I am willing to ship it to you for testing. Hope it works. If not, I'm not sure what to conclude. PM your details and I will get it in the mail.

I sent the ABS unit out to a place on ebay. I am not 100% sold that they are "experts" in rebuilding these units. When I talked to him he really didn't know much about codes. When I called another rebuilder today (who has been proven on this fourm and other BMW forums) as soon as I said the codes they replied "not fixable, you need a new unit".

I realize the codes are for hydraulics, but the car operates fine and from my research these 5.7 units can send crazy codes sometime when they are "sick"

Again, thanks for the help guys.

The "module" has the solenoids for the valves soldered into it. Only the wetted parts of the valves remain in the vehicle when the module is removed. But, you are right, could be a mechanical problem inside the hydraulic assembly. Can't recall anyone here actually having a hydraulic problem though. Almost always tracks back to the module...