Replaced Alternator - DSC/BRAKE/ABS light wont reset
 

I have a 2003 BMW X5 3.0i. The alternator failed in it giving all the classic signs with the engine/trany going into failsafe mode. Before the alternator was replaced there were no issues with the trifecta lights. Could the issues with the alternator caused one of the sensors to fail?

I have tried the steering wheel sensor reset, re-disconnected the battery, driven it plenty, etc.

Any other options to try and trouble shoot? There is not a BMW specific shop here in our little mountain town in Colorado, so not a BMW specific reader to to check the sensors. Will a general shop reader be able to trouble shoot sensors?

Thanks for any additional ideas. Would be completely ironic that sensors broke while the alternator failed.

Where did you get the alternator? New unit or rebuilt?

There's a reason why the lights are on. You need to get it scanned so that you will know what is causing the problem. To say that the lights are on doesn't provide any one with a clue as to why they came on. A regular OBD II scanner will not get you the trouble codes for the three lights. Take it in to get it scanned or buy the correct software and learn how to scan the X.

It's a bosch rebuilt, the mechanic purchased/installed.

If you are far from a qualified shop, it is worth setting up the factory diagnostic software and cable - just $35 on ebay. It needs an older windows machine (XP or Win7). Since it is software from far far away, and often conflicts with your anti-virus, it seems like a good idea to set it up on a laptop where you don't do any critical work or have any important data.

One example of a seller. Others here have used a different source.

BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ediabas Ncsexpert Dis V57 SSS V32 Progman GT1 | eBay

Shop that did the alternator replacement had just upgraded their scanner and were able to get the fault codes and it was the steering angle sensor that needed to be reset. I guess the turn the steering wheel to the right and then to the left didnt do it. However all is fixed now and just a heads up to anyone that gets an alternator replaced their shop should also doubt check to see if the DSC/BRAKE/ABS light stays on and if it does have them reset it via their scanner.

^Good stuff. Glad it was a simple solution.