Trifecta simple question
 

I have been getting an intermittent trifecta.
It goes away sometimes on its own, sometimes if I restart
the X5.

I have an inexpensive code reader, but I think it is not enough to diagnose
ABS errors. I'm limited to my code reader for diagnostic equipment.
Is this problem a job for my Indy to figure out?

Unlock the cluster and monitor your voltage. Most of the times I see random trifectas (sometimes accompanied by trans failsafe errors) it's a voltage issue as a result of a failing alternator.

It's not 100% that's your issue, but it's probably where I'd start. You have a chain driven TC so no actuator gear failure as a possible cause. Wait, is this on the 4.4 or the 4.6. If 4.4 then the gear could be the issue, listen for a tell tale knocking noise upon shutoff right under the driver's seat.

Yes clarify which X5 you are referring to since your a dual X5 owner.

Maybe it's time to invest on BMW Specific diagnostic software/s.;)

And you'll be in-tune on what's going on with your Bimmers!

They're awesome tool and can tweak/code/adjust features not enabled from BMW factory.

And if you're stuck......members here are happy to help.

Sorry Guys,
I'm working on my 2003 4.6is trifecta ��
I haven't looked at advanced diagnostic equipment because
I'm an Apple guy. All computers here are Apple.

Actually, I have never owned a PC.
Can I buy software for Apple ��?

As for the alternator, the PO just replaced the water cooled unit about 500 miles ago.
I also looked and have a 1 month old Interstate Battery.
I haven't actually monitored the voltage, just assuming that charging system is not my problem.
I will do that this week.

On the 4.6, I'd be looking at the alternator. No software needed for this. Just unlock the cluster and monitor the voltage. See if when you get the trifecta it coincides with a dip or rise in the voltage.

There are other possible causes, but again, I'd start with the alternator since it's easiest to check. Are you moving everytime the error occurs or does it happen at a stand still too?

I have seen it light up at slow speeds, and at a standstill.

I can tell you that when this situation occurred on my 4.6is it was the ABS module. Well known problem. You will want to check the wheel speed sensors first to rule them out. Since your alternator is new and battery I would imagine its not a charging problem. I would bet its the ABS module. Been there done that.

Thanks Jay,
I had the same issue on my 5 series wagon.
I used Module Masters. Their price is 300.
They have an EBay company that charges much less.

Any good or bad with either company?

^Woops sorry Av8r... missed that the alt was new. Yes, I would follow Jay's advice then. Start cheap (wheel speed sensors) and then work your way up to the ABS module.

A faulty steering angle sensor also triggers the symptoms you having


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

I had replaced mine with a new unit as opposed to rebuilt

That's because you have a really big Money tree out back.

Money Tree Out Back???? Your the one with 2 E53 X5 with V8's . Both a case of special needs. I paid $450 for my unit through AutoHausAZ at the time. I considered the rebuild but at $100 - $150 more than the rebuild it was a no brainer.

Jay,
You know I'm joking.
These older X5 require copious amounts of money.
I just feel it's easier for my family to go hungry, as long as
both the E53 are in top shape. LOL

I hear Gregg I was joking also.

Interesting update:
I moved the appropriate items in attempt to remove the
ABS module. I moved the items and popped off the electrical connection.
Upon removal, I discovered 2 dead bees. They were engrossed in the
pins. Not sure how the bees got in there. I suspect that the cadaver bees might
have been causing some (pollination)of the electrical circuit.

I will drive it next weekend and see if it was in fact the bees knees.

Some days, I crack myself up.

Sent the module to the Masters. A little bit of a gamble because I
didn't check anything else out. Because it's intermittent, I figured it was the module.
Will find out in a week or so.

TRIFECTA
 

AV8R4AA
any updates about your rebuild ABS module?

I'm having the same issue 2003 4.4i
diagnose with PA Soft and get front right open circuit
we check the wires for possible crack and replace wheel speed sensor but no luck..... thinking of getting the module rebuild as well.

I have used the following Apple compatible software:
Dash Command (best)
Blue Driver
Engine Link

Currently I use Dash Command for realtime info using my iPad and a Schwaben by Foxwell BMW scanner. The Schwaben scanner is intuitive like Apple products. I have a Bavauto scanner that I use sometimes. It doesn't cover all the codes but it is the easiest to fire up and run a scan.

I have the BMW software on a PC I had laying around that I have used a few times but I would rather not. I don't use it enough to be proficient and I have not had a reason to do any coding.

Thus far, with basic troubleshooting, research, the forum, Dash Command, the Schwaben scanner and a multimeter I have been able to find the problem without buying parts and crossing my fingers.

The justification for new 'tools', especially those for troubleshooting, even if you might not use them again, is the labor savings by DIY.

I got my ABS repair report summary back from Module Masters. It was repairable and had some faults.
The report was very detailed and informative.
I didn't understand exactly what they were referencing, but it's good to go.
They fixed it up and sending it back.
That should fix up my dash lights....... for a while.

The quoted price and final bill was 300 dollars.
Seems fair enough considering a 5 year warranty.

UPDATE
 

I have about 80 miles on Big Red.
My ABS module repair was the fix.
Module Masters did the work.
Expensive, but worth it.

No lights, all systems go!

^Good deal. Thank goodness for small miracles right? Glad she's sorted and road worthy now. What did you decide to do about the particulate in the oil?

BTW, I call my X Big Red as well. ;)

I showed my Indy the oil filter. He rubbed it between his fingers.
He didn't seem very concerned. I changed my oil filter 80 miles ago and looked at it last night.
No particles. PO might have not changed the filter when he did oil.

I really enjoy driving this X5.
It is a completely different animal than my 2004 X5
In fact, I feel BMW hit the mark the first time, and much prefer
it to my face lift version.

I wonder if it has to do with the 5 speed trans vs the 6 speed in the facelifts. I find that if I am not manually shifting my 4.8is the trans always seeks the highest gear and ends up neutering the truck in the process. Manually shifting is a different story though.

My Indy is rebuilding my 6 speed valve body
I'm hoping for a better transmission feel.
I'm soooo over the 2-1 downshift bump.
And the long delay of R to D.

Plus the facelift steering is very stiff to me and wife

Next time this happens try turning the steering wheel lock to lock a couple of times to see if the lights go out.

The are several options for code readers that you can use with apple or don't need an operating system:
Bavauto offers a reader that is for BMWs: I have checked it against other readers I have and haven't found a code it misses. It is exclusively a code reader.
OBD Fusion: For Apple. Will read codes and you can real time monitor some modules and create custom gauge pages. Connects via bluetooth.
Engine Link: Works with Apple and also connects via bluetooth. Reads and clears codes and some other stuff.
Blue Driver: Works with Apple. Reads and clears codes, modules, does smog check etc.
INPA Suite: I bought a windows based laptop for the INPA suite. I've used it a couple of times. IMO it is not for the infrequent user and is not cordless.

Everything I have mentioned about options are the short stories. There are websites and YouTube videos that will cover all features. Some options are very inexpensive and some are not. Based on my experience price is not a good measure of the features and benefits you are most concerned about.

I have focused each of these for some period of time over the years. Each has strengths and weakness. I still use them all depending on my mood, their strengths or the one I remember how to do what I need. When I need a scanner for garage work my current go to first is now the Schwaben Pro because it is so intuitive and a feature intensive scanner.

What I have learned is there is no scanner that does what I need. Some codes pinpoint a problem but many times there are codes that are by-products of the real problem so codes are quite often indicators of what to troubleshoot and can be easily misleading if taken literally. Very often if I could do realtime monitoring it would be fairly easy to sort out the primary code.

I am trying to find one scanner that will read and clear codes, test modules, do realtime monitoring, expand the dash gauge coverage and connect by bluetooth. A collection of the best features of the drawer full of scanners.

So, my latest investment is UltraGauge. It arrived yesterday. I have fired it up and tried a few things. Thus far it is intuitive. My intention is to use a portable mount on my iPad so that I can use the software in the vehicle anytime I choose. Based on the dash gauge expansion I can do I may just leave it there all the time. I can leave it in place and it connects automatically when the key is on. I can customize the addition gauges to match the dash gauges. I can have a page of performance gauges and pages for realtime monitoring. I am looking at more engine mods but before I do I want to monitor air/fuel ratio and timing variations based on what engine mods I have active at that particular time. I am quite sure UltraGauge will be at least a step forward.

^So far the best software I have used is a dedicated Autologic unit. That's what we used to use at the shop. I have seen them go for ~$2000 used but they are unsupported if you purchase that way. New they cost the shop very near $10k (with complete set of vehicle keys and cables, not just BMW) if I remember correctly.

I am going to try and order one of the ~$350-400 windows laptops with the INPA, DIS, etc suites pre installed.

@AV8R, I remember exactly what you describe from my previous 4.4i X5. It was very annoying for sure. My brother-in-law still drives it and has learned to drive around the trans in the same manner I did to avoid the hard shift. I think he is going to sell it in the near future though for something more fuel efficient.

Recently had a long discussion with ZF transmission specialist. His input was that the 5 speed is the better of the two. Fewer weak points in 5 speed and has less computer controls. Either way I would invest in Dinan transmission software. Shifts are crisper, shift points are improved and you have control of shifts in manual mode.