ABS/DSC/Brake/Speedo

Z

ZedM

Member
 Derbyshire
Hi all, I know there's been a lot written on these symptoms but I can't find one that ticks all my boxes.
Bitterly cold today, drove 15 miles, parked for 10 minutes, started up car and.....
Low temperature warning, followed by ABS, brake and DSC warning lights. Tried restarting but exactly the same warnings. Then the Run Flat light came on and then I noticed that the speedo, mileage and distance to empty not working either. All tyres to pressure and battery is fairly new. Any ideas? Please!!! Car details in signature. Thanks. :(
 
Electrical gremlins like this may suggest you battery is on its way out (others have had similar). Suggest you check this before any more detailed diagnostics.
 
AlanJ said:
Electrical gremlins like this may suggest you battery is on its way out (others have had similar). Suggest you check this before any more detailed diagnostics.
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Thanks Alan but I don't believe the battery is very old (I've only had the car since September). I do have a jump start / booster battery kit. If I attached this to the two connections in the engine bay would this rule out (or in) the battery condition scenario? I'm dreading that it might be the DSC and hoping that it might be something to do with the ABS sensor. I don't know why the speedo should be affected or what activates it. Is there a fuse involved?
AlanJ / anybody - further suggestions welcomed.
 
I have the same warning lights and the hill assist no longer works.(speedo is fine) I'm hoping its a relatively cheap fix, battery or sensor and not a two grand repair? :cry:
 
John002 said:
I have the same warning lights and the hill assist no longer works.(speedo is fine) I'm hoping its a relatively cheap fix, battery or sensor and not a two grand repair? :cry:
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My money is still on a dodgy battery.

p.s. "hill assist"? WTF? :?
 
thepits said:
John002 said:
I have the same warning lights and the hill assist no longer works.(speedo is fine) I'm hoping its a relatively cheap fix, battery or sensor and not a two grand repair? :cry:
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My money is still on a dodgy battery.

p.s. "hill assist"? WTF? :?
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Thanks PITS - will my idea to test it with the jump start/booster kit connected work OK?
 
I know you posted " I don't believe the battery is very old " but you've not had the car long, so how do you know?

I'm sure :roll: that other knowledgeable people will post on how to check its age.

in the meanwhile, use the booster, after all you can't make it any worse [can you :? ]
 
thepits said:
John002 said:
Crack on..
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:wink:

So ZedM, what news?
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OK - I've checked the files and the battery was purchased on the 18/06/2014 - so pretty new.
In the morning I will start it using the booster kit and existing battery and then take a short drive to see if anything has changed.
If it's still the same, I'm going to take a look at the rear nearside ABS/Speed Sensor and see if it looks OK and give it a clean if required. I understand that this is the sensor that drives the speedo. I'm still waiting for my Fault Code Reader to be returned but hopefully that will be here tomorrow. Obviously, trying out the no-cost or low-cost options first. I don't mind spending the money but I hate wasting it! Will let you know how I get on. :?
 
My fault reader didn't seem to be working so I'm trying to decide whether to get a C110 Reader or an INPA Cable/Software to establish where the fault is. One of the guys offered to use his diagnostics gear but I'm still waiting to make further contact with him. My gut feel is to just buy the INPA cable and get on with it. I thought it would be better to establish the fault location rather than just start taking sensors off in the hope that any fault would be obvious. In fairness, it would probably have to have a label on it stating "Faulty" before it would be obvious to me!!!
 
Similar problem with my E45 last week.....fault traced to a passenger rear ABS sensor. The speedo runs off this sensor. total cost inc diagnostics and VAT £165. Sensor changed, warning lights reset and all is fine 8)
 
The hairy angler said:
Similar problem with my E45 last week.....fault traced to a passenger rear ABS sensor. The speedo runs off this sensor. total cost inc diagnostics and VAT £165. Sensor changed, warning lights reset and all is fine 8)
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Thanks HA, most encouraging. Will keep thread updated with progress.
 
Same issue with my old E46. Near side rear abs sensor. Controls the speedo as well on E46 so I assume it still does on the Zed's (very similar car underneath). It's easy to replace and costs about £75 for the sensor. Plug it in and check first though before buying any bits. If you do need a sensor, make sure you buy OEM as bmw's are known to be fussy about aftermarket sensors. Good luck. One bonus is your mileage doesn't go up! Who'd of known you can trick a modern dashboard. Only downside is you don't know how fast you're going. I used a Sat nav until I got it fixed.
 
Sounds like an ABS sensor issue to me, try and get the fault codes read if you can and go from there :)
 
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