E46 330i 2001 Trio of lights on dashboard 5DF5

[Gert Moller]

Good morning.

I have the trio of lights on my dashboard. ASC light yellow, Handbrake light red and ABS light yellow.

I did a diagnostic test on Friday and the following error was logged

5DF5 internal fault / control unit.

I have read a few posts and what i can gather is that i need to replace the ABS module. I need to know where do i start with this, do I phone scrapyards and try and source one? Or can I get a new or a newer one somewhere?

Any assistance will be appreciated.

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[rash777]

Howzit, my E46 had the same lights and also a control unit fault, not sure if the code was the same as yours and I had to replace the steering angle sensor at the bottom of the steering column inside the car. Maybe try getting it scanned by someone with a better scanner to give you a better understanding of the fault.

 

[Coisman]

My car did the same a while back, all those lights on, was a dirty wheel speeds sensor. Google where they are, take off the wheels, and take them off and clean them. I has MAF cleaner and used that, but soapy water and an old tooth brush should work.

 

[Solo Man]

Had much the same type of faults on my old 2005 120d. Turned out to be the alternator rectifier or something on the alternator. It would charge normally 14.2 volts on idle but when checking long enough it would suddenly fall to about 10v for a split second and go back to 14.2V.
I would suggest checking the charge rate for a few minutes at idle to see if that is not your problem as well. Replaced it with an aftermarket alternator but i am sure it was just the rectifier/brushes/or whatever it is called that sits at the back of the alternator. My original alternator was a Valeo. Ask Coisman by pm for advice as to where to get a good alternator if that is your problem as well.

 

[Coisman]

Had much the same type of faults on my old 2005 120d. Turned out to be the alternator rectifier or something on the alternator. It would charge normally 14.2 volts on idle but when checking long enough it would suddenly fall to about 10v for a split second and go back to 14.2V.
I would suggest checking the charge rate for a few minutes at idle to see if that is not your problem as well. Replaced it with an aftermarket alternator but i am sure it was just the rectifier/brushes/or whatever it is called that sits at the back of the alternator. My original alternator was a Valeo. Ask Coisman by pm for advice as to where to get a good alternator if that is your problem as well.

Caelex, but I still think it's the wheel speed sensor

 

[Gert Moller]

My car did the same a while back, all those lights on, was a dirty wheel speeds sensor. Google where they are, take off the wheels, and take them off and clean them. I has MAF cleaner and used that, but soapy water and an old tooth brush should work.

@coisman I removed the two rear sensors and cleaned it with a wet cloth. Should i clean with what you recommended. The trio of lights isnt always on. On some trips it come on after about 5 min into my trip, other times it comes on when i start my car. I alos have to change my oil level sensor, could this be also a reason?

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[Solo Man]

I also thought it was wheel abs sensors but it turned out to be the alternator. Easy check to carry out. Just check charging rate carefully for a few minutes at idle

 

[Gert Moller]

I also thought it was wheel abs sensors but it turned out to be the alternator. Easy check to carry out. Just check charging rate carefully for a few minutes at idle

How don I check the charging rate? Can i do it with the onboard computer as you check the coolant temp?

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[Coisman]

Should be able to check it with the dashboard button menu trick. Just no idea how to get into it, my mechanic did it once.

 

[Gert Moller]

Should be able to check it with the dashboard button menu trick. Just no idea how to get into it, my mechanic did it once.

I know how to get into the OBC menu, i will check.

 

[Blue Shirt]

You have to clean all four wheel speed sensors, not just the ones in the rear.

Another possible cause for the lights is that your steering angle sensor may have to be re-calibrated.

 

[Gert Moller]

You have to clean all four wheel speed sensors, not just the ones in the rear.

Another possible cause for the lights is that your steering angle sensor may have to be re-calibrated.

I have bought brake cleaner and electric contact cleaner. I will clean all 4 sensors. How do i recalibrate the steering angle sensor?

Thank you for the advice

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[Blue Shirt]

If you have INPA you can check the calibration of the steering angle sensor. Some older versions has the capability to re-calibrate else you will need more advanced software.

Google is your friend.

 

[Blue Shirt]

Also just try turning the steering wheel lock to lock 2 or three times with the engine running.

 

[Gert Moller]

Good morning.

I have cleaned all 4 sensors, i have done the steering wheel lock. The alternator current starts at 12.4 and moves up to 14.1. And drops minimal to 13.9, 14.0. The trio of lights still comes on, should i disconnect the battery terminals? I am starting to think that i will have to source a ABS module, or what else could it be? I havent checked the steering angle sensor.

The trio lights come on intermittently, not always when i start the car. Sometimes, a few kilometers into a trip, could this mean that it isn't the ABS module and something else?

Any assistance is appreciated

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[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Does the ABS activate?
Maybe check if it is working, I think you have to be above 60kph for it to kick in.

 

[Gert Moller]

Does the ABS activate?
Maybe check if it is working, I think you have to be above 60kph for it to kick in.

Should i check this when the trio of lights are on or off?

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[Coisman]

Did you drive the car after cleaning out the wheel speed sensors? Mine took a few kms of driving before the lights all went out.

 

[Gert Moller]

Did you drive the car after cleaning out the wheel speed sensors? Mine took a few kms of driving before the lights all went out.

Yes, i drove 20km yesterday after cleaning and 20km today. The trio comes on at different times during driving. Should i drive longer. When the trio comesnon and i switch off the car and start it again then the trio doesnt come on again.

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[Coisman]

Eish I don't know... Once the error clears on it's own with the sensors clean all should be ok.

Keep hunting for the problem. Good luck