Possible DSC Failure

[jasonbot]

Today as I started my car, after it being parked outside in the sun for a while, the DSC and Handbrake lights came on amber. They sometimes went off if I restarted my car but eventually came back on.

I recall while still on maintenance plan last year I had the same problem and BMW replaced some module under warranty. But now I have no warranty. Anyone have any idea what it could be if not the same part? I'm taking it to the dealer next week in case its the same part so they can replace it under part warranty.

 

[Hellas]

How far is your brake pads? The DSC light could also mean the wheel speed sensor, not necessarily the module.

 

[jasonbot]

I got new front ones recently. But it's not the brake light though, it's a combination of the DSC and the HANDbrake light

Anyone have a code reader who could check out the error codes for me?

looks like this (not my pic):

 

[jasonbot]

So I found out I'm driving to Durban from Pretoria on Friday. Will the car be ok for the trip? If not can anyone here help me scan the codes tomorrow in Pretoria and maybe just tell me what needs replacing?

 

[Bavarian Auto Parts]

Did u have it diagnosed today? If not there was a client with exact problem at workshop to-day

 

[Sankekur]

I would also opt in the direction of a faulty sensor of some sort, because the module that controls the DSC also controls the ABS so if the module was faulty the ABS warning light would also come on if I am not mistaken.

 

[menno11]

Its either a Wheel speed sensor or the DSC module. In either case its still moderately safe to drive, only the ABS might have a problem functioning.

 

[Mphoza-ti]

Today as I started my car, after it being parked outside in the sun for a while, the DSC and Handbrake lights came on amber. They sometimes went off if I restarted my car but eventually came back on.

I recall while still on maintenance plan last year I had the same problem and BMW replaced some module under warranty. But now I have no warranty. Anyone have any idea what it could be if not the same part? I'm taking it to the dealer next week in case its the same part so they can replace it under part warranty.

---

I had the same problem on my 318ti and my machanic said is an angle stearing senser that is faulty which is an expensive part and BMW quited me R3900 excluting labor. any one on the forum who know the place in Pretoria where they can fix this failure where they can cost me an arrm.

 

[De@nO]

How is your wheel allignment? If your allignment is badly off it could cause the DSC to turn off. - I had this issue once before.
If your allignment is fine then probably a sensor

 

[De@nO]

How is your wheel allignment? If your allignment is badly off it could cause the DSC to turn off. - I had this issue once before.
If your allignment is fine then probably a sensor

 

[moranor@axis]

stupid qusetion but did you check you brake fluid level...
when i changes my front brakes last week the brake fluid level was just on the min mark and the hand brake and DSC light came on and went off the same as what you describing... i topped it up a bit and all was good

 

[dbrits]

Mine did exaclty the same. Turned out to be the steering angle sensor that was faulty.

If I remember correclty, BMW replaced it at a cost of R3500

Good luck getting it sorted.

 

[Sammo]

I am having exactly the same problem - E46 325Ci. It started with the first rains in Joburg a few weeks back. I read online that it could be the wheel sensors, so spent this weekend taking off all the wheels, and removed and cleaned the very dirty sensors. After cleaning the first sensor - rear left wheel, the lights cleared and I did a test drive, and all was good. Later the same day the lights came back - handbrake + DSC. Really not sure what to do now?

Anyone can recommend a place in Joburg where I can get the error codes read and checked?

 

[Sammo]

I am having exactly the same problem - E46 325Ci. It started with the first rains in Joburg a few weeks back. I read online that it could be the wheel sensors, so spent this weekend taking off all the wheels, and removed and cleaned the very dirty sensors. After cleaning the first sensor - rear left wheel, the lights cleared and I did a test drive, and all was good. Later the same day the lights came back - handbrake + DSC. Really not sure what to do now?

Anyone can recommend a place in Joburg where I can get the error codes read and checked?

So, I finally managed to resolve my DSC error problems. I took my car to Tune-Tech in Joburg today, and they checked it out for me. Apparently it was not a hardware/sensor problem at all (hopefully my cleaning helped), but after reprogramming and initialising my DSC software for a reasonable fee, all is good once again. Will report back if I encounter any issues in the coming weeks.

Also, some advice from them regarding cleaning my dirty engine compartment, is to rather wipe down by hand then spraying with water etc.

 

[moranor@axis]

glad you got sorted

 

[Diablo Jnr]

had the same like come on on my ti when driving home on Tuesday...got home switch the car off, 5 min later started the car and lights did not come on agian. been driving the car for the past 2 days with no problem...:thinking: