ABS & Traction Control Lights

[Cheddars]

Hi guys,

Bit stuck on this. The abs and traction control lights are on, the car has been sat for quite a while and were there when a fresh battery was put on, as previous battery had died when it was sat. The previous owner has said those lights were not on when he owned it so don't think there is a fault. He's not one to tell porkies.

The car has been moved around by hand, not sure if that's had an effect?

What type of diagnostics do I need? I've done my research and found this:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation


I'm a little bit thick and don't quite understand it and really unsure what to do. I've used diagnostics on previous cars but with this being quite an old car I'm not sure.

Any help appreciated - sorry for the long post.
The car is a 1998 BMW z3 2.8.

 

[g8jka]

They normally go out after a good run or two if you don't have a faulty sensor, may just be dirty. If you can give it a run first and see if they clear, if they don't clear you will need a diagnostic machine. The C110 is decent at around £35 or INPA which needs to be installed onto a laptop which can be a pain but it does offer a wider range of diagnostics.

 

[Uncle_Clanger]

They normally go out after a good run or two if you don't have a faulty sensor, may just be dirty. If you can give it a run first and see if they clear, if they don't clear you will need a diagnostic machine. The C110 is decent at around £35 or INPA which needs to be installed onto a laptop which can be a pain but it does offer a wider range of diagnostics.

Fingers crossed its not the Yaw sensor under the passenger seat. If these get wet then it can be expensive.

Where can you buy a C110 from? Is that the product code? Are they branded? Do they reset all fault lights as well as flag up fault codes? Never used anything like this before.

 

[andyglym]

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...ggvMAA&usg=AFQjCNH7nKlQkTQegodcgYkgcN7ibxMhng
Don't forget to buy the 16 pin attachment.

 

[raymond]

Sometimes it is best just to let a garage that you trust sort it out rather than spending money on buying your own equipment. It may just need a cheap repair. Perhaps a member living near you could lend you the reader

 

[t-tony]

How far are you from your test station Matt? You may find it could reset on the way there even if it doesn't you have 10 working days to complete any repairs anyway.

Tony.

 

[Cheddars]

How far are you from your test station Matt? You may find it could reset on the way there even if it doesn't you have 10 working days to complete any repairs anyway.

Tony.

I am no more than 2 miles away, I use Nick Welton on Newark road, near walkers. I've sent you a message regarding its mot, hopefully you received it (still getting used to the site, lol).

 

[Jack Ratt]

The C110 might not read the ABS module on a pre facelift Z3, it doesn't work on mine.
I bought the INPA diagnostic programme from BM Cables and had the same problem, ie I found you can't access the ABS module on pre facelift Z3 via a USB port, it has to be on an old type laptop with an RS232 port. Using it with a USB to RS232 adapter does not work either.

It seems to work OK on the other modules I've looked at.

 

[Cheddars]

My C110 came today, works on every module bar the abs one, typical. That was a waste of £40, lol

 

[raymond]

Get your local garage to do the scan . Unless your MOT is due you can take your time fixing it.

 

[Jack Ratt]

@Cheddars

The most common cause for ABS / ASC lights on are dirty or faulty wheel speed sensors, and even more specifically the front wheel sensors..

To clean them it's better if you can take them out, it's only one bolt, but sometimes they are stuck tight like mine were.
To clean them in situ,
Take your wheel off, brake caliper and brake disc.
Loosen the bolts on the disc backing plate so that you can rotate it.
You just need to move it enough to get to the sensor which is in the wheel hub.
You can access the face of the sensor to clean it

If you want to replace them, you don't have to buy OEM at £80 each.

I bought a pair from Germany via Ebay for £25 ish for a pair, including a 2yrs guarantee

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-ABS-WH...-E36-Z3-E36-/371511290469?hash=item567fcc6a65

This may help too

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...BRAKES-ABS_Wheel_Speed_Sensor_Replacement.htm

It's an easy DIY job

Good luck

 

[g8jka]

My C110 came today, works on every module bar the abs one, typical. That was a waste of £40, lol

Did you try the connector under the bonnet and the one under the dash to read it?

 

[Jack Ratt]

@Cheddars

Your car is pre facelift like mine is. The facelift diagnostic port may be different to the pre facelift as I believe the C110 works fine on facelift Zeds.
If your diagnostic port is like mine above, with the same pins, you can only access the ABS module through ADS programme on an old laptop connecting through a RS232 port. BM Cables diagnostic kit will work but only via a proper RS232 port.

I went through this rigmarole last year with my car.

I sorted mine by changing my off side front wheel sensor.

It's been good since

 

[bessieblue]

when my battery went flat & i fitted a new one the lights came on for a couple of miles when i switched of & back on again they whent back to normal

 

[Antm72]

The C110 might not read the ABS module on a pre facelift Z3, it doesn't work on mine.
I bought the INPA diagnostic programme from BM Cables and had the same problem, ie I found you can't access the ABS module on pre facelift Z3 via a USB port, it has to be on an old type laptop with an RS232 port. Using it with a USB to RS232 adapter does not work either.

It seems to work OK on the other modules I've looked at.

My C110 reads the abs module on my prefacelift read cleared the codes without issue ?

 

[Cheddars]

Cheers guys, it's greatly appreciated.

I have been using the one under the bonnet, can't seem to locate the one under dashboard. It looks exactly like the one pictured above - the pins are in the same location.

Dumb question - does the engine need to be on or just ignition?

 

[t-tony]

Cheers guys, it's greatly appreciated.

I have been using the one under the bonnet, can't seem to locate the one under dashboard. It looks exactly like the one pictured above - the pins are in the same location.

Dumb question - does the engine need to be on or just ignition?

Just ignition on mate.

Tony.

 

[Cheddars]

Just ignition on mate.

Tony.

Yep, not working then, lol

 

[t-tony]

Have you physically checked all the wheel speed sensors are intact and not damaged Matt? You can "test" them individually by disconnecting the the ABS cable and putting an Ohm meter across the contact of the sensor and getting someone to spin the wheel by hand. Should give a reading and all 4 should roughly equal.

Tony.

 

[Cheddars]

Cheers Tony, I've had a look and they look clean and intact. Haven't tested yet, but will do. Cheers buddy