Ok…so these two lights have appeared for the fourth time in as many weeks and will, no doubt, switch off the next time I drive the car. Has anyone any idea as to why they are randomly appearing? The car is driving as it normally does: great!
Dashboard lights - illuminated!
- Thread starter ktnez99
- Start date
There's a fault in your ABS system. It won't work while they are illuminated so be careful, especially in the wet.
Very common to be intermittent. Then permanent after a while. You'll need to get the codes read - they will be stored even if the dash lights have gone out. Most likely to be either a faulty ABS module or wheel sensor.
Very common to be intermittent. Then permanent after a while. You'll need to get the codes read - they will be stored even if the dash lights have gone out. Most likely to be either a faulty ABS module or wheel sensor.
Thanks Robert. I have a code reader for the circular device under the bonnet - is this what you mean? If not, what then?
These lights won’t have anything to do with the battery not being disconnected when the driver’s seat came out, will they?
These lights won’t have anything to do with the battery not being disconnected when the driver’s seat came out, will they?
Yes plug in under bonnet. The seat would trigger the SRS/airbag light,
MarkLG1973
Zorg Addict
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2021
- Points
- 49
- Model of Z
- 1999 Z3 2.8
You need a BMW specific code reader and scan the ABS/ASC module for faults.
Most likely causes a faulty wheel sensor or the ABS ECU itself - codes will give an indication where to look
Most likely causes a faulty wheel sensor or the ABS ECU itself - codes will give an indication where to look
I have the exact same thing. Those 2 warning lights have been popping up occaiionally for a few years now. Usually if the car's been stood a while in the damp. I drive the car for a mile or two. Switch off and back on and the lights go away for another few months.
Warning lights are currently NOT showing on the dash but I can connect the reader and it says there's a fault with rear right speedsensor. I clear the faults. It says they're cleared but fault immediately shows in the reader again even though the car hasn't moved and warning lights are still not showing.
Leads me to believe it's not actually a speed sensor problem. More likely a cable or plug somewhere. I had a similar problem with my MB ML and that turned out to be moisture in the big electrical plug into the ABS pump.
Warning lights are currently NOT showing on the dash but I can connect the reader and it says there's a fault with rear right speedsensor. I clear the faults. It says they're cleared but fault immediately shows in the reader again even though the car hasn't moved and warning lights are still not showing.
Leads me to believe it's not actually a speed sensor problem. More likely a cable or plug somewhere. I had a similar problem with my MB ML and that turned out to be moisture in the big electrical plug into the ABS pump.
Interesting. Where’s the abs pump situated?
Ops! @MarkLG1973 !!!
Sorry I think I confused the issue by mentioning the problem in my Merc. The controller on the merc is built into the abs pump. Many other cars have the pump and controller separate. I haven't gotten round to looking at the z3 arrangement.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Untill the codes are read its pointless guessing whats caused them to light up. Decent code reader for circa £50 is the Creator 310+ available on ebay and Amazon. Simple to use but you will need the 20pin to 16pin obd cable changer to plug it in to the underbonnet socket. Have been impressed with its capabilities and so much less trouble than breaking out the laptop to use INPA or BMW Scannner 1.4.
The Creator will read all of the modules fitted to your car, you can access the speed sensors and use it to test them with the car jacked up and spinning the wheel, there output will be displayed on the Creator. It will also give you a detailed description of any codes they have set so you can go straight to the one giving problems. It may of course be down to dirty or duff connections or a dirty reculter ring and sensor in the hub so check those out as well.
The Creator will read all of the modules fitted to your car, you can access the speed sensors and use it to test them with the car jacked up and spinning the wheel, there output will be displayed on the Creator. It will also give you a detailed description of any codes they have set so you can go straight to the one giving problems. It may of course be down to dirty or duff connections or a dirty reculter ring and sensor in the hub so check those out as well.
That’s great @colb and I’ll look into the Creator online later on. I’m hoping it is just dirt, tbh. Everything else is noted. Thanks.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Yes thats the model, it works great on my Z3 and Z4, all you would want for either car, reads all the modules it can find and will reset service and inspection lights.
That’s great @colb I’ll order one this evening. And it looks a good price too. Thanks.
You will need one of these as well:
I have one of these already - thanks for advice though. Much appreciated.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
First thing to do is plug in a code reader to see what codes its set, should point you in the right direction to fix the problem.