Help with dash warning lights please.

[dt7734]

Hi everyone.

I've got these two warning lights that are now permanently one when I'm driving on my 2.0L zed.
It was an intermittent issue until recently and they would go out if I turned the engine off then restarted.
I've got a cheapo OBD fault code reader from Euro Car Parts which isn't showing any fault codes

The performance or economy of the car hasn't been affected by the issue so far.
Is it a common problem any of you have experienced?

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Stevo7682]

It's your abs and traction control light you will need to get the fault codes read to see what the issue is but it is more than likely going to be a faulty wheel sensor.
Stephen

 

[NZ00Z3]

You need to use a scanner with BMW software. Once you get the trouble codes, list the code numbers and descriptions and we can help.

A couple of useful threads:

The Z3 Diagnostics Thread: Instructions, Experiences, Discussions, Experimentation

Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. Our professionals are here to help make...

www.bimmerforums.com

How To Guide - How to Scan Early Model Z3's (pre-build date 03/98)

Many people who own a pre 03/98 build date non M Z3's find it hard to scan any modules other than the engine computer (DME). This is because before 03/98, the Z3 has a mix of OBD1/ADS and OBD2 modules. 03/98 and later, the non M Z3's have all OBD2 modules. Seem that the USA S52 Z3M's had ADS...

zroadster.org

 

[colb]

As long as your car is OBD2 a Creator 310+ handheld scanner will read all the modules fitted to the car but you will need a 20pin to 16pin Cable changer to plug the scanner in to the round diagnostic socket in the engine bay to read all modules. If you have a 16pin OBD socket under the steering wheel that will only read the engine module. The cable changer can be sourced from ebay or Amazon as can the Creator 310+ scanner. Once you have the codes it should point you in the right direction to fix the fault thats triggered the warning lights. Usual suspects are wheel speed sensors that pack up. The Creator 310+ also has the ability to view live data from these sensors which should confirm what the codes are telling you if it is indeed a bad sensor.
Amazon looks to be the cheapest at the moment here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-System-Engine-Reader-Diagnostic/dp/B01MPZTM5Q

 

[Mike Fishwick]

In addition to the obvious - wheel sensors etc - remember that these lights are operated by the Slip Control Module, which is very sensitive to voltage.

I wonder how old your battery is, how much running the car receives, and if the battery gets regular charging. Batteries tend to be ignored until the engine will not start, but on modern cars there is more to battery performance than that. Have you ever checked the battery voltage before and after starting the engine? This basic check, if correctly interpreted, can point to problems with the battery or alternator.

My car is usually connected to an automatic charger, which brings the battery to about 90% of fulll charge, and after a few weeks it will show these ABS and traction control lights. I have always found that after a ten-mile run, the lights reset after switching off the engine and restarting. Always bear this in mind before buying things.

 

[t-tony]

A modern 20 year old car. Hmm.

Tony.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

Age - like beauty - is a relative consideration! I always compare the Z3 to the MGB/MGC of the late 'sixties, so think of it as being a 'Modern' equivalent!

 

[dt7734]

UPDATE

I borrowed this obd scanner from a friend and connected it via the multi plug under the bonnet as suggested above.
It didn't show any fault codes at all but I'm not 100% sure if it's compatible to my car.
Ironically when I reconnected the test cap plug which screws on and restarted the car the warning lights went out !
I've attached pic of the scanner which I borrowed below.
As I'm a novice with computers Is there similar scanner that anyone can recommend that will cover my zed for diagnostics without having to use the complicated software which I have no clue to use.
Thanks in advance.

 

[dt7734]

Update.

I have recently purchased a Creator C110+ scanner as recommended by a mechanic and I've had slightly more success in reading the data from the port under the bonnet.
It is show error code '71 Pump motor' as can be seen from the attached pics.
Has anyone else had the same issue and can give me some advise?
Thanks in advance.

 

[colb]

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/can-someone-please-explain-the-following-bmw-lingo.8999/

Pump motor relates to the ABS pump, you could try giving it a few taps with a hammer to shock it in case it’s just stuck, don’t go beating it to death though the brushes inside may just be stuck. If you have access to BMW INPA diagnostics you can run the motor to test it. If it fails to come to life it may be down to bad solder joints on its board, to fix that it has to be cut open to resolver the dry joints. The unit can be sent away for repair to Ecu testing details in old threads if you search or someone will be along no doubt with details or links

 

[colb]

Automotive ECU Testing - ECU Repair and Exchange

ECU Testing are a UK & global supplier of automotive ECU, ABS pump modules, transmission controllers, throttle bodies, instrument clusters and electric power steering columns. Also listing technical advice and common faults for ECUs.

www.ecutesting.com

 

[Nodzed]

These will recon your ABS Pump approx £200

 

[the Nefyn cat]

May be too late, but it's always worth deleting the codes and taking the car for a drive to see whether the codes come back. They don't always come back. Because electronics, innit.

 

[dt7734]

Thanks for all your helpful comments above
Today I've tried giving it a gentle tap with a nylon hammer, unfortunately didn't make any difference.
Tried clearing the fault code on the C110+ and it came straight back on.
Even checked all the fuses associated with the pump, all ok.

Just come off the phone from a chap from Controlunits.co.uk and explained my issue.
He said it could be either the control module or the pump at fault and informed me that it is a job they could undertake to refurbish it at a turn around cost of £204

Looks like that option is going to be my preferred choice unless anyone can recommend someone in Cheshire that can fix it for me ?

 

[Chu346]

I took the control module off, cut open the box and resoldered the joins myself.

If you can solder it's a fairly easy job

 

[dt7734]

Update

Just over a month ago I went on holiday for 3 weeks and upon my return on a nice day decided to give the Zed a run out.
This was short lived as the battery was dead !
After checking that I hadn't left anything turned on I attempted to recharge the battery over night.
Checked the battery voltage across the terminals the following morning and it failed showing 11.4 volts, (surprising considering it was a 'Leda' battery and was only 3 years old!).
Replaced with an uprated Bosch battery a few days later.
Almost instantly the ABS and Traction Control light went out and have stayed off since
I've been informed that Zeds are sensitive to voltage changes and has caused this issue.

Just thought I'd post this update just incase anyone else has the same experience as me.

 

[t-tony]

Not just Z3s either most makes of cars (which rely so heavily on electronics) nowadays can suffer this “low voltage” issue.

Tony.