BMW ABS light problem

Voodoomelon

Hi folks.
My ABS, brake and traction control lights are all on continously for the last 2 weeks or so. A lot of info on the net points to a dud ABS module, but i'm not so sure this is the case.

The nav pointer on my navigation screen doesnt move, i've no MPG calculation, the parking sensors are beeping all the time and of course no ABS or traction control, all fuctions based on speed.

I've also pulled the codes and i'm getting "P0500 Speed Sensor Malfunction" but that could still be the ABS module apparently. I've taken off all the wheels and cleaned all the ABS speed sensors one by one (they were mank) to no effect.

I'm about to order a speed sensor to swap about the wheels to try and diagnose a faulty sensor, short of sending off the ABS module for reconditioning.

A lad on the BMW forums says that the speed sensors lead into the ABS module first, and then pass the data onto where it needs to go, but that doesnt sond right to me, surely the information from the sensors gets passed to some central location first and then onto the ABS module?

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the matter?
Thanks.

Johnboy Mac

At a guess one of the ABS sensors is inop.



Edit: Just reflecting on your problem and I don't see why it should affect the parking sensor .......

scudster

I have the same problem with the abs. I was talking to a mechanic in McKeons BMW in Meath (think they are in Kells. Give them a ring and inquire about it. They are sound guys there.) and he said 9 times out of 10 its one of the sensors at the wheel. Another thing which might cause electronics problems is your battery. If your battery is old/on its way out/low on water, this may cause the problem too.

Voodoomelon

Thanks for the tips, I reckon its one of the sensors too. I just don't know which one, the codes don't specify the exact sensor.

In regards the parking sensors, when you put the car in reverse, the sensors automatically come on. However as the system has no way of knowing when to turn off (approx 10mph), it just stays on and beeps.

Another thing I read is that even if you get the right sensor and replace it, the lights remain on as they have to be reset, have you heard the same yourself? What are you driving Scudster?

beam99

What make and year of bm is it? . The main ABS unit gives trouble on some of them. But it very well could be a sensor, The quickest way would be to put it on diagnoise and look at the readings from each wheel when driving.

Voodoomelon

Car details in sig. How do you mean stick it on diagnose, hook up the OBD when driving?

beam99

You would need a diagnostic tester that could read this info. Where are you located? If you are thinking of buying a abs sensor don't buy a after market one. I got 2 faulty sensors before for a E46 both aftermarket. Had to buy from main dealer in the end, but it fixed my problem.

Voodoomelon

Hi have DigiMoto diagnosic software, i'm not sure of its capabilities yet, ive only had it a few days. I've already gotten an ABS sensor from America, a lad who strips E38s for a living, it replaced the rear sensor that I had to drill out. I'll probably get another off him, €40 shipped.