A Trifecta Of Lights

[QuickSilver2]

In the ROver world we call this the three amigos, ABS, DSC and Airbag light on all at once on the dash.

Not sure who did it but the cluster was taped so I could not see the lights.

Not a biggie but it;s a safety thing that should have been disclosed.

So I want to fix this. I will search the archives in depth but in case someone has a quick answer for me on how best to proceed I will appreciate it.









On a good note, I got my radio fixed locally by a vendor on eBay. So I at least have tunes. Radio only, CD changer not working.

[Mayorchuck]

Check your wheel speed sensors. Could be dirty or frayed wires. That's the cheapest place to start.

[Slimm]

Wow. They were highly intelligent.

[camaroguy]

Yes, this is ridiculous, people should know by now that you should see all those lights come on before you start the car...if you don't there is a problem....taping them just makes a seller look bad....

[QuickSilver2]

I overlooked the prestart checks. As a matter of fact, it was a search why my DSC switch wasn't working that led to this.

I'm having a hard time with this.

All I'm seeing is folks getting the ABS, DSC and Brake lights. What I am getting is BS, DSC and Airbag.

[Mayorchuck]

The airbag light is usually not related. With them being taped over, hard to say if they all came on at the same time or not. I would still check the sensors if it was me. Easy to do and would fix or eliminate it being the cause of the DSC/ABS lights. You can check for low voltage also as it can do strange things with this car. Airbag light could be the seat occupancy sensor or even an iggy switch issue. Have to start somewhere unless you find a good indy or local member who can check for codes from under the hood.

[Route 66]

That is hard to believe, but I do.

[QuickSilver2]

I thought about this for a while.

The rear passenger side door window does not work and it has an airbag. So if PO has tried to go in there and pulled the airbag out, will that not cause the airbag light to go on?

[Mayorchuck]

Depends on if the airbag was 'activated'. The rear airbags came from the factory deactivated. There should be a sticker on the door jam stating this. I remember reading about this from one of Q's posts. There is also a note on the TIS:

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/05/46/29

[QuickSilver2]

Thanks.

That says 99 onwards, mine is a 98.

[IcemanBHE]

ABS/DSC and AIRBAG are not related.

Without codes its like swinging at a pinata.

[QuickSilver2]

What do I need to get those codes?

I think I need other than my OBDII scanner to get airbag and ABS codes. What do I have to buy? I have iPad and netbook with USB.

[Mayorchuck]

Get an 'Icebox' and you will be the most popular kid on your block. You can do a search of this subforum on it. Otherwise, I can only suggest you do some research in the software forum. The local dealer here does a full diagnostic for $99 here. My indy does the same for $85.

[QuickSilver2]

Thanks Mate. I'll search for IceBox and make a purchase.

[04SSHD]

I concur, airbag light is unrelated. DSC/ABS could be related. You need a BMW diagnostic port scanner to pull those codes. Your standard over the counter OBD reader won't be able to see them. I would start with pulling and cleaning all wheel speed sensors. But Much like the 3 amigos in the rover, I'm guessing your problem is in the ABS pump.

[tekazgtr1984]

I see such stupidity happen all the time. My friend's '03 Audi A4 had the CEL and airbag lights covered with black electrical tape. SMH

[rbelton]

Old thread here, but for those searching and arriving here the trifecta is commonly caused by a failed ABS module circuitry that will need a rebuild. Most of them can be rebuilt by various vendors online for under $100.



Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb2QWHz5cIc

[oatmealwithwate]

Wheel Speed Sensors was the culprit for me.

[Timm]

More information here:

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/ABS/Index.htm