ABS-BRAKE-SEnsor lights all on

[gosterode08]

ABS-BRAKE-SEnsor lights all on

New to forum-2002 325i-manual says ABS control unit....ran a code check and only thing coming up is a rich mixture. So why are all three lights on? Drove to 55 mph and hit brakes hard...no locking, tracks straight and brakes well.

Thanks in advance! Love this car!

[328 Power 04]

You have to use a code reader that can read into the ABS module. What you read was just engine. A basic OBD reader is not enough.

[dworthy]

Welcome to the Forum!

That little pocket reader will only talk to the engine DME. You need to get to a shop or pony up some money to get a true diagnostic tool that will read all the ECU's in the car.

[gosterode08]

Ok...do you have recommendations I can buy? I would rather read myself than have someone else do it. I just want to see it for myself. but in any event....car seems to be performing well in spite of the indicator lights. Anything I should be worried about? Does the factor pre-set these to come on after a certain amount of miles as a safety precaution?

[dworthy]

I have heard great things about this unit: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/

However if you have an older laptop, you can also get INPA to do the work too. Normally a USB with a 16-pin connector that is compatible with INPA and you have to learn the program.

[shadowpuck]

and, to answer your other question - No, it is actually a violation to set a MIL for anything other than a malfunction.

this is not an uncommon issues on e46 BMWs. we'll need to know the codes stored, as the possibilities as to why these lights are lit number in the thousands.
this can be as simple as a dirty throttle body and ICV to something far more complex.

at some point, you'll also need to address the mixture code.

a few thoughts:
1) join your local BMW CCA chapter and get to know the folks in the club. odds are they have tools or knowledge to help. or, at the least, will know the best shops in your area.
2) if you intend to work on this vehicle yourself pick up a bentley service manual.
3) yes, get a good scan tool - if you are computer savvy setting up your own isn't too hard, but, the Foxwell unit from ECS/Turner is hard to beat for the price and ease of use.

here's a few links to things we'll need to know to help you out:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ose-your-issue
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...cal-Help-Forum

[bmwdirtracer]

I'll just add my voice to the excellent guys you've already got, offering their assistance. Buy that ECS/Foxwell device, or ask Abel (328Power04) to help you get started with INPA, and we'll all be very happy to help you decipher your codes.

As others have stated, you cannot decipher ABS codes with an OBD code reader. The OBD system was created for emissions problems, and it was done by bureaucrats, not mechanics. It has its usefulness, but this usefulness is extremely limited.

[ross1]

Sounds like the Bosch 5.7 trifecta. Was that system carried over to the E46 chassis?

[328 Power 04]

Sounds like the Bosch 5.7 trifecta. Was that system carried over to the E46 chassis?

He wouldn't have a working speedometer, I would think.

I would think a yaw sensor is in the OP's future.


But a scan is the most important first step.

If you're slightly computer savvy and have a Windows laptop, you're more than halfway there.

[bmwdirtracer]

Ouch. Yaw sensors are not cheap.


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/34526864094/

But, of course, it could be something much cheaper to fix......when we know the codes.....

[328 Power 04]

You can buy 10 used ones for that price. But I can't recall if a yaw sensor fault would block abs function as well.

Wheel speed sensors are also common, or module issues.