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Thread: Dsc, abs, TC, lights

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
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    Dsc, abs, TC, lights

    Just got a 2001 740il and the car has some problems. The abs, dsc and traction control lights are all on and it feels like the car is in limp mode even though there are no engine codes stored. I haven’t scanned the abs system yet cause I don’t have the tool. Can those three lights throw the car into limp mode? The speedometer works fine. is this an abs module problem or a brake sensor? Sorry I don’t have an abs scanner to get the codes yet.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    99 840ci Sport Indv
    You will need diagnostics as the fault could be many things:

    http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/ABS/Index.htm
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  3. #3
    Join Date
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    740iL (E38 '01)
    Quote Originally Posted by e46alfonso View Post
    Just got a 2001 740il and the car has some problems. The abs, dsc and traction control lights are all on and it feels like the car is in limp mode even though there are no engine codes stored. I haven’t scanned the abs system yet cause I don’t have the tool. Can those three lights throw the car into limp mode? The speedometer works fine. is this an abs module problem or a brake sensor? Sorry I don’t have an abs scanner to get the codes yet.
    You need to scan the error codes. Many ways to do it, cheapest is probably these tools plus a notebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Femal...70_&dpSrc=srch

    You won't be able to read the ABS module codes from the cabin ODB port, you need the 20 pin adapter linked above and plugged into the engine bay (unless if you have a very late E38). As Timm said it could be many things and it's hard to diagnose because a bad ABS module will send false error codes. I'd still check first for codes and take it from there.
    I have had the same issue and it was the two front ABS sensors. If that's the case avoid the super cheap sensor, talking from experience.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    North Carolina coast
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    My Cars
    2001 740iL Prod 4/2000
    Check Timm's site on the trifecta light scenario:
    http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/ABS/Index.htm

    Good info. Do a walk around and make sure all four tires are the same circumference (if you have standard 'not staggered' wheels).
    Staggered wheels may have different sizes front and rear, many sites have tire size comparison charts to check matching circumference.
    I can't remember the percentage of allowable difference, but it is small.
    These systems are very sensitive to discrepancies in rolling speed due to mismatched tires.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
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    Thanks good info

    yes the wheels are staggered 235/50 18 and 255/45/18. They should be close enough. I always run staggered wheels in all of my 3 series cars and never had any problems.
    if I pull the black box from the abs pump can you visibly tell that it’s failed? Any burn marks or anything?
    some say if you buy a module from another e38 then you don’t have to code it. A trip to the dealer would suck.
    Which year e38 does it need to be from? Mine is 2001

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    North Carolina coast
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    2001 740iL Prod 4/2000
    Your tires should be good, fronts are .3" taller. If your lights come on at startup and stay on, its not a tire issue as the lights would go off then on as the ABS
    calculates difference in speed sensor output after rolling.
    If the lights come on and never go off, it's an electrical/module/system issue. Diagnostics would be the key. A good read here:
    http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=558318

    If you suspect the module, BBA manufacturing will rework your abs for about a $100. If no issues are found they will send it back and reimburse you the fee.
    They have a posting on Ebay, quick service. And no, looking at the module there is nothing (usually) to indicate a failure.


    If you change the module, it will need to be coded to your VIN from what I understand, regardless of year for the facelift models, 99-01. The gurus here will correct
    me if this info is not on.

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