Possible yaw sensor malfuntion?

[Jamiekrux]

Hi guys, need a little help troubleshooting a problem with the DSC on my 2001 E46 2.2 320 cabriolet.

The symptoms are the DSC and yellow parking light turning on shortly (few minutes) after start up.

Initially there was an audible noise of the DSC kicking in and pedal vibrating momentarily, over the past few days it now jerks rather violently to the left when this happens, and usually only occurs that once on the drive.

I understand water may have been in the footwell in the past as the soft top was damaged with the previous owner.

All the Wheel speed sensors were changed recently with the brakes.

My standard OBDII reader is not picking up any codes however im going try and get it seen later on today by a mechanic.

any thoughts would be appreciated!

[dworthy]

It's best to get a code reader that can talk to the ABS/DSC system, and not just take a shot in the dark here.

What brand of ABS sensors did you buy?

[whiskychaser]

Yes, you need to read the live data. If possible, video it while you drive. I'd suggest you display wheel speeds, brake pressures, transverse acceleration, yaw rate and steering angle sensor position. I had a speed sensor showing 52kmph while the rest showed 32kmph - but only for a split second. It did not throw a code because it is plausible. The system only allows about 2kmph difference before it kicks in. Of course, if you have a yaw rate reading while standing still, there is something wrong with that sensor. I replaced mine after it showed a rotation rate of 90 degrees per second while the car was standing still. After May 2002, the yaw and transverse acceleration sensors were combined but you will have a separate one. That doesn't mean replacing it - if you need to - will be cheap. Best of luck

[Jamiekrux]

Ok thanks guys, I'm taking it to the mechanic that repaired the brake system later on today, hopefully he has a reader than can view the sensors that mine cannot, officially he is "retired" so if not ill have to book it in.

Thankyou for the advice!

[Jamiekrux]

P.S. it would make sense that a sensor is throwing a wrong reading every now and again as the car starts fine without any lights then after about 5 minutes they turn on and cause a swerve, in the meantime does pressing the DSC button on startup make it safer to drive?

[dworthy]

As long as you are not driving crazy, you can turn the DSC off.