Lost speedo, ABS light is on

Recently purchased a BMW 6-CD changer on e-bay, and installed in my 99 528it. Maybe a coincidence, but the next time we used the car, the ABS light and ASC lamp came on, the speedo quit working as did the "MPG" vacuum gauge. As we were doing short shopping chores, each time we would restart the car, the same things would be inop, and the same lights lit. We stopped for dinner (about an hour) and when we came out to the car again, everything returned to normal and remained so on the trip home. Twenty minutes or so. The car then sat for a week. Wife drove it yesterday, all normal, then shut the car off at her destination. When she came out and restarted the car, the ABS light and ASC lamp came on, and she had no speedo on her way home. Today I used the car, no speedo, both lites on, and the "MPG" gauge working ok.
Is it possible do you think, the installation of a (brand-new, far as i know) CD changer could have anything at all to do with these problems we are now having?

Not possible, if by chance the changer was bad or had a short of some sort the fuse for the radio would protect the wiring, but as far as the intermittent problem you are having it is a fluke.

Also you didnt mention if the changer is working normally especially when the problem occurs, that would also tell you it definitely isnt the changer

Originally Posted by mikey4032

Recently purchased a BMW 6-CD changer on e-bay, and installed in my 99 528it. Maybe a coincidence, but the next time we used the car, the ABS light and ASC lamp came on, the speedo quit working as did the "MPG" vacuum gauge. As we were doing short shopping chores, each time we would restart the car, the same things would be inop, and the same lights lit. We stopped for dinner (about an hour) and when we came out to the car again, everything returned to normal and remained so on the trip home. Twenty minutes or so. The car then sat for a week. Wife drove it yesterday, all normal, then shut the car off at her destination. When she came out and restarted the car, the ABS light and ASC lamp came on, and she had no speedo on her way home. Today I used the car, no speedo, both lites on, and the "MPG" gauge working ok.
Is it possible do you think, the installation of a (brand-new, far as i know) CD changer could have anything at all to do with these problems we are now having?

Hi. Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Doesn't seem to matter whether or not the changer is in use. The car is a CPO, so maybe I should go get the codes read. The changer works perfectly, BTW.
Thanks for the quick reply!

Let me know what the problem was. I have the same problem with a 99 528 iT that started with the ASC and ABS lights. The Speedo, Odometer and "MPG" lights went next. All seem to work on cold mornings for a short period and it seems as if the failure always occurs when I am applying the brakes. A thread on the Bentley Publishers E39 forum has several people with the same problem. The fix looks like it requires a new abs/asc control module.

Swap rear wheel speed sensors. About a 15 minute job if you have a decent floor jack and jack stands. the left rear controls the spedo (I think) and the right rear controls the cruise control.

If you loose cruise after the swap, just replace the speed sensor.

The abs/dsc/asc whatever systems need to have all 4 speed sensors working for the computers to do their thing. If one failes, the system shuts down.

Word of warning, your ABS will not work. So be carefull in panic stops and bad weather until you get it fixed.

Just reading your issue and it's exactly what I have going on. I check in the BMW TIS software and the only thing shown for the ASC/ABS lights going on and off is a bad ABS Sensor. According to the Artical on the TIS (Dealer software) it was that small "microscopic" cracks develop on the sensor wire causing the part to fail this causing the errors seen. According to the document the build date of effected models was from 9/98 - 3/99. Both E38 & E39. Also the Fault code (for those of us with Code Scanners) that will display are : error # 67 & or 112 . suposidly BMW fixed this issue in productions after the 11th week in 1999 production (this is how they wrote it). If anyone else knows about this issue and would have input I'd appreciate an E-mail and as always I will share what ever info I have that you may need. Thanks Hex

Originally Posted by Hex$cyn

Just reading your issue and it's exactly what I have going on. I check in the BMW TIS software and the only thing shown for the ASC/ABS lights going on and off is a bad ABS Sensor. According to the Artical on the TIS (Dealer software) it was that small "microscopic" cracks develop on the sensor wire causing the part to fail this causing the errors seen. According to the document the build date of effected models was from 9/98 - 3/99. Both E38 & E39. Also the Fault code (for those of us with Code Scanners) that will display are : error # 67 & or 112 . suposidly BMW fixed this issue in productions after the 11th week in 1999 production (this is how they wrote it). If anyone else knows about this issue and would have input I'd appreciate an E-mail and as always I will share what ever info I have that you may need. Thanks Hex

Well then Sirs, it seems I am in the right place for this....here is what is happening to me if anyone has a fix please let me know.

I am at the end of the rope with my vehicle:

I have a 2000 523ise (525 engine) manual 5 speed.

The car is equipped with ABS and ASC. A few months back the ASC/ABS light went on, and when I put it on the scanner it said Rear Left Speed Sensor.

So naturally I changed the sensor and shortly after the light came back on...

Back on the scanner - Left Rear Speed Sensor Circuit......and the speedo does not work; So:

1. Cleaned the sensor's ring
2. Checked wiring visually
3. Checked that all tires are made by the same manufacturer and have similar thread thickness

So I went into troubleshooting mode....abserving the car carefully and this is what happens:

1. When you start the car in the morning - the light is off - speedo works....upon driving it a little distance (about 15 minutes or so) the light will come on.

2. If you start the car and just leave it running the light will come on without moving the car after a little while 15-30 min or so.

3. If you unplug the wire plug from the ABS pump/modulator - and then put it back on the light will dissapear and the car will run normally for an amount of time (again about 15 min or so) before coming back on.

4. I removed the modulator off the pump (6 screws) and cleaned the inside out with aircraft electronics cleaner(**great stuff) - replaced the modulator on the pump - and the light stayed off for what looked like about 15-30 mins or so.

I dont know what to do much more than that. Can someone PLEASE help me, I need to fix the car ASAP for a driving test - which cant be taken without the speedo working. Any ideeas would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have diagnosed the problem.

HERE'S HOW TO SEE IF IT'S THE ABS CONTROLLER UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR: (WHICH FOR ME IT IS 0 AND FOR MOST PEOPLE IT WILL BE)

1. GOTO AN OFFICE SUPERSTORE AND BUY A CAN OF COMPRESSED AIR
2. RUN THE CAR UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON
3. USE THE SPRAY UPSIDE DOWN AND SPRAY LIQUID OXYGEN ON THE UNIT UNTIL IT IS COLD (COLD COLD NOT EVEN ROOM TEMPERATURE)
4. IF THE LIGHT GOES OUT - ITS THE ABS CONTROLLER

THANKS EVERYONE!

Originally Posted by Avatar1

I have diagnosed the problem.

HERE'S HOW TO SEE IF IT'S THE ABS CONTROLLER UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR: (WHICH FOR ME IT IS 0 AND FOR MOST PEOPLE IT WILL BE)

1. GOTO AN OFFICE SUPERSTORE AND BUY A CAN OF COMPRESSED AIR
2. RUN THE CAR UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON
3. USE THE SPRAY UPSIDE DOWN AND SPRAY LIQUID OXYGEN ON THE UNIT UNTIL IT IS COLD (COLD COLD NOT EVEN ROOM TEMPERATURE)
4. IF THE LIGHT GOES OUT - ITS THE ABS CONTROLLER

THANKS EVERYONE!

Good to hear cooling of ABS unit can help identify problem! A can of radio shack "chilling spray" for electronics troubleshooting diagnosis will probably work better than a can of air. Just trying to help.

What articel has this information about the micrsopic cracks in the ABS wireing? I have a problem where my ABS light comes on and stays on and the mechanic says I need a whole new ABS module and I cannot put that kind of money out till I am sure. The maechanic gave me the same code, #112 and I was hoping to see if there was another soloution. Also If there is now help there then does anyone know how to get the light to turn off? heat seems to be no factor, so chilling it doesn't help. If anyone has any help that would be great.

unfortunately there aren't too many other solutions in sight, i just got my 10/98 528i back today because of the same problem, car has abs/asc and transmission light on and goes into safe mode, you lose speedo, and car stays in third gear i think just so you won't burn up your clutch. the stealership offered to replace my hydraulic control unit for just under 2,500 so i went to bavarian hyper sports, where i should of been the whole time, and they had my car back in two days. they diagnosed and found that there is a repair kit for the abs module which is about $800 instead of the $1700-1800 it is to completely replace your abs module. my cars asc STILL won't turn off but they think it might be bedded into the computer andwill shut off once it realizes it has been fixed and if not then they will replace wheel speed sensors tomorrow. i hope this helps. BAVARIAN HYPER SPORTS IS ****ING AMAZING, highly professional, friendly, and most of all EFFICIENT, i can't tell you how pissed i am when going to pick up your car only for them to tell you...wellllllll....we're not done. again, bavarian hyper sports is amazing, not only for service but performance, if you are ever in houston i suggest checking them out!

Did the fix Bavarian Hyper sport did fix the third gear and speedo issue? cause there is a rebuild option on ebay I was considering? could you let me know?

I had the same issue, after several attempts, the dealer replaced the ABS wiring harness and haven't had a problem in 3 months.

HOpe this helps.

Originally Posted by Avatar1

I have diagnosed the problem.

HERE'S HOW TO SEE IF IT'S THE ABS CONTROLLER UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR: (WHICH FOR ME IT IS 0 AND FOR MOST PEOPLE IT WILL BE)

1. GOTO AN OFFICE SUPERSTORE AND BUY A CAN OF COMPRESSED AIR
2. RUN THE CAR UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON
3. USE THE SPRAY UPSIDE DOWN AND SPRAY LIQUID OXYGEN ON THE UNIT UNTIL IT IS COLD (COLD COLD NOT EVEN ROOM TEMPERATURE)
4. IF THE LIGHT GOES OUT - ITS THE ABS CONTROLLER

THANKS EVERYONE!

this method does work. but its not liquid oxygen. its called r134a refrigerant. they put it in the cans for dust and air.

Originally Posted by 528ian

unfortunately there aren't too many other solutions in sight, i just got my 10/98 528i back today because of the same problem, car has abs/asc and transmission light on and goes into safe mode, you lose speedo, and car stays in third gear i think just so you won't burn up your clutch. the stealership offered to replace my hydraulic control unit for just under 2,500 so i went to bavarian hyper sports, where i should of been the whole time, and they had my car back in two days. they diagnosed and found that there is a repair kit for the abs module which is about $800 instead of the $1700-1800 it is to completely replace your abs module. my cars asc STILL won't turn off but they think it might be bedded into the computer andwill shut off once it realizes it has been fixed and if not then they will replace wheel speed sensors tomorrow. i hope this helps. BAVARIAN HYPER SPORTS IS ****ING AMAZING, highly professional, friendly, and most of all EFFICIENT, i can't tell you how pissed i am when going to pick up your car only for them to tell you...wellllllll....we're not done. again, bavarian hyper sports is amazing, not only for service but performance, if you are ever in houston i suggest checking them out!

you should try to get your money back, cuz its only $300 at www.modulemaster.com to rebuild the EBTCM

I had the same problem,,, for my car a 1999 BMW 528i I had to replace the ASC/ABS control module (just like SoonerE39) As soon as I drove my car into the dealer they told me what it was since they had just done two cars with the same problem a week before. They gave me an estimate of $1300. What I did was go to an imported salvage parts and found the ASC/ABS control module for $400 and with a month warranty. I changed the ASC/ABS control module in less than 20 min, it is an easy thing to do,,, My car to this date is running like a champ!

Hello. How did you change it yourself? Did you have a manuel. I would be interested. I have the same problem with my 1999 528i. Any help would be appreciated.

As far as I can see, you can not change this yourself as it requires dealer re-programming. I am not sure if the repair kit avoids this, I think not.

I guess the only thing that may be user doable is an ebay type rebuilder, but I would get them to guarantee no re-programming needed with their rebuilds before sending.

Let us know what happens.

MickeyMick,
I can only speak for my self but I changed it and I do not have any problems with my car,, I just disconnected the battery, poped the hood open and changed the ABS module. That simple for me,,,

the ABS/ASC module is not Vin specific. it does not require reprogramming. but it does require coding

Hi killcrap, I have a 97 528i with the same problems, no speedometer, cruise, ABS and ASC lights on, I have replace both rear wheel sensers and swaped the abs/asc control unit that is behind glove box out of a 540i that had no problems I still had no speedo and lights were still on, I put my control unit in the 540i and the speedo worked and the lights didnt come on. I took the car in to local BMW dealer to have it hooked up to BMW diagnostic machine and tech said problem was control unit, he didnt even know there was a unit behind glove box but he insisted it was the unit on abs pump. I tryed to take the module off the pump but on this model it isnt a seperate unit, there is just the cover that covers a printed circuit soldered on the solenoids. Have you ever ran into this on a 97?

MickeyMick,
http://www.autopower.se/mekartips/me....asp?dokid=103
Don't ask me what that language is...

Killcrap,
the ABS/ASC module is not Vin specific. it does not require reprogramming. but it does require coding

What do you mean coding? Do you need to somehow input some kind of code? How?

My friend's 1999 528i has exactly the same problem. We packed the ECU with a plastic bag and some dry ice. All the warning lights went off except the check engine light. We drove around for about an hour without any problem till the ice melted. We were convinced that the ABS ECU is the culprit and it's related to the temperature. We are going to clean up the wire harness of the ECU to see whether it helps. Next thing is then to get it rebuilt or get a used ECU. When it is fixed, we plan to build a heat shield around it cause it sure was hot around the engine.

Dont bother getting the wiring harness cleaned. just get the unit rebuilt. BMW vehicles are ZCS/VO coded. meaning the control modules don't know what kind of equipment is installed in the vehicle, like ASC DSC, 5.3, or 5.7 left hand Drive, or Right hand side. the ZCS coding is Stored in the instrument cluster.

This is my first post here, and through the search function, found this very relevant thread.

About a year ago, my asc and abs lights came on. At that point, the dealer said it was a sensor problem and fixed it for ~$100. Both came on again about three days ago. Just got the call from the dealer, who says it is a ASC Control Unit problem and will cost about $1200 to fix.

Well, I found out that I can get my unit rebuilt for about $300 from modulemaster.com or autoecu.com. The installation also seems pretty simple (4 or 8 screws). The "coding" is what worries me.

First and foremost, if I get my part rebuilt, will I need to get anything reprogrammed or coded? If so, approximately how much does that cost at the dealership (the independent I use said he can't do it)?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Wad

do not worry about coding if getting it back from modulemasters. they wont change it.