An Array of warnings / lights

[paulcoles88]

Hi all,

My X5 has started to display an array of warning messages and lights, it starts usually with a message about FailSafe Transmisison Prog (this doesnt seem to happen all the time and will usually only come on after about 15/20 minutes of driving not before hand) and leave an orange exclamation mark light then it will usually vanish again after a few minutes or so. I also have had messages about DSC inactive and today a warning about ABS although this didnt go off until i switched off and hasnt come back.

Any ideas where to start?

It seems to be driving fine no issues.

[gmc15]

Sounds like your battery is on the way out

[themoog]

I would say the DSC module is on its way out.

[Nat]

+1 for the battery.................transmission message the clue.

[Reusch]

Battery is on the way out probably

[CondorX5]

+1 for battery as well, I had this happen in the past. Its also the cheapest and easiest to replace rather than alternators and the rest!

[strummer]

read the codes,I had similar when I first bought the car,it was the throttle body needed replacing,if the emissions are high it will trigger all sorts of alarms

[paulcoles88]

Thanks everyone my dad has a trickle charger which i will put on tomorrow to see if it can be charged.

I hope it is something like that as like i say the car drivers fine so there's no obvious fault with the gearbox or anything.

Thanks again everyone!

I also have a stupid question how do i set the clock.. i can't seem to find it anywhere

[X5Sport]

Have you got the Nav, MID, or an aftermarket system?  If the latter it's unlikely you'll be able to change the clock.

On a Nav equipped car, I think it's under, <Menu><Set/Settings><Clock> Not had a car with MID so can't help with that one  :-[

[gchristofi]

If not battery, could be alternator / voltage regulator. There is a hidden menu from where you can monitor the voltage of the battery and charging system using the OBC. Menu 9 from memory. Google and you'll find instructions.

[paulcoles88]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Have you got the Nav, MID, or an aftermarket system?  If the latter it's unlikely you'll be able to change the clock.

On a Nav equipped car, I think it's under, <Menu><Set/Settings><Clock> Not had a car with MID so can't help with that one  :-[
[/quote]

It's aftermarket so guess I'm stuck aha maybe i'll be able to do it when i get my BMW Scanner tool!

Amazing how much i miss a lil clock, I'll have to buy a little digital clock to put somewhere

Thanks for your replies

[paulcoles88]

So an update, I trickle charged it last weekend all weekend.

I'm still getting the same random error messages. I have now got my BMW Scanner tool here are a few codes it seems to have picked up.

* Electronic braking-force distribution (189) IKE Module
* EGS signal line disturbed (141) IKE Module
* None optical initialisation possible AIC Module
* Brake Switch Error (116) ABS Module
* Power supply undervoltage (080) SRS Module
* AUC sensor (010) A/C module
* Activation, map cooling (140) DME Module
* Signal, switch, brake (106) DME Module
* CAN brake signal (151) EGS Module

I guess alot of them could be related to each other in terms of the brake switch which i assume could potentially cause issues with the Trans Fail Safe warning? Any input or thoughts welcome

Thanks

[Smeeagain]

Cant promise but this is worth a try. Physically disconnect the battery and leave utfir an hour. Then reconnect. Leaving it disconnected often clears the errors, but nit always.
You dontsay hiw old the car is, or the age if the battery (usualky ladts around six years but I had one replaced under the battery manufacturers five year warranty when it was less than three years okd) but it could be battery and/or starter and/or alternator. I had all three replaced due to various issues with both starter and alternator killing the battety

[Steamyrotter]

I had same with dodgy alternator regulator..
E53 3.0D 2003

I have just done a HOW To here:-

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... 465.0.html

Now all lights cleared and charging properly

[paulcoles88]

Thanks for the replies, The battery is 4 years old i think based on paper work, the car is a 2002 4.4 v8

I think i might buy myself a multi meter to see if i can check the voltage, It does seem if i pump the brakes when the Transmission message pops up, so this does suggest the Brake switch could be faulty or sticking maybe.

I will have to search for a how to on how to replace and go from there.