How to Know if 4WD is Working?

[northernlight]

I've been having a problem for some time now with my 2006 X5 3.0D. Started with a clunk, diagnostics said tranfer case malfunction, garage tested the actuator (which was fine) and changed the transfer case oil and said they couldn't find anything else wrong with it.

However, the 3 warning lights are still on. DSC/ABS/Brakes. My concern is that the ECU has simply shut off the 4x4 system and hence it wouldn't clunk any more as the transfer case isn't actually doing anything.

Going to get it into another garage soon, but wondered if anyone had any thoughts on if you can tell whether the 4x4 is actually working or not? It drives fine now, no noises or anything suspicious (except the warning lights, which come on as soon as i boot up the car each journey).

[X5Sport]

If the xDrive system is disabled - which forces the system into RWD only - you will get a 4x4 with a semi circle arrow showing on the dash.  If that light is out then the XDrive is still operating in 4WD mode.  If on with the ABS and Brake warning, then you're most likely in RWD only.  It might be the DSC/xDrive Control system has failed?

Sounds from description that may be the case.  That being the case you may need to drive with caution and keep your speed down.  Certainly needs looking at as soon as poss, and might need a BMW Diagnostic run (if the first dealer you went to wasn't one).  Takes about 30 mins to check the codes.

Richard

[fenj66]

if you mean the yellow symbol right in the middle of the dash, then mine has been coming on whilst driving for a year now!. the obc says "4x4 inactive" with a warning bong.
diagnostics says "no CAN message DSC1" whatever that means??
it always comes on exactly 11 miles into a journey! car still drives fine with no noticeable issues.
i thought it might be a front wheel sensor out but £60 lighter at stealer for a new one didnt fix it (i swapped the new sensor for both fronts to see which one it could be but made no difference)

but as you say, it hard to know if the 4x4 is actually inactive or not.. :blink:

[northernlight]

Thanks Richard,

Yep, the 4x4 light is on. The car is covered under warranty by the indie garage i got it from, but they couldn't figure it out themselves so i need to try and find a specialist myself as they won't cover main dealer rates!

[X5Sport]

One comment I can see about that fault on the web is that it might be triggered by faulty (or very dirty) ABS Wheel sensors.  It might well be worth taking them off, giving them a thorough clean - including the area they sit in - and refitting.  Clear the code down and see what happens.

Another points to incorrect tyre sizes front or rear upsetting the system, and lastly the DSC Controller itself (that bit being expensive at BMW Dealer prices!).

If your dealer has access to a GT1 system then they can look to see if the DSC module is OK and whether it is receiving signal from the wheel speed sensors.  Those sensors can also trigger a 'delayed' ABS/DSC light.

[shadrack]

does your speed ometer still work?

[X5Sport]

Also, have a look at this thread on Xoutpost.

Might be a clue in there too.

Richard

[shadrack]

[quote="X5Sport"]
One comment I can see about that fault on the web is that it might be triggered by faulty (or very dirty) ABS Wheel sensors.  It might well be worth taking them off, giving them a thorough clean - including the area they sit in - and refitting.  Clear the code down and see what happens.

Another points to incorrect tyre sizes front or rear upsetting the system, and lastly the DSC Controller itself (that bit being expensive at BMW Dealer prices!).

If your dealer has access to a GT1 system then they can look to see if the DSC module is OK and whether it is receiving signal from the wheel speed sensors.  Those sensors can also trigger a 'delayed' ABS/DSC light.
[/quote]

i had this on my old x5 (menchioned it before) i had same light but not speedo, it was passanger side rear wheel sensor, all wheel sensors can be tested in 10 mins using a multimeter from under the bonnet!

[Horizon]

If your in London why dont you take it into Jason, hes got a good reputation for fault diognostics and hes an Indie

[northernlight]

Think I will give Jason a call actually.

The car has previously been on a good diagnostics machine and that's when it threw up the 5f3a code - transfer case malfunction. In most cases that is usually the actuator stripping the teeth on the plastic cog, but the garage took it off and apparently it was fine!

There were no other fault codes. The original problem definitely felt mechanical. Clunk when reversing, then shuddering moving forwards as slow speed.

Cars eh, who'd have em!

[JamieX5]

[quote="northernlight"]
Think I will give Jason a call actually.

The car has previously been on a good diagnostics machine and that's when it threw up the 5f3a code - transfer case malfunction. In most cases that is usually the actuator stripping the teeth on the plastic cog, but the garage took it off and apparently it was fine!

There were no other fault codes. The original problem definitely felt mechanical. Clunk when reversing, then shuddering moving forwards as slow speed.

Cars eh, who'd have em!

[/quote]

Do the garage know which gear that they were ment to be looking at mate? You have to strip the actuator down to be able to see the damaged gear. They might be looking at white one that you see when you just unbolt the actuator. My new gear arrived today so when i fit it i will get some pics up

[northernlight]

I'm told that they took the actuator apart to check it all and then reassembled.

Had a long chat with Jason this morning who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He suggested that the symptoms could range from the actuator to transfer case to front diff. I think i'm going to take it back to the garage again and insist that they keep it until it's properly fixed....

[jaynana]

[quote="northernlight"]
wondered if anyone had any thoughts on if you can tell whether the 4x4 is actually working or not?
[/quote]

guess u missed the greatest of oppties to do this - snow! go to an empty car park, ask somebody to watch or record, accelerate hard.

i did exactly that, forwards and backwards, got some video clips done. wanted to find out how soon the 4WD engaged and also any noticeable difference in power split/speed.

about your light - light on def. means the transfer box goes into failsafe mode, which is RWD only. in my case the cause was the steering angle sensor. fault was easily diagnosable with the scanner or bmw sw. i took it to jason.