Symptoms: DSC light but NO BRAKE or ABS light. Steering feel is the same and there is a difference in 'Sport' mode. ABS works and oddly enough, there seems to be some traction control present. Stored faults related to a steering angle sensor communication fault and a DME-CAN DSC comunication fault.
Circumstances: Sometime after or around replacing my cluster (same cluster, post VDO Repair), installing coilovers, having the battery disocnnected for some time, installing the Evolve tune, running the vehicle on jack stands (rear wheels rolling only) I got the DSC light. I thought maybe it was a wheel sensor fault since the front wheel sensors were not reporting vehicle speed since the car was on jack stands.
I took it to the dealer and since I know a service advisor there, he took my car right into the garage and read the fault. It turned out to be a steering angle sensor communication fault and a 'DME-CAN communication fault' relating to the DSC. My service advisor advised me that replacing the steering angle sensor does require removing the steering column. This is something that I would rather avoid if possible.
Last August Matt tried reinitializing the steering angle sensor and it didn't take. I have further researched the steering angle sensor and I just still have a lingering feeling that it is not the real problem. In fact, NOT being able to reinitialize the sensor could be a sign that there is 'lost communication" with it through the DSC module. It all sort of follows.
I started looking around the internets and the board:
Now, not all of the threads above or the ones that I found on other forums have a resolution to them (I hate those type of threads that just die!) but they seem to bring one to a single conclusion: the steering angle sensor is a fairly robust part that does not have a high incidence of failure. My local independent, who is the only person I trust to perform repair work on my vehicle, seems to feel the same way and offers that it is more likely to be a failed DSC/ABS module. I have to say, from reading what I have in the past few days, I tend to agree with him. The last thread I posted though jogged my memory; I was meeing around in the IBUS splice box area last year while installing my StealthOne.
I think further inspection with INPA/GT1 would yield more information but unfortunately I just don't have that capability right now so I am thinking of sending my module off to ModuleMaster. I think the ModuleMaster option would at least extend the life of the module past that than normally experienced. I also would like to know what I need to do upon reinstalling the module to clear the DSC warning light and verify that the issue is remedied. I imagine this will require a quick trip to my indy to reset the module/warning lights.
Replacement doesn't look all that bad. You will see people reporting it take betwewn 30 minutes and 2 hours. Since it is under the dash it is a PITA, but not impossible. I have been in the neighborhood but have not replaced one.
True. I think I am going to send the module off anyway. I don't feel like it is a waste or throwing money at the problem as the rebuild can add several years to the life of the module and it will hopefully become one less variable. At Timmayfest, if it still is a problem I will do as you say and find someone to take a look at it.
I got my DSC module back from ModuleMaster along with the diagnosis below:
Quote:
23-Code Info:
Your module reports a "Code 23" which may or may not indicate a module problem. Code 23 usually indicates a lack of communication to some other module that may exist in your vehicle that does not exist on our test platform. Code 23 may also indicate (an) internal memory fault.
Summary of repairs/work:
Repaired damage to power return circuit and 8 line sensor driver section to restore proper module operation. Installed high current shunt to protect power return circuit from future failure. Unit now powers up and executes self-test (and) functions perfectly on (the) test fixture without any error codes.
So presumably, the 8 line sensor driver section provides power to the steering angle sensor and since it was damaged in some way, it was not providing power. I don't know but I will find out this month when I get the car back on the road and drive at least 50 miles (per ModuleMaster instructions) and see if the light clears. Also, my battery has been disconnected for about a month.
I got a good feeling from the people at ModuleMaster. They called me when they got my module on the test bench and let me know what their diagnosis was and how they would fix it. They also explained the implications of Code 23. ModuleMaster provides a 5-year waranty to the original purchaser of the rebuilt module to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use (labor is not covered). They even cover up to $15 for return shipping. Maybe not ironclad but pretty good for a rebuilt device, in my opinion. They were very insistent on the phone and in the papers included with my returned module to contact them if there are ANY issues or questions. Hopefully my problem is solved.
The cost was $300 plus shipping and I figure it is cheaper than the cost of a new module +coding $ and even if it doesn't solve my problem, ModuleMaster claims that their work extends the life of the module AND they offer a warranty. To me, it is worth it.
Driving back from the beach this past weekend got the DSC light on my wife's 530. Did all the tests on the wheel speed sensors, etc and they checked out fine and no codes (but only w/ the peak reader). ABS, speedo, curise all work fine but DSC light is still on.
Please let us know if the rebuilt module solves your problem once you get the car back on the road. I'll probably send off the module to get it rebuilt anyway (can't hurt I guess and not that expensive).
I hope somebody from BMW NA reads this forum - there are some pretty crap designs on the E39 (like having the ABS module right next to the exhaust on the 530 w/minimal heat shielding). Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but the number of part failures is really starting to get on my nerves. Never had this many issues with my tacoma (granted, not much fun to drive, but takes a ton of abuse and no real issues).
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Fern Green 99 M3, Stamped LTWs, Conforti Software and CAI, Dinan Exhaust, OE Hellas and a few other nice touches. MRegistry listing here.
Le Mans 2002 M5, Black/Titanium, Rogue SSK, Dinan exhaust, PSS9 coilovers, a few other nice items. MRegistry listing here.
I took the car in to a repair facility (a rare occurrence, I assure you) and the DSC module was recoded for good measure and the steering angle sensor still exhibited zero communication ability with the system. They checked the connection at the sensor itself and the connector was fully seated in the sensor receptacle. At this point, I see no other recourse except to replace the sensor. Since it is similar involved work I am going to have a custom steering wheel installed at the same time.
EDIT: I have not contacted ModuleMasters yet. I will see if they have something to add first. I have over 300 miles on the rebuilt module.
Hello, i've just in the last few days changed my 2002 grey look dash clocks for a 2001 version white on black, i think more 'BEAST LIKE'
anywho all seemed to be good until i moved the car and the DSC light came on and no traction control at all, so to test a theory i refitted the grey set and low and behold no DSC light and traction control returned to full op, so refitted white on black just to make sure it wasn't me being a TIT and the fault returned.
So may'be if you have not yet solved your dilema you could try a different set of clocks ??
And if you did get to the bottom of the trouble can you offer any advise to me with mine ??
the cluster is a hub for BUS communications, and without coding, you may be overlooking somethings.
I have coded a 2003 540 to work with a 2000 M5 cluster - so you should be able to code a 1999-2000 cluster to a MY 2002 car. Remember the MY 2001 changed harnesses and brought full diagnostic capabilities to the OBD2 plug where previously full diagnostic communications were only achieved with the 20-pin round plug under the hood.
I would suggest your error is indicative of a failed ABS module.
The can error is one that the module repair people are not able to diagnose.
BBA reman sold me a tested unit that had this error present. Only apparent when fitted to the vehicle. Typically their diagnostic facilities are quite limited e.g they do not have a full surrogate can network present on the bench......
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