PDC error after car wash?

[STS-V]

Went through the laser wash yesterday. While it was finishing, I saw the "PDC Malfunction!" warning on the speedometer. Figured it had got wet or something. Now it only works 1 in 5 times. Any idea what happened? Is the plug possibly lose or something? Where is it located?

[tmiked]

I have had the ones in the rear bumper 'pop out' a little.
You might check them physically, and any that look to be in non-original position, check its wiring.

[STS-V]

Thanks for the response - can I do it from under the bumper?

[STS-V]

Nope they are all secured to the bumper and you cant reach but the outer two from under the car. Any idea where else these things connect?

[tampamark]

Originally Posted by STS-V

Nope they are all secured to the bumper and you cant reach but the outer two from under the car. Any idea where else these things connect?

First thing you want to do is determine if any of them have gone out. It is not uncommon to have one fail, if it does then the system gives you a PDC Failure error.

Get the car in the open away from any objects, activate the PDC by pressing the button above the gear shifter. These are Ultrasound Proximity sensors, you will need to check every one of them by placing your finger or hand in front of them, when you do this you will hear a very faint ticking sound. Plus the system will beep in the car. You know that it is working when you hear that slight ticking, you may need to get pretty close to hear this.

There are four in the front and four in the rear, if one is not working you will need to replace it. The only way to get to these is to remove the bumper, I am sure there are instructions on the forum for bumper removal in that instance, I can't recall seeing this but I am sure someone else has that covered! The TIS instructions are below for removing the sensor once you have the bumper off. It is rare but I have seen the PDC control unit go out, it is in the trunk and got water damage (PDC Malfunction - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums)

BMW TIS - 66 20 520 Removing and installing/replacing an ultrasonic transducer at front (Park Distance Control)
BMW TIS - 66 20 540 Removing and installing/replacing a rear ultrasonic transducer (Park Distance Control)

If you do determine that this is the culprit the sensors the 6 guys have had good luck buying them from an ebay seller:

Ebay Listing: BMW Ultrasonic Front Bumper Sensor # 66200306567 | eBay

PDC control parts: http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...209145158.html

[whatheheck]

Great info. What a guy.

Thanks Mark!

[STS-V]

Thanks for the info! I made sure the connections were tight and that seemed to fix it.