Case Study

BMW 330 ABS & Traction Control Warning Light On

Our customer brought in their BMW 330 with the ABS, traction control and handbrake warning lights all coming on while driving. The lights would stay on for the whole journey and go out once the engine was switched off, and the problem had been going on for around a week. Our BMW specialist technicians carried out a full diagnostic assessment to find the cause.

BMW 330 ABS & Traction Control Warning Light On
Fault Codes

5DA2 – Wheel speed sensor front right – increment wheel

Common Symptoms
  • ABS warning light on while driving
  • Traction control warning light on
  • Handbrake warning light on
  • Lights going out when the engine is switched off
BMW 330 Diagnostics

A fault code scan returned 5DA2, pointing to the front right wheel speed sensor. A visual check showed no obvious problems and there were no relevant technical service bulletins. Reading the live data showed the wheel speed signal was erratic, and a road test brought the fault back with the same erratic readings. We removed the wheel speed sensor and checked the pick-up ring, as corroded ABS rings are a common cause of this fault on these BMWs, but it was in good condition. We then tested the wiring between the sensor and the ABS module by simulating a signal, which proved the wiring was fine and confirmed the wheel speed sensor itself was at fault. During our vehicle health check, we also found the rear brake pipes were badly corroded, leaving the car in a potentially dangerous condition.

Vehicles Affected
BMW 3 Series
  • BMW 3 Series 2005
  • BMW 3 Series 2006
  • BMW 3 Series 2007
  • BMW 3 Series 2008
  • BMW 3 Series 2009
  • BMW 3 Series 2010
  • BMW 3 Series 2011
  • BMW 3 Series 2012
BMW 1 Series
  • BMW 1 Series 2004
  • BMW 1 Series 2005
  • BMW 1 Series 2006
  • BMW 1 Series 2007
  • BMW 1 Series 2008
  • BMW 1 Series 2009
  • BMW 1 Series 2010
  • BMW 1 Series 2011
BMW 5 Series
  • BMW 5 Series 2003
  • BMW 5 Series 2004
  • BMW 5 Series 2005
  • BMW 5 Series 2006
  • BMW 5 Series 2007
  • BMW 5 Series 2008
  • BMW 5 Series 2009
  • BMW 5 Series 2010
BMW 330 ABS & Traction Control Warning Light On
Wheel Speed Sensor & Brake Pipe Replacement

We replaced the offside front wheel speed sensor to cure the warning lights. Because of the safety risk, we also replaced the corroded rear brake pipes, so our customer could continue to drive safely. Once both repairs were complete, we cleared the stored fault code.

BMW 330 ABS & Traction Control Warning Light On
Resolution

We road tested the BMW 330 after the repairs, and the ABS, traction control and handbrake warning lights all stayed off throughout the test. With a new wheel speed sensor and rear brake pipes fitted, our customer was able to get back on the road safely in their BMW.

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