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I've a 2002 R53, 75,000 miles, six speed. Rare to see rain, and never snow. Garage kept. Nearest dealer 3 hours away, thus stuff myself. Brake fluid replacement 2 years ago, as always. I always use the pressure system, MOTIVE.
This April, with a very nice day, started it in the garage, didn't touch brake pedal, both ABS and Brake lights immediately came on. Checked fuses and fluid level with everything ok. Took for a very short drive, and no braking issues, ran and braked fine. Brakes are very good shape.
Reviewing I get the idea either a wheel sensor or ABS has failed. Wheel sensors can be checked via ohm meter, but if not then need scanned.
Only one place can scan. Cost $100 for scan and to look over any issues. I suppose I'll get it scanned for sensors and ABS, or other issues.
Two questions:
1. What happened?
2. Its time for a scanner to not only use for MINI, but other cars as well. Not only trouble shoot, but support ABS bleeding? In $300 range.
Sometimes the head cracks from age or the back of the wheel bearing wears into the sensor face due to rust. Mine did.
Schwaben scan tool can tell you which one is bad, you can also play around with sensor and then scan and clear to see if its a bad socket or connection.
Thank you. I've a Bentely book showing how to do this. Of scanner(s), I like you suggestion. Thinking, service place is 5 miles away, may be all day wait, then who knows what he'll say, plus not sure how brakes may perform.
An issue has just come up, likely be week after next.
Would also score a copy of this bad boy, the Bentley companion piece, 'MINI Cooper 2002-2006 Cooper, Cooper S; Diagnosis Without Guessowork' worth every dollar:
It could be a sensor - the cars are 15 + years - my 05 r53 needed both fronts at 125K ( 7 years ago ). I do have the scanner in the ECS pic. It will tell you which sensor is bad ( or if it is due to the abs unit ). If code readers are that far away, it is good to be self sufficient.
Update: Took MINI to Advance auto. They use an Autel scanner, but I did not see its #. Plugged showed no codes....hmm.
Across the street is Autozone. They have their own scanner showed an ABS code. Inside and hooking to their computer, trouble code shows: 5DF5 - Control Unit Internal Failure additional diagnostic work is needed to determine the issues with your vehicle. This print out shows "Powered by Innova" with milage.
Questions:
1. With 5DF5 listed, means the ABS module needs replaced and/or repaired?
2. If can be repaired who can do this?
3. Nonetheless, I need a scanner, that can also do ABS bleeding. I do have a MOTIVE bleeder.
To help others, there is an excellent YouTube showing how to remove and reinstall the ABS module. Search: "Replace Mini Cooper ABS module", then scroll down to: "Coats and Gaiters" It seems straight forward..
John
Last edited by Juan442; May 29, 2023 at 11:03 AM.
Reason: grammer
BMW scanner 1.4 is about $20 with cable and I have used it on the r53 parts/donor car to determine what caused the ABS light on it… just need an old laptop that has windows Xp or similar. I also have bmw DIS on that same laptop with inpa cable and switched it to the Mini version.
Between the two you’d be pretty covered.
and then you can add NCSexpert amd NCS for dummies and do your own settings, drl on/off, auto lock. On/off, comfort opening and closing, unlock with ignition off, and all the other sundry things you can activate and deactivate to your personal taste!
Update:
I lost the odometer about a year ago. Seems it is connected to a wheel sensor. Losing this sensor may define problem. Nonetheless, I will get a scanner that should pinpoint this problem. I've decided on ECS Scwaben scanner dedicated to BMW/MINI/RR. Maybe someday a RR.....not.
Update:
Got an ECS Pro BMW/MINI/RR scanner week before. Plugging it stated, "System corrupt"...Ouch. ECS immediately issued a return and new one arrived last week. This works, but I've yet to really get into how to use it. Cool that it checks brake fluid level, plus a lot of other stuff. Does have a brake bleed function but yet to deal with that. Did find wheel sensor tests, but yet ABS module live data review.
This scanner has a live function. Driving, (4) sensors displayed the same speed. With fuses, fluid level, and sensors ok, ABS is the issue. Therefore, best to get repaired or replaced.
Studied how to repair or replace. Calling/email, several places have poor BBB comments; do not have physical addresses or from a home; Can ship to me yet not forward module numbers; I offered to bring mine to a "location". Phone person said, "No one here, on vacation till end of August".
I may have to go to ISTA. Get a close part and re-code, or simply use the one I have.
Sorry for delay, been in CA.
I found a company in the UK that rebuild these. The company is ECUtesting.
They provided shipping label and ABS arrived in two days. Three days later emailed with an internal fault found. Total cost was $300. Didn't ask for payment until my decision. Shipped and received quicker than expected. This also includes a lifetime warranty.
I installed yesterday, cleared codes and everything is ok. Used ECU BMW/MINI scanner to bleed. It stated to use a power bleeder, like Motive Products.
Bit of pain to remove it, for its in there tight. Harder to put back. I used flared wrenches, plus a crows foot to set brake lines to proper torque. Stuff shop towels everywhere for there are small bolts and nuts you don't want to drop.
If your ABS is more common contact ALLMAG Auto Parts. This is a good company. They sent one for $88, plus for $9 get a 6 month warranty. Would require re-code. I didn't want this. Returned with no problem.
John
