Recently changed the left front axle. Everything seems to fit and car drives...however I am now getting 4 yellow dash warning lights...ABS, Tire Warning, Stability (traction) Control, and Brake Pad lights. I have tried to cancel these lights as recommended, first disconnecting the battery (for 30+ minutes), then going thru the procedure of holding down speedo reset button, turning key to #1 position.....etc...etc. At the final step, the speedo made some noise, and the indicator jumped slightly as per the instructions...but the lights remain on.
I thought perhaps I messed up the ABS sensor....but open to suggestions why the lights came on after replacing the axle.
The car is a 2004 R53 that I have owned since new with about 114,000 fun miles

 

You either broke or unplugged the abs sensor on that axle. Scan tool and live data are your friend on this, live data will tell you which wheel, but seeing how you know where work was done last, buying a new sensor and replacing it will be your best bet. I used the Bosch ones for the front, , had to go OEM on rear.

 

Wow, original owner 20 years yet this being your first post on NAM. Not meant as criticism but instead, missed out on sage advice such as Jason shared. I've learned so much more about my own R53 (and former R56) here, augmented by various specialist YouTube videos. Congrats on your long-term ownership - perhaps stick around and share related experiences!

 

I replaced the ABS sensor and still getting multiple warning lights. I used the procedure of pushing speedo reset button as instructed..even got the speedo to make a noise and the pointer wiggled. Also have gas cap warning light, but have not had a chance to replace the cap yet. I added air to tires to specification, as the tire light was one of the lights that stay on. Anything else I should be trying?Thanks in advance.

 

IMO - Plain and simple - I would advise you to purchase a good OBDII scanner. They are an invaluable if not indispensable investment and can save you a lot of guess work/headaches.
A good BMW/Mini scanner/reader can/will identify the codes and allow you to clear them. The speeedo "reset" button is really only good for a few minor things like resetting oil and maybe brake change intervals.

Let us know if you are able to resolve the issues

 

ABS sensor for sure. Sometimes the sensors i have seen come loose if not installed all the way and wrap themselves around the axle. If its on the one side it pulls the brake pad sensor with it.

 

Same here, I also received warning many times.

Edit: Thanks for the info, I will keep it in my mind.

 

Any recommendations for a good Mini OBD scanner.??

 

I wouldn't say this would be my recommendation due to the current state of inflated prices -
But I really like my Foxwell NT510 Elite BMW/Mini OBDII scanner. For me - It does all that I/my Mini needs...

I bought specifically to extinguish my airbag light after preforming the "airbag battery squib bypass fix" about 2wo years ago. Purchased off eBay, brand new in the box for $115.
I think it retailed for $160 back then. (Amazon now lists $180+)...
Prices have gone crazy lately with OBDII scanners but you can still find a reasonable deal (for the right one) if you shop around. Others will chime in with their trusted recommendation.
Just be sure it is BMW MINI specific or has the Mini software preloaded - to save yourself some headaches.
With that being said; avoid buying a "general purpose" scanner. Chances are it might not have the ability or features to dig into the Mini computer to read/diagnose some important fault codes.
Check ECS Tuning, Pelican parts, FCP euro websites for Mini specific parts.
fleBay may still be a good source for a better deal.

On a side note: My first OBDII scanner was a Creator C110 (not recommended). It did have some MINI diagnostic ability but for $80 - it was just about useless.

 

This will also tell you which sensor is bad. FYI - I had to replace the left front bearing - it ruined abs sensors. If your bearing is bad and makes contact with the sensor, then you are done. Any debris on rhe back side of the bearing could come into contact.

 

I carry the schwaben from ECS in the Mini. If you watch they run deals all the time, I got mine shipped for $150ish