Anyone ever randomly have their ABS light, DSC light and flat tire indicator light come on at the same time? It happens to me for no apparent reason. Once I turn the ignition off and turn it back on, the ABS and DSC light are still on and then both turn off once I start driving. It's quite bizarre and I was wondering if anyone can help me begin understanding what the issue may be. Thanks in advance.

 

Is your battery old? Maybe it is on its way out. Strange electrical-related things are reported to occur when the battery is low.

 

Nope, battery is fairly new. I replaced the stock one when it died about a year back. Would it make a difference if the new one is a Duralast brand from Auto Zone?

 

wheel speed senor is suspect

which wheel?

yes, a good question . . .

 

@Actlsize: Wrong source of the problem then, unless Duralasts last only a year.

 

I like this.

 

Yep......most common reason.

 

When I had my 2003 MCS it would do this all the time...It was the result of a faulty steering angle sensor if you have DSC. If I turned the car off and restarted it, it would usually go away.

 

It amazes me why people dont use the search? There are at least 3 detailed threads already on this. Most likely the wheel speed sensor.......and most commonly its the driver side that goes bad. I have the same issue, ordered my sensor and will be replacing it based on info I found on the site later this week.

 

Do you notice a slight 'chattering' of the brake pedal that feels a little like anti-lock when you brake hard? Speed sensor failure will be the culprit more than likely. It could be the connector or a big buildup of road crap all over the sensor head so check that out first before spending the bucks on new sensors. Just went thru this a couple of months ago. It won't hurt anything to keep on driving. It was 3 weeks and a few hundred miles before I could get into a shop.


"It amazes me why people..." Thanks, Rossii. I've been thusly amazed m'self but never voiced it because I would have come across much more snarky than that. Well done.

 

I am sure I wrote this in one of the other threads but, be careful when taking out the old one. It is really easy to break it off. I was afraid of that so I went to the dealership to have it done. Glad I did, because they broke it off and did (who knows what) to get the old one out.

 

I am going to spray it with WD40 and let it sit first. However, someone mentioned how to get it out if it does break. Hopefully I wont have to go through all that.

 

Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history. Pull trouble code history.

Sorry guys but this is the most accurate way to pinpoint spotty issues. Otherwise it's an educated guess based on research or opinions.

Cars will store most codes that trigger any indicator light in the history.

 

+1
A good obd2 reader can tell you which sensor to replace...there are 4.

 

Most for <$200 wont' tell you code history unless it's related to the engine computer.

 

Update.....replaced driver side sensor took about 20 min. All is OK in the world now. Quick note: raising the hood help when taking off inner liner.

 

Well, what an unfortunate coincidence... the unholy trinity lit up today.

Thanks for the various tips. If cleaning up the sensor doesn't solve the problem, how much is the replacement unit, and is there a good DIY guide? Thanks.

Edit: Never mind. I found the relevant thread.

 

After I replaced it I started thinking maybe I should have just cleaned it and see what happens since the wire looked fine however, by then I already had my new one. I paid $46 shipped.........dont even go to the dealer the employee price was $92. Just do a search for "MINI cooper wheel speed sensor"