Vehicle: 2008 BMW X3, 3.0i (E83), L6-3.0L (N52K), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 179,076

Problem: The customer brought the vehicle in because both the ABS and the 4x4 lights were on and multiple warning indicators were on in the dash.

Case Details: Using BMW-capable diagnostic scanner, the technician verified the following stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs):

• 5EBF – Brake Pressure Sensor Plausibility (Internal to ABS Module) Steering Angle Sensor Faults present. These faults will disable ABS/DSC and illuminate the 4x4 light.
• 55C4 – Transfer Case: Oil Wear / Adaptation Limits Reached - Indicates worn transfer case fluid, actuator load adaptation limit, or clutch wear.
• 578E – Gearbox Oil Wear Indicates deteriorated automatic transmission fluid -Adaptation counter at limit.
• A1-series code present (Specific sub-code not retrieved - Indicates stored airbag system fault requiring further diagnosis after power/voltage issues corrected).

An ALLDATA Tech-Assist consultant suggested performing a battery test first. The battery failed the CCA load test. NOTE: Low voltage can trigger a wide range of DSC, 4x4, steering angle, transfer case, transmission adaptation, and SRS faults on BMW vehicles. A weak battery can cause modules to initialize improperly and throw false or secondary faults.

Confirmed Repair: The technician installed a new battery, made sure the battery terminals were tight and cleared all the DTCs. Before going on a test drive he recalibrated the steering angle sensor. The BMW ran fine and no DTCs returned. Easy fix!