E39 Speedo intermittent

[mikkey9289]

My 01 530i has been having some issues lately. It started with the DSC/ABS lights being intermittent on and off. ABS and DSC functioned when off and did not function when the lights were on. The lights are now permanently on. Now the Speedo is intermittent. I was willing to live with the lights, but now that the speedo is acting up i am really concerned. I have a general mechanical backround. I have been reading about alot of issues with the ABS ECU causing similar problems, but they never covered the Speedo. Also when the speedo is out the Odometer stops registering, and the economy meter stops working.

thanks,
mike

[darkhorse737]

Got access to an OBD2 scanner? That would be the easiest way to start diagnostics. :-)

In the absence of a scanner, take a chance and clean the wheel speed sensors, the rear ones especially. ABS takes it's signals from those sensors too.

Pay close attention to the LH wheel sensor-the speedo relies on that signal for it's operation ;-)

From syptoms you describe, it's possible it is just that.

Clear the light and re-test :-)

Good Luck

[harryinsaudi]

yes, LH rear sensor, if it's intermittent you've probably got a chafed cable... take it off and inspect it you can tapeit/shorten it a bit if needed.