Brake , ABS and DSC lights intermittently turns on while driving

boboleto · 03-29-2012, 01:22 PM

Anybody else experience this problem with their car?

While driving and around 2k and above rpm the all three lights (brake, ABS and DSC) will come on for a second or two and go back off, at the same time the radio and display screen shuts off and tuns back on again. The same thing will happen with the car stationary and just by revving the engine at around 2k to 3k rpm. There is also a lost of engine power whenever the lights come on.

Does anybody has an idea of what might be causing these glitches?

Beedub · 03-29-2012, 01:25 PM

i was getting some funny business like this too..... battery was dying..... a new battery sorted my shit, infact i even had a CEL a few times...

ZStig · 03-29-2012, 01:44 PM

Seems like more and more people are getting this issue. Its the dying battery

Pheonix · 03-29-2012, 01:59 PM

Correct, get a new battery ASAP before the Alternator goes bad. while you at it, hook up a line for a battery tender (especially if it is not your DD or only drive short distances)

boboleto · 03-29-2012, 04:10 PM

I really hope my alternator hasnt gone bad! Ive been driving the car about 6 or 8 times with this problem... already having the new battery installed.

Diokaef · 03-29-2012, 04:15 PM

Battery

Beedub · 03-29-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boboleto

I really hope my alternator hasnt gone bad! Ive been driving the car about 6 or 8 times with this problem... already having the new battery installed.

I can gaurantee you driving your car 8 times with a duff battery will not kill your alternator....

davesz4mc · 03-29-2012, 06:34 PM

Are you saying you already installed a new battery and you are still having this issue?

I would start checking ground connections...

boboleto · 03-29-2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesz4mc

Are you saying you already installed a new battery and you are still having this issue?

I would start checking ground connections...

picking up the car tomorrow with new battery from dealership since oil replacement was due also.

hope the problem goes away.

boboleto · 04-02-2012, 11:23 AM

sad to say isn't the battery....im still getting all three lghts turn on randomly with the new battery installed... and also got a fault code 5DF7 (Wiring supply voltage > 18 Volt)

looks like the altenador is having problem regulating the correct voltage...

Pheonix · 04-02-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beedub

I can gaurantee you driving your car 8 times with a duff battery will not kill your alternator....

Yike, the alternator is death! It should not putting out more than 14V

Kream · 04-02-2012, 01:13 PM

I'm having the same issue. Even with new battery. Check ground and wiring they are all on tight. Thinking alternator?

Pheonix · 04-02-2012, 01:24 PM

A quick google search given these steps to quickly diagnos the charging system.
When your charging system is having issues test it with these steps to isolate the problem.

"Check the battery. Ensure that the connections are very sound and that the clamps and terminals are clean to insure a good connection.
With the engine running and headlights and accessories off, measure the voltage across the battery terminals. If the charging system is performing properly, the voltage should be between 13.3 volts (DC) and 14.7 volts. If you measure this voltage within this range the charging system is should be working properly.
A shorted diode in the alternator can still allow a charging voltage of up to 13.3 volts, and can be detected by the battery going dead within several hours.* If this happens, charge the battery out of the car to confirm it is still good.* If you are still experiencing charging system issues, then the battery is suspect.
If the voltage measured in step one is outside the range, check the voltage across the alternator output terminals. On the alternator, the top large terminal is the positive and the lower large terminal is negative.* The voltage across these terminals should be between 0 and 0.4 volts higher than the voltage across the battery."

pokeybritches · 04-04-2012, 03:16 PM

This morning I had the brake, ABS, and traction control triangle flash on and off at a frequency of about 1-2 Hz, three times, and then a few second pause, repeat.

On...off
On...off
On...off
Pause

On...off
On...off
On...off
Pause

The road was wet and sandy after a big storm last night, and it was still raining heavily, possibly confusing DSC. The process stopped when I tapped the brakes after about 5 iterations. I momentarily lost torque each time the lights illuminated.

boboleto · 04-04-2012, 08:24 PM

This happen to me the first time but it just keep getting worse.... you get all three lights more frequently and they stay on for at least until your rpms drop down to 2,000 and under....

Seached the web and although this is not a common problem on the z4m, it has happen more on the e46 m3s. My problem seems to be the voltage regulator but unfortunately this part comes integrated into our alternador, whereas in the m3's its a separate part that can be change. (Im not 100% sure of this .... just from info i've found on diferent forums)

Brian817 · 08-06-2012, 05:14 PM

Did anyone end up changing their alternator? If so, did that solve the problem?
I am having the same problem and it is pissing me off. Checked the battery (Fairly new OEM battery from Feb. 2012) and the connections and they are great. I was thinking of just buying the alternator and swapping it without testing the one I have in the car already... Hope it is the solution

bucko521 · 08-07-2012, 01:42 PM

Just fixed my issue today....same issues....as most have indicated...it IS your battery. http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726145

Had mine at the Stealership....code read low battery. Changed out to fresh battery and all is well.

boboleto · 08-07-2012, 10:49 PM

unfortunately for me was the alternator.... specifically the voltage regulator... tried looking for a replacement just for the voltage regulator, but its integrated into with the alternator and cant be bought separately. =(

Kream · 08-09-2012, 03:06 PM

Think mine is alternator as well. I'm getting 12.5v reading on idle from the alternator.

Brian817 · 09-08-2012, 02:56 PM

So after testing my battery (like i previously mentioned) I decided to not even test the alternator and just replace it instead (seemed like the solution). Turns out it was indeed the solution to my problem. Cheapest one I found (remanufactured) was at partgeeks.com My car has been working like a charm for a week now. I have been driving nonstop with the ac & radio blasting, navi on, and all the lights on, all with no hiccups. Super happy!!

Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it

03-29-2012, 01:22 PM	#1
boboleto Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 Z4 ///M coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Panama City Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	Brake , ABS and DSC lights intermittently turns on while driving Anybody else experience this problem with their car? While driving and around 2k and above rpm the all three lights (brake, ABS and DSC) will come on for a second or two and go back off, at the same time the radio and display screen shuts off and tuns back on again. The same thing will happen with the car stationary and just by revving the engine at around 2k to 3k rpm. There is also a lost of engine power whenever the lights come on. Does anybody has an idea of what might be causing these glitches?
	Tweet

03-29-2012, 01:25 PM	#2
Beedub Brigadier General Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK Posts: 3,058 iTrader: (0)	i was getting some funny business like this too..... battery was dying..... a new battery sorted my shit, infact i even had a CEL a few times... __________________ Pristine Bi-colour Ti /Bsm...z4m roadster Ess vt2-500....Perfection on wheels.

03-29-2012, 01:44 PM	#3
ZStig Major General Drives: VT2-500 M Roadster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 6,413 iTrader: (3)	Seems like more and more people are getting this issue. Its the dying battery __________________

03-29-2012, 04:15 PM	#6
Diokaef EMR Drives: 08 Z4MC IRed/09 328xi & 09 335 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: East Peoria IL Posts: 2,065 iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [4.50]	Battery __________________

04-04-2012, 03:16 PM	#14
pokeybritches Major Drives: G-Power Z4M, VF Z4 3.0i, ZJ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gulf Coast, USA Posts: 1,369 iTrader: (10) Garage List 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [4.33] 2006 BMW Z4M [0.00]	This morning I had the brake, ABS, and traction control triangle flash on and off at a frequency of about 1-2 Hz, three times, and then a few second pause, repeat. On...off On...off On...off Pause On...off On...off On...off Pause The road was wet and sandy after a big storm last night, and it was still raining heavily, possibly confusing DSC. The process stopped when I tapped the brakes after about 5 iterations. I momentarily lost torque each time the lights illuminated. __________________ G-Power Z4M (April Install) and VF Engineering Z4 3.0i - too many mods to list

03-29-2012, 01:59 PM	#4
Pheonix Lieutenant Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 455 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW/Z4MC [0.00]	Correct, get a new battery ASAP before the Alternator goes bad. while you at it, hook up a line for a battery tender (especially if it is not your DD or only drive short distances)

03-29-2012, 04:10 PM	#5
boboleto Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 Z4 ///M coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Panama City Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	I really hope my alternator hasnt gone bad! Ive been driving the car about 6 or 8 times with this problem... already having the new battery installed.

03-29-2012, 06:34 PM	#8
davesz4mc Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 z4mc Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 241 iTrader: (0)	Are you saying you already installed a new battery and you are still having this issue? I would start checking ground connections...

04-02-2012, 11:23 AM	#10
boboleto Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 Z4 ///M coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Panama City Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	sad to say isn't the battery....im still getting all three lghts turn on randomly with the new battery installed... and also got a fault code 5DF7 (Wiring supply voltage > 18 Volt) looks like the altenador is having problem regulating the correct voltage...

04-02-2012, 01:13 PM	#12
Kream Private First Class Drives: 07 M Coupe, 09 C63 AMG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 141 iTrader: (1)	I'm having the same issue. Even with new battery. Check ground and wiring they are all on tight. Thinking alternator?

04-02-2012, 01:24 PM	#13
Pheonix Lieutenant Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 455 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW/Z4MC [0.00]	A quick google search given these steps to quickly diagnos the charging system. When your charging system is having issues test it with these steps to isolate the problem. "Check the battery. Ensure that the connections are very sound and that the clamps and terminals are clean to insure a good connection. With the engine running and headlights and accessories off, measure the voltage across the battery terminals. If the charging system is performing properly, the voltage should be between 13.3 volts (DC) and 14.7 volts. If you measure this voltage within this range the charging system is should be working properly. A shorted diode in the alternator can still allow a charging voltage of up to 13.3 volts, and can be detected by the battery going dead within several hours.* If this happens, charge the battery out of the car to confirm it is still good.* If you are still experiencing charging system issues, then the battery is suspect. If the voltage measured in step one is outside the range, check the voltage across the alternator output terminals. On the alternator, the top large terminal is the positive and the lower large terminal is negative.* The voltage across these terminals should be between 0 and 0.4 volts higher than the voltage across the battery."

04-04-2012, 08:24 PM	#15
boboleto Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 Z4 ///M coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Panama City Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	This happen to me the first time but it just keep getting worse.... you get all three lights more frequently and they stay on for at least until your rpms drop down to 2,000 and under.... Seached the web and although this is not a common problem on the z4m, it has happen more on the e46 m3s. My problem seems to be the voltage regulator but unfortunately this part comes integrated into our alternador, whereas in the m3's its a separate part that can be change. (Im not 100% sure of this .... just from info i've found on diferent forums)

08-06-2012, 05:14 PM	#16
Brian817 Registered Drives: Z4 M Roadster 2006 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 3 iTrader: (0)	Did anyone end up changing their alternator? If so, did that solve the problem? I am having the same problem and it is pissing me off. Checked the battery (Fairly new OEM battery from Feb. 2012) and the connections and they are great. I was thinking of just buying the alternator and swapping it without testing the one I have in the car already... Hope it is the solution

08-07-2012, 01:42 PM	#17
bucko521 More of this than that! Drives: BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 733 iTrader: (5)	Just fixed my issue today....same issues....as most have indicated...it IS your battery. http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726145 Had mine at the Stealership....code read low battery. Changed out to fresh battery and all is well. __________________ Bucko Future Vision '06 Z4 3.0i Jet Black/ Biege/Black Leather / Premium Package / DICE Silverline DUO / Stubby Antenna / Matte Black Grill Ultimate Cup Holder x2 / Gaptech RCH+ / First Aid storagebox x2 / Acrylic Wind Deflector

08-07-2012, 10:49 PM	#18
boboleto Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 Z4 ///M coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Panama City Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	unfortunately for me was the alternator.... specifically the voltage regulator... tried looking for a replacement just for the voltage regulator, but its integrated into with the alternator and cant be bought separately. =(

08-09-2012, 03:06 PM	#19
Kream Private First Class Drives: 07 M Coupe, 09 C63 AMG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 141 iTrader: (1)	Think mine is alternator as well. I'm getting 12.5v reading on idle from the alternator.

09-08-2012, 02:56 PM	#20
Brian817 Registered Drives: Z4 M Roadster 2006 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 3 iTrader: (0)	So after testing my battery (like i previously mentioned) I decided to not even test the alternator and just replace it instead (seemed like the solution). Turns out it was indeed the solution to my problem. Cheapest one I found (remanufactured) was at partgeeks.com My car has been working like a charm for a week now. I have been driving nonstop with the ac & radio blasting, navi on, and all the lights on, all with no hiccups. Super happy!! Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it

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