Code P0500, ABS, DSC and Brake lights + speedo failure

[JGs00528i]

So my I have been have the trifecta of lights for a little while now, but the other day my speedometer started working on and off. Figured it was the ABS module failing. Took the car to Autozone today and they pulled only 1 code, P0500. "The EMC has detected a fault in the vehicle speed sensor circuit." Is the only way to figure out which of the 4 speed sensors bad is to do the electrical test on each? The other wierd thing is my SES light has been going on and off a lot lately too, but no code was pulled for that at all and the light was on today. So not sure what to do to fix the SES since they only pulled 1 code for the speed sensor.

[rocketwagon]

Your only option is to test each of the wheels sensors; start with the rear.

Do you mean the CEL has been coming on and off? Vehicle speed sensor code will trip the CEL. Also, is it just the speedo, or the fuel consumption gauge and odometer, as well?

Personally, given the MY of your car and the symptoms, I'd say you're losing the module. If the speedo goes out completely and then you pull the codes, check at the point for the CAN bus timeout code (82).

[JGs00528i]

Your only option is to test each of the wheels sensors; start with the rear.

Do you mean the CEL has been coming on and off? Vehicle speed sensor code will trip the CEL. Also, is it just the speedo, or the fuel consumption gauge and odometer, as well?

Personally, given the MY of your car and the symptoms, I'd say you're losing the module. If the speedo goes out completely and then you pull the codes, check at the point for the CAN bus timeout code (82).



Problem 1
The light is a Service Engine Soon light so if that is the same as the CEL then yes. I guess it is since the manual states " Service Engine Soon - Check Engine Lamp If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermittently this indicates a fault in the emission-related electornsc systems."

I figured I would get a code related to the O2 or maybe a bad gas cap. It will go on for a day or two then off for a day or two. I thought I had seen a pattern with my gas fill ups, but not so sure about that pattern any more. But I got only that P0500 for the speed sensor, nothing else so hopefully its realated to problem #2. All the lights were on when I pulled into Autozone.


Problem #2
For a while it was just the trifecta of lights(ABS, Brake, DSC), then recently the speedometer too. No problems to speak of with the odometer and fuel gague. But I guess I never paid attention to the odometer either. The fuel gauge is ok and the tach is ok. Cruise goes out too. The speedometer was out when I pulled into Autozone yesterday and had them pull the codes I did shut the car off while I went in to ask them do pull the codes. But all the lights were on when I left Autozone and speedo was not working. Speedo was working again this morning on the way into work today and then about halfway to work it died again.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0500

What module are you referring to? The ABS module or some other module?
I am getting new Bridgeston Potenza's RE 760 Sports put on this Saturday. I figured I would ask the guys at Firestone to let me know if they see any damage to the wheel sensors. I don't own anything to test low voltage to the wheel sensors myself so I will need to buy something or take to my indy for that.

Thanks for the response!

[rocketwagon]

It's possible that that speed signal code is actually being thrown by the ABS module and not a sensor; I say this only because progressive module failure is pretty common, in that the situation you described re: fluctuating speedometer working/not working is consistent with the failures other people with this MY car (myself included) have experienced. That speed signal code WILL throw the CEL, and if your speedo is intermittent, it's likely the CEL will be intermittent, as well.

AutoZone may not have been able to pull the CAN timeout code which would tell you for sure, because the module may not be completely fried at this point. Again, it's common for this failure to be progressive over a couple of weeks, so if you can get the Firestone guys to check your speed sensors, that will help eliminate or confirm that problem. It's easy enough to use a very cheap multimeter to check resistance at the sensor, there is a good DIY of this in the E39 DIY section stickied above.

Good luck. If, in the meantime, your speedo goes out completely, keep watch on your odometer and fuel consumption gauge, and that CEL. If all the gauges go out, you probably have a module issue.

[JGs00528i]

Thanks Rocketwagon. I have been doing a lot of searching on testing the speed sensors, replacing them and such. I am going to go take the car on a drive right now to see if the odometer goes out too. I will also get a cheap multi meter and test the sensors. I have the info on how to test for the Open condition. I guess if I test ok, it will be time to send the ABS module into Master Modules, edit, Module Masters, and hope they can do the rebuild. I was happy when they pulled the P0500 code thinking it was only a speed sensor, but am now thinking ABS rebuild again due to all of the symtoms. oh well.

[rocketwagon]

My good man, I encourage you to hold out hope until you test your sensors. Until then, all things are possible. :)

[JGs00528i]

My good man, I encourage you to hold out hope until you test your sensors. Until then, all things are possible. :)


He emphatically holds out hope for failed speed sensor.:werd:

[JGs00528i]

Good luck. If, in the meantime, your speedo goes out completely, keep watch on your odometer and fuel consumption gauge, and that CEL. If all the gauges go out, you probably have a module issue.


Ok, I drove it and it was all out. I didn't have the trifecta, only the DSC and ABS light, no brake light. But for the first time I noticed the odometer and fuel consumption gauge were both out as well. I assume they were out before and I just never noticed. Probably b/c I am glued to the TAC trying to tell how fast I am going.:eyecrazy

Vehicle Speed Sensor testing to take place this weekend with report back.

[rocketwagon]

Wow, no brake light, that's rare. There was someone else on this board that had "module" symptoms and it turned out to be just a sensor, and I think they had no brake light, either. I want to say that it was CaptnGeetch. I wish I could remember who it was, but I'm at a loss of brain power right now. If i remember I'll find the thread and link it.

When you check sensors, make sure you check the wiring, etc., that runs up inside the car.

[JGs00528i]

On the way home from some pool tonight, the brake light came one, so bam trifecta on, and the speedo, odometer and fuel consumption all start working as soon as the brake light popped on. :eyecrazy

[DocPeters540]

www.modulemaster.com (http://www.modulemaster.com)

I know that mine is the ABS module. How? When the car is cold, everything works. When it warms up and after about 30 minutes, everything fails. If I have a late night out and come to my car in the morning, the car isn't cold, so the ABS module is still warm = fail. Wait at least 24 hours, cold car, everything works.

[rocketwagon]

On the way home from some pool tonight, the brake light came one, so bam trifecta on, and the speedo, odometer and fuel consumption all start working as soon as the brake light popped on. :eyecrazy

Again...progressive module failure is pretty common, so you might experience this type of thing for a bit before it completely goes out. You could try the "cold air" test as suggested by the poster above, although it's hit-or-miss depending on what the issue actually is. (The test involves holding a can of computer duster upside down and spraying the module until it's cold, or packing the module in ice, and seeing if it changes the situation with the lights. The theory is that the circuit board in the module contracts when cold, causing the contacts to function properly.)

[JGs00528i]

Again...progressive module failure is pretty common, so you might experience this type of thing for a bit before it completely goes out. You could try the "cold air" test as suggested by the poster above, although it's hit-or-miss depending on what the issue actually is. (The test involves holding a can of computer duster upside down and spraying the module until it's cold, or packing the module in ice, and seeing if it changes the situation with the lights. The theory is that the circuit board in the module contracts when cold, causing the contacts to function properly.)


Ok, that is worth trying. I will load up some crushed ice in a Zip lock or two and ice that bad boy down for while. Mabye with a lime twist. :confused
I will also jack the rear end up and test the rear VS sensors this weekend.

[pir8]

I am a total newbie with BMWs, this is my first BMW. How does one go about checking the DSC/ABS sensors?

[jetmecanic]

Had the same problem w my 99. Did the ice trick and worked every time I tried it. Get that ABS module rebuilt 225 bucks plug and play happy again!!!!

[blz456]

I have the EXACT same problem too. I have the three lights but when the brake light goes out the speedo odometer and cruise goes out and the fuel gage fluctuates. When the module is cold everything is fine but when it heats up it fails. I have also noticed when I start my car after soon after I parked it and everything is still hot everything is off but when I start driving and it is cold and I get a good air flow the brake light will come back on and everything will work fine again except for the traction and abs. I am about to send my module off and I will see how that goes. Also I have the SES light on and off too and it is throwing a p0500 code but if I have the speedo working for a while it will go off but when the speedo fails it will come back on pretty soon. Forgot to mention that part.

[elton528i]

www.modulemaster.com (http://www.modulemaster.com)

I know that mine is the ABS module. How? When the car is cold, everything works. When it warms up and after about 30 minutes, everything fails. If I have a late night out and come to my car in the morning, the car isn't cold, so the ABS module is still warm = fail. Wait at least 24 hours, cold car, everything works.
Could still be the rear left sensor tho, i had these exact symptoms, it worked ok when cold, and sometimes up to 2 miles, and then it failed. The fuel gauge and computer wont function correctly because it needs to know the vehicle speed to work out the figures.
Im not sure if my brake lights worked or not tho.

[bhuang1103]

Ok, I drove it and it was all out. I didn't have the trifecta, only the DSC and ABS light, no brake light. But for the first time I noticed the odometer and fuel consumption gauge were both out as well. I assume they were out before and I just never noticed. Probably b/c I am glued to the TAC trying to tell how fast I am going.:eyecrazy

Vehicle Speed Sensor testing to take place this weekend with report back.


Hi JGs00528i,

I have the exact same P0500, ABS, DSC, Speedo problem you have. What is your final cause? Thanks a million in advance.

Please if you have time, email me at bhuang1103@gmail.com

[Alfredhooton]

I have the po500 code but it will not clear I've replaced the sensors got the gauges back but still have lights and code still, I have a 740il 1996

[gruvenon]

Have the DSC, ABS and Brakes (yellow) lights on on my E53. Speedo and MPG gauges were out as well. Heard that only one of the two back ABS sensors feed the speedo. OBDII speed was feeding my Torque App OK. Swapped the rear ABS sensors and sure enough, speedo came back, MPG guage came back, OBDII speed went out. This tells me that I have a sensor bad on the rear. Bentley manual says the right one feeds the speedo. So I suspect OBDII get speed from the left sensor. Ordered 4 new sensors (gonna change the fronts while I'm at it) for cheap on ebay. Hopeully this cures it and it's not the ABS module. Just threw the P0500 code for the first time driving home today. Bought a K+DCAN Cable in case I end up needing to check for ABS codes using INPA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfgwpn7ev-g&list=FLuMnRNlr732_giwh7C3rjLg&index=2).

Hope this helps,
Alan