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ABS issue, 480a90: DSC: Roller Brake Tester Mode Active

Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 BMW 328
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
Bought this car knowing it has some issue, possibly ABS sensors. Had Christmas lights on the dash as if one sensor fails so many lights come on, including the message: drive moderately.
Drove it home with no issues.
There were several codes so. Deleted all. Washed the car and wheels, wanted to pull around my driveway but the traction light which was the only one flashing kept me from driving, it feels as if the ABS is catching on the front left. If I press the traction light to go off, no issues.
Ony code which I don't understand is this:
480a90: DSC: Roller Brake Tester Mode Active.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 11:16 AM

38 Replies

Tiny
BHAMDOC1
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  • 49 POSTS
Oh, and when I checked wheel sensors on the scanner, the front two were not reading. Removed one and cleaned it, still same results.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The codes are related to the wheel speed sensors and dynamic stability control (DSC). However, the idea that it is in the roller test mode, there is a chance that is why you are getting no signal.

Before proceeding, I need you to manually check the wheel speed sensors on the front to confirm they are bad. If they are, you will need to replace them. This could turn off the test mode. By following the link below, you will be testing the sensors only and not the vehicle ABS, DSC, and so on circuits.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

If the sensors test good, I want you to try something. These vehicles have what is called a "secrete menu" which is where I believe the test is operated from. Try the following and let me know if it gets you into the menu.

1) Switch on the ignition (engine off).
2) Press the left button (trip odometer reset) and hold it down until the test on the display shows and the instrument cluster lights up.
3) Press the same button until the number on the right has reached 19.
4) Next, the L on and L off will begin to light up alternately on the display.
5) At "L off" press the button again.

At that point, you should be able to navigate through the menu. Check for the roller brake test and confirm it is off.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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I cleaned both and put them back, same results. I tried to find a way to turn the roller mode off but could not find any info. I was thinking the same as you. I just went and looked at the menu. You can turn the ignition on and hold the trip button and you will get a few options numbered 1, 3, 4, and 10, one of them is start roller. The one below is end test, not sure which test, and the last one numbered 10 is unlock. Once I press it I can go to 19 but then nothing else happens. Also, if I hold the start roller it asks dsc off? Also, if I choose the end test I don't get the option to yes or no or L off L on. Will leaving battery disconnect for a while turn that off?
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

It's asking if the DSC is off. Can you select a yes, or no? Also, you should consider checking the sensors how I described. They may be fine, but the toner ring that makes them operate can be causing issues. We need to see if there is a current being produced.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 898 POSTS
  • 2012 BMW 328
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
I have posted my question using my older account but for some reason I am not able to log into it so I cannot reply to it. It was under bhamdoc1 or bhamdoc1973.
All brake/traction/ABS lights are on, and you can still drive it with no issues. Once all the lights are deleted you drive and the traction control light flashes and loss of power, then after a few all lights are back again. Only code is 480A90 for brake roller active. Checked wheel sensors on scanner and both fronts giving 0 reading.
Cleaned sensor and that did nothing.
I tried to go into the hidden menu on cluster and I see roller test but nowhere to turn it off, so I guess once car is shut off test is off.
I removed the sensor from car and attached a multimeter, but I get zero readings when I am turning the wheel or when it's off the car while turning something metal in front of it. Not sure if both fronts can be bad.
Nothing seems to be rubbing against the sensor and doesn't look damaged.
But while turning the hub I looked in the hole where the sensor is and am not seeing anything turning, am I not supposed to? Not sure if you can see from the video but nothing is turning when I turn the hub. So how is the sensor supposed to read speed?
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Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 AT 3:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
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I replaced the sensor and deleted code, the lights all came back immediately. I checked the code now it says rear left 480A9C permanent. Doesn't make sense. I only changed the front left. Also, when checking the signal VIA scanner, it used to show all 4 as 100%, now the one I changed shows zero, put another new sensor on there, same results. Keeps saying not a valid image file. I tried PNG, JPEG, JPG, nothing works. But the code is up there.
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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

There should be some type of toner ring in there which is read by the hall effect wheel speed sensor. I didn't see anything except at one point, I saw something black (I think) roll around.

Have you removed the brake rotor to see if there is evidence of anything damaged, missing, or causing some issue?

Joe
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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, I removed everything. Don't see anything funny other than some rust. I can't see the teeth/rings of course. I guess I got to remove the wheel hub to see.
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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The hub does need to be removed to get access to the tone ring. If you get no signal when testing it (with a multimeter), either the toner is loose, clogged, the sensor isn't positioned correctly, or the sensor is bad.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
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I don't understand how the sensor is gonna pick up anything the back cover is there, which does not turn when the wheel turn. Doesn't make sense.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 2:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I attached the description of how it works. Take a look through it. It's hard for me to picture what is said because I'm not there.

However, are there two sensors on this wheel? According to what I'm reading and a pic I found, there is one on the rear of the dust cover. See the last pic. The one in your video is at top, correct?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
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Yes, that's the one you marked red, I doubt there are two. Just one ABS and one brake pad sensor.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
That should read a toner ring which is part of the bearing. Is there nothing there?

Joe
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
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  • 49 POSTS
But there is no teeth to be read.
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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 6:13 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The reluctor (tone) ring is internal in the bearing. The cover on the rear should be aluminum, so the magnet doesn't respond to it. If it was an AWD the reluctor wound be on the CV axle joint.
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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
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Yes, that was my thinking. So, I guess it can't be the bearing magnet unless the ring has a tear?
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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 2:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Yes, and it simply could be damaged, corroded, anything that can prevent the signal from development.
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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
I have been trying to replace the wheel bearing hub but every time I order it it fits but the lug but holes are smaller. This is the second one I ordered and it's the same thing. All fit but the Lugnut holes are smaller. Any thoughts?
Vin is WBA3A5C55CF346350
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Also went to the BMW OEM parts and this is what i see, what does this mean? The hub bearing assembly is #10, here is the link to it:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3A53-USA-04-2012-F30-BMW-328i&diagId=31_0956
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Found out BMW updated their dang Lugnut size so I either find an old stock bearing or change the Lugnuts. How can I tell what new Lugnuts I need since I have the new bearing?
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 6:44 PM

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