E46 Electrical gremlins
Discussion
Hi guys,
A few weeks ago the outside temp sensor on my E46 330i went haywire and started to give a wide range of false readings, usually either plus 50 or minus 40 degrees. Last week it started to change it's mind virtually every second, usually reading a very large negative number and beeping loudly each time it changed (presumably the frost warning kicking in).
I was going to leave it until the next service but tonight the traction control light came on and won't cancel. I don't know much about the technology in the car, could I be looking at a new ECU? Happily I think I have a couple of months' warranty left on the car...
A few weeks ago the outside temp sensor on my E46 330i went haywire and started to give a wide range of false readings, usually either plus 50 or minus 40 degrees. Last week it started to change it's mind virtually every second, usually reading a very large negative number and beeping loudly each time it changed (presumably the frost warning kicking in).
I was going to leave it until the next service but tonight the traction control light came on and won't cancel. I don't know much about the technology in the car, could I be looking at a new ECU? Happily I think I have a couple of months' warranty left on the car...
I'd say you have 2 separate problems, the temp indicator is most likely a poor connection or broken wires, which intermittantly give 0v, which relates to something like -37'.
The traction light probably won't be as much fun. If it was a wheel sensor, the speedo and ABS would also play up, so it's something more specific to the actual traction system itself.
The traction light probably won't be as much fun. If it was a wheel sensor, the speedo and ABS would also play up, so it's something more specific to the actual traction system itself.
The outside temp sensor is under the front bumper - drivers side I think. If they get wet through or a hard knock they can break giving these false readings. Have a look and a feel under there - it may be hanging off or snapped. it is a couple of inches underneath and looks like half a cotton bud.
They are not expensive to replace which would probably be your first option.
regarding the TC light - one of your ABS sensors may be broken, these too dont like deep water or puddles, or may just be covered in shiet. Give them a good hoseing off/pressure washering to start.
Worst case would be identifying the individual sensor that is broken, or a new ABS unit - which would be worse still.
Neil.D
They are not expensive to replace which would probably be your first option.
regarding the TC light - one of your ABS sensors may be broken, these too dont like deep water or puddles, or may just be covered in shiet. Give them a good hoseing off/pressure washering to start.
Worst case would be identifying the individual sensor that is broken, or a new ABS unit - which would be worse still.
Neil.D
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