X350 - DSC not available

[sparky35uk]

Never seen this message before, but it has been on all day today. No difference in performance or ride quality. Have read the codes (with an OBDII reader)- but non have been stored?

Have carried out a system 'hard' re-set, by dis-connecting battery negative cable and holding it onto the positive for about 5 secs (a trick RAC showed me once), but no change.

I've read it could be linked to a dodgy speed sensor?

I was wondering if anyone else had encountered this problem at all?

Thanks guys.

[OctaneBooster]

Have had this message once, briefly, just before the battery gave up the ghost. New battery fitted, it didn't appear again.

[sparky35uk]

Interesting thought about the battery, although it tests fine and have even given it a boost charge.

However, the message is permantly on now, even before the engine starts (ignition stage 2); but as I say, the car drives just exactly as it should, so rather strange. Maybe a dealer job???

[Tame Technician]

DSC is Dynamic Stability control.

Light is on to warn you its not working.

You wont notice any difference unless you need the DSC, then it wont work, and you will probably spin/crash.

Will most likely be either a accelerometer or the steering angle sensor playing up.

ABS fault code read, is the first step in diag.

Most cheap OBD readers only do engine, (P codes as in Power Train), you need one that can read ABS fault codes (C codes as in Chassis)

[sparky35uk]

Cheers Tame, I thought that was the case with the code reader, but can't seem to find one that reads the Chassis codes, hence my remark about a dealer (just to read codes).

Found this interesting on another site:

C1307 - Steering Wheel angle sensor - encoder ring defective (this was the cause of the error in this case) fix below
C1277 - steering wheel angle 1 and 2 - Circuit Failure

There where other errors on the cat but related to this problem.

The Fix - Noting this is something that a trained technician should carry out ( i did this myself very carefully and should not carry out if you do not have the training or experience)

The Steering Wheel angle sensor is situated in the steering cowling behind the steering wheel and dashboard. (i am not going to describe the procedure for your safety as it requires the airbag to be removed)

However the Steering Wheel angle sensor once located and clear of other control equipment - is a silver disk with thin square holes cut on the perimeter, as the steering wheel is rotated a sensor on the bottom side of the disk picks up the Steering Wheel angle and knows what angle the steering at when ignition on and driving.

In this case a ball of fluff-n-specs of gunk (possible from split drink from previous owner) had collected on the sensor and in turn stuck onto the Steering Wheel angle sensor disk blocking 3 adjacent holes - thus confusing the sensor and DSC system. A clean with a new paint brush and electrical contact solvent cleared the sensors.

I also took the time to lubricate the steering adjustment runners and sliders - no more creaky adjustments

Test drive after cleaning and re-assembly confirmed no further errors - Time spent doing this myself very very carefully (3 hours)

Note - Fitting of the new battery fixed a hole heap of other non-related errors - including all the windows now close with remote, seat memory of door opening set the seat for max entrance, and then mem1 etc..

But i do believe if you do get such a DSC error - test the battery first (as per the start of this thread) - then on a diag machine - and take it from there.


.......so maybe worth investigating - after getting the codes!!

ps, am getting a new battery this weekend also!

[sparky35uk]

Just an update.....

Well, the new battery didn't seem to change much, although overall, sharper electrics and fast turnover etc.

Have booked to go and see local indy on Friday for a diag on other 'faults'....happy days

[sparky35uk]

Another update.....

codes read and I have C2303 - Reservoir plausibility error


code C1288:

Pressure sensor main/primary input circuit failure

· Brake pressure circuit open
circuit, short circuit to
GROUND or B+
· Connector pins bent or
corroded
· Damaged harness/wiring
· Sensor failure
· ABS/DSC module failure


Calling back tomorrow for estimate!!