Traction Control warning light

[Wonderh]

My traction control warning light comes on virtually everytime I start the car. The only time I seem to be able to stop it is by pressing the throttle once or twice before turning the key (which leads me to think it may be a mechanical issue rather than electrical) - I have read loads of previous threads on this issue so am a bit confused . The car is under warranty and I have just had an ABS sensor replaced OK but the auto-electrician that did that said he cannot resolve TC and I need a specialist to diagnose it. Obviously a warranty company won't pay for me to go here, there and everywhere so who would be the best person to approach ? An Auto-electrician, a mechanic or a specialist garage? Am I doing any harm to the car like this as about to take it on a trip to Ireland which will be nearly 1000 miles in total

Cheers

Walter

[SD1too]

Hello Walter,

I get a traction control warning very occasionally. If I remember correctly the system uses a separate butterfly flap in the throttle body to restrict the engine's air intake, so it's interesting that blipping the throttle stops it happening.

It seems to me to be a false warning so I don't think it should deter you from your trip to Ireland.

Simon

[BigRuss]

The traction control symbol will illuminate every time the car is started as it goes through it's built in self check/test if it goes out after a couple of seconds all is fine
(The same as the airbag self test and the ABS self test to which the Traction control is linked )

Russ

[Wonderh]

My light stays on all the time though

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by BigRuss

The traction control symbol will illuminate every time the car is started as it goes through it's built in self check/test if it goes out after a couple of seconds all is fine ..

Russ,

Sorry, I forgot to say that I am talking about a warning in the message centre immediately after the engine has started, not the usual 'bulb check' routine at ignition on.

Simon

[BigRuss]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Russ,

Sorry, I forgot to say that I am talking about a warning in the message centre immediately after the engine has started, not the usual 'bulb check' routine at ignition on.

Simon

Mine illuminates for a second or two every time in the messsage centre when the engine is started in the launch car always has according to the handbook it should

Sounds like on the op's car somethings sticking during the self test and frees up if the accelerator pedal is pressed.

Russ

[Jezzer 1]

Originally Posted by BigRuss

Mine illuminates for a second or two every time in the messsage centre when the engine is started in the launch car always has according to the handbook it should

Sounds like on the op's car somethings sticking during the self test and frees up if the accelerator pedal is pressed.

Russ

If your traction control light stays on all the time, there is a fault with the Traction Control Unit. They are notorious for stripping the white plastic gear inside.

When the ignition is turned on to position 1, you should see the message centre lights illuminate. You should also here a whir/click from the Traction Control Unit mounted on the engine bulkhead to the right of the steering column. If you are in any doubt, open the bonnet, stand on the offside of the car, get someone to turn the ignition key to position 1 as you listen near the offside bonnet hinge.

If that does not happen, trace the secondary throttle cable from the throttle body to the TCU. You will see a flap on the front of the TCU - open it and inspect the white gear visible through the opening for any stripped teeth, check the cable is still attached etc. If the gear shows any evidence of wear, you may need to replace the unit.

[Wonderh]

That's great Jeremy, gives me a starting point as I think it must be something mechanical and linked to the throttle. Car was back in garage this afternoon and auto-electrician checked it again but his diagnosis is "there are 2 sensors on the engine for the traction control and they must be vibrating or shaking and that's what is causing the problem" he is freelance and only comes out to garage when they need him but they feel he doesn't want to do the work anyway. The car only went back for him to deal with again as he did the computer diagnostics for the ABS and warranty company needed print-out to confirm parts needed, funny thing was that he is Polish and so is his machine so print-out came out in Polish and RAC couldn't understand it

[vitesse]

There's a used actuator on ebay at the moment for £15, which is a good price

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bmw-e36-3-...item4d0b69a5c3

You'll need to swop the cable over from your actuator as the length is different
but first, as others have said, make sure that nothing is sticking.

Good luck

[Wonderh]

As it is dry and sunny decided to have look under the bonnet, found control unit and when key turned it definitely "whirs" . Took cover off and tried again and you can see white wheel move. Couldn't see any Teeth missing but did notice few teeth have small section missing at bottom of wheel and 1 strand of wire snapped (hopefully picture attached ) So my questions are :-
Is this wheel OK (& the cable) ?
Can unit be replaced, if so how much likely to cost ?
About to take car away to Ireland for a week so can I disconnect any wire/fuse to get rid of display warning till fixed ?
Of course I need to know is this actually where the fault is

Cheers

Walter