Strange Dash Lights

[Zipperblues]

Three weeks ago, when I turned on my 2003 MINI Cooper S, the DSC off light and the flat tire light came on. The tires weren't flat, and pushing the re-set button did nothing. I got frustrated and took another car to work. Later, when I started the MINI again, the lights came on, but shut off as soon as I began to reverse the car.

Then, the lights came on again today. At a stop light I shut the car off, then turned it back on, and as I drove off the light switched off again.

The DSC is working normally, and I don't have a flat tire. The manual says that if the DSC light stays on, it means you have a problem with the DSC--but it seems to be working fine. And I do not have a flat tire. The manual does not say what these lights mean if they are on at the same time, and I am even more confused by the fact that re-starting the car will cause these lights to shut off for indeterminant amounts of time.

My MINI dealer has suggested it may be a faulty wheel speed sensor--but if it is actually broken, shouldn't the lights stay on? Could this possibly be an electrical problem? Has anyone seen anything like this? Does anyone have any ideas?

[MINIAC]

A faulty Steering Angle Sensor can cause the TPMS and DSC lights to come on at the same time.

This was the case in my May 2002 build MCS and it had to be replaced.

[theminiv]

Never seen anything like this, shot in the dark . . .

Possible brake pad sensor failiure, possible tracking or wheel balance issues. Double check you are resetting this correctly. Try turning off the DSC (making sure its safe to do so) by pressing and holding the button, turning it off 90%. C what happens, Its been a while but I think the dsc, tyre pressure abs, ebd etc are all using the same sensors. So you might have a loose connection or an electrical fault somewhere. Go to your dealer, they might be able to plug it in and see the faults. Good Luck

[wiz70]

I had the exact same problem about 3 weeks ago pulled away and the 2 lights came on. It seemed to rectify itself after i had left the car for a while. Its not been back on since touch wood !!!!

[MINI-Morgan]

Intermittent wheel sensor fault maybe?

[charles_575]

Hi,

Having read the below comments, i too am beginning the slow elimination process of finding out exactly what is going on here.
I have a Cooper s Jcw (2004 53 plate), indeed every now and then the DSC , ABS and even Runflat lights ping up every now and then.
Now if im running along at speed, i excercise caution and only do it on a clear straight, but turn off the engine and restart, this then clears all 3 lights for a period of time
I took the car to BMW and they diagnosed a faulty Wheel speed sensor, F/N/S. They siad they'd messed with it and that i would now work for an unknown period of time. The replacement will cost £33 from German Swiss French auto parts (uk) i can fit it myself if needed.

Nothing went wrong with the car then for about a week, but the lights then came on once when turning hard left only....This led me to consider the possibility that this is the Steering angle sensor people keep making reference to???

To be honest, im not bothered what it is, im looking at selling the car now, i just want it fixed! however if i sell it back to bmw i aint telling them sqwat....

Also worth of not is the gearbox rattlt i had last year which goes when you press the clutch.....
This appears to be a clutch kit replacement ...Not a new gearbox/flywheel which ive had replaced 3 times in 12 months which never resolved the issue..

Happy motoring guys and let me know what you think on this left turn issue?

Many Thanks
Charles