MINI Cooper Forum banner

ABS Fault Codes 5E19 and 5DF5 - Simple Fix

2 reading
67K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  eddiewad67  
#1 ·
2002 Mini Cooper, with no traction control option.

Intermittent "ABS" warning light for a few days, then warning light stayed on. Fuses were all OK but the problem continued.

Mechanic identified the following fault codes:
5E19 - CAN data fault from DME / DDE
5DF5 - Control Unit Internal Fault.

BMW quoted $1,800 for a "repair kit" to replace the ABS controller.

Next day I un-plugged the electrical connector from the ABS Controller. It is under the bonnet, under the windscreen on left hand side of car (Right Hand Drive vehicle). There is a lever to lift up which releases the connector. It is a large plug with about 20 or more pins.

Reconnected the plug, and pushed the lever firmly down.

Warning lights now operate normally. Have confirmed ABS is active and working.

Perhaps in 14 years of use the connector pins have become dirty or corroded? I'll provide an update if this fails again but in the meantime this would be the first (zero cost) thing to try if you are getting these codes.
 
#2 ·
I would recommend you buy an OBD cable from bcables.com in the UK, comes with BMW software and you will save time and money with the correct diagnostic codes and not having to pay BMW if your handy on the tools. As you have the Gen 1, get the Blue cable, mine has saved me a fortune when doing my own repairs and servicing.
 
#3 ·
Sadly, the fix above lasted only a few weeks; there must have been a persistent fault in the ABS Controller. Although there are repair companies here who can repair ABS controllers, unfortunately this model was not able to be repaired. The only remaining option was to install a replacement ABS Controller.