2010 128i traction light and loss of power

drivejojo · 04-05-2021, 03:25 PM

I have a somewhat common, but unrepeatable issue where the traction light will flash and I will understandably lose power. Usually this happens after warm-up and the car has been driven for some time. I do not have an ABS light on the dash and no lights stay on, just a quick flash of the traction light and loss of responsiveness when I give it gas. My google diagnosis leads to possibly a wheel speed sensor and/or a rebuilding of the ABS module. Any thoughts on someone that may have had similar issues?

2010 128i 101K miles N51 6MT

m_thompson · 04-06-2021, 08:24 AM

Intermittent issue with an ABS sensor. If you pull the codes it will tell you which one is misbehaving. Most likely a rear sensor because the reluctor rings on the half-shafts are rusty.

drivejojo · 04-12-2021, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_thompson

Intermittent issue with an ABS sensor. If you pull the codes it will tell you which one is misbehaving. Most likely a rear sensor because the reluctor rings on the half-shafts are rusty.

Thanks! I will explore this.

m_thompson · 04-13-2021, 08:17 AM

The reluctor ring on the axles get rusty and periodically touch the ABS sensor. Sometimes cleaning the rust from then end of the ABS sensor will fix it. If there are signs of the reluctor ring touching the end of the ABS sensor some people suggest putting a washer under the ABS sensor mounting lug for a temporary fix. Eventually I will need to pull the axles on mine and replace the reluctor rings.

tracer bullet · 04-13-2021, 08:25 AM

^^^ That's a good idea to explore. I was thinking tires are a possibility. The tread on my snow tires gets really squirmy when it warms up and I see the light blip now and then if I goose it.

04-05-2021, 03:25 PM	#1
drivejojo New Member 12 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 128i Convertible, 128i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester County, PA iTrader: (0)	2010 128i traction light and loss of power I have a somewhat common, but unrepeatable issue where the traction light will flash and I will understandably lose power. Usually this happens after warm-up and the car has been driven for some time. I do not have an ABS light on the dash and no lights stay on, just a quick flash of the traction light and loss of responsiveness when I give it gas. My google diagnosis leads to possibly a wheel speed sensor and/or a rebuilding of the ABS module. Any thoughts on someone that may have had similar issues? 2010 128i 101K miles N51 6MT
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04-06-2021, 08:24 AM	#2
m_thompson Major 133 Rep 1,416 Posts Drives: M-Sport 128i, 328xi, 3.0CS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i [0.00] 1972 3.0CS [10.00]	Intermittent issue with an ABS sensor. If you pull the codes it will tell you which one is misbehaving. Most likely a rear sensor because the reluctor rings on the half-shafts are rusty. __________________ '09 128i - Black Sapphire Metallic\Coral Red\Glacier Silver\N51 DISA\6MT\Navigation\Premium\M-Sport\Heated seats\Xenon\Headlights\iPod\Smartphone\Euro Delivery
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04-13-2021, 08:17 AM	#4
m_thompson Major 133 Rep 1,416 Posts Drives: M-Sport 128i, 328xi, 3.0CS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i [0.00] 1972 3.0CS [10.00]	The reluctor ring on the axles get rusty and periodically touch the ABS sensor. Sometimes cleaning the rust from then end of the ABS sensor will fix it. If there are signs of the reluctor ring touching the end of the ABS sensor some people suggest putting a washer under the ABS sensor mounting lug for a temporary fix. Eventually I will need to pull the axles on mine and replace the reluctor rings. __________________ '09 128i - Black Sapphire Metallic\Coral Red\Glacier Silver\N51 DISA\6MT\Navigation\Premium\M-Sport\Heated seats\Xenon\Headlights\iPod\Smartphone\Euro Delivery
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04-13-2021, 08:25 AM	#5
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2410 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	^^^ That's a good idea to explore. I was thinking tires are a possibility. The tread on my snow tires gets really squirmy when it warms up and I see the light blip now and then if I goose it.
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