Dr T Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 So my e36 failed its mot because the ABS light is on. I noticed it came on twice on separate journeys after getting a harsh vibration from the front drivers side wheel (ball joints are worn) both times the light came on when the vibration was felt, then the next day the light went out. on the third time this happened the light never went out. I guessed the sensor on that side was dead so replaced it, but it hasn't worked. today i got the codes read at a local garage and the two codes that show are 178 - Valve fault 33 Rear axle inlet valve Question is, where can i find more info on what these actually mean? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiksilver_TR Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 (edited) Hope this helps a little http://blog.bavauto.com/14248/bmw-diagnosing-abs-faults-warning-light-e36-3-series-and-others/ 7) Test ABS pump assembly solenoid valves. Testing is done at the ABS pump assembly connector plug (on the assembly), using the ohms range of a multi-meter. The solenoids should measure about 2 to 9 ohms. An open circuit or substantially higher resistance, or no resistance (shorted circuit) would be indicators of a faulty solenoid and the hydraulic assembly should be replaced. a) Left-front inlet valve – terminals #3 to #2 Right-front inlet valve – terminals #3 to #1 c) Left-front outlet valve – terminals #3 to #8 d) Right-front outlet valve – terminals #3 to #9 e) Rear axle outlet valve – terminals #3 to #10 f) Rear axle inlet valve – terminals #3 to #11 g) Over-voltage protection solenoid – terminals #3 to #12 Edited January 16, 2014 by Quiksilver_TR Dr T 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr T Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 so i've found this site http://realitypod.com/2012/06/bmw-complete-diagnostic-fault-code-list-e36-e46-e90-and-more/ which suggests I have ABS2 as the 33 code has the same description as mine. However there is no 178 code listed for ABS2, whereas there is for ABS1 but then the ABS1 codes listed have a different description for code 33 which is 'Left Front (E38/E39) or Right (E46) Wheel Speed Sensor Cable' AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Is there anyway of checking which ABS version I have. Given the sensors aren't cheap and i suspect neither is the pump if that's the problem i want to be a sure as possible before starting to buy stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr T Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 that's a very useful link Quiksilver, thanks for that. Reading though it I think it's the Pump that needs replacing as both my codes relate to valves and 'Rear axle inlet valve' which is one of my codes appears in the check for the ABS pump in that thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
