More ABS Warning Lights...

[RandyinOC]

Recently I had to re-route some of the wires for the J&M communication system on my 2004RT and when I switched on, The General Warning (GW) light stayed lit. It could be purely coincidental, but I don't think so. I don't think I messed with any of the native wiring, only the aftermarket J&M stuff.

I checked again, and while the ABS warning light did its normal 4 hz/1 hz diagnostic and went out as I rode away, the GW light stays lit continually. The braking seems normal; the servo assist works so I'm not in Residual Braking Function mode. It's possible that I dislodged a fuse or relay, but I checked all of the fuses (OK) and made sure the relays are all in their stabs. Has anyone run across something like this? Hoping for an easy fix instead of a trip to the dealer.

Randy (the eternal optimist) in OC

[karasek]

You must have tapped into the taillight for power or your taillight is burnt out. The red triangle when on solid means you have a burnt taillight. If you tapped into the taillight for power it can trick the computer into thinking the bulb burnt out. Also, when you go to check, remember that your brake light will most likely be lit at a reduced intensity in order to make up for your burnt tail light. Your owners manual has a nifty chart that will decipher your IABS warning lights.

Welcome to BMWs Integrated ABS.

[RandyinOC]

Karasek,

BINGO! Warning light cleared.

When I read through the manual, I checked to see if I had a burned out tail light. I powered up, looked at the tail light, and it was lit... what I didn't know is that it was the brake light playing "backup" to the tail light. With your hint, I pulled the tail light and sure enough, it was burnt. After replacing it the warning light cycled off following the diagnostics. It was just a wierd coincidence that the tail light burned out while I was installing the Corbin.

Thanks for the help!

Randy (The continuing Optimist) in OC