My 530i dashboard lights (ABS and stability along with the airbag lights) started flashing while in stop and go traffic. Once traffic started to flow again, the lights went off until I hit another patch of traffic. This time the battery and oil lights came on. As a reference, my battery died this past weekend and had to be replaced.

Get the trouble codes read. That's always the starting point

The stability control system gets all it's information from the ABS system. The ABS system gets all it's info from the wheel speed sensors. Once the ABS system stores a trouble code, it shuts off the stability control and lights both lights. So, get the ABS trouble code read. That's the starting point.
ABS light on Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice

dashboard brake light flashing randomly - Forums.focaljet.com

forums.focaljet.com/.../662231-dashboard-brake-light-flashing-randoml...

May 14, 2012 - 12 posts
Car run great the only issue is the dashboard brake light is flashing randomly. ...Finally, the instrument cluster is hardwired to the ABS module, ... Also,i change the parking brake switch and the light goes on & off less frequent.

what does ABS flashing light mean at the dashboard of my 1996 ...

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid...

May 3, 2009 - What does ABS flashing light mean at the dashboard of my 1996 ... just hard enough to skid a tiny but, then back off a hair to stop skidding.

ABS Brakes Troubleshooting - How to Troubleshoot Anti ...

www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a461/2265091/

It is likely that you have a defective ABS sensor. You should get a VAG-COM reader to see if the ABS module has failed. It's cheaper to buy one than to have it checked at the dealer.

If it says that the ABS computer is dead, DO NOT BUY A NEW ONE. They are something like $1500 to $2000 and there is no need for a 2000 model year car. Instead, visit www.CheapABS.com where a guy named Matt fixes these things. You just follow the directions to remove the ABS module from the car. Then mail it in to him (there is a form to fill out, etc.) and he will repair it and return the module to you.

While it is out of the car, it is likely no different than what you have today. I should have said this above, but to verify that your ABS module is dead, the next time it rains, or if you have access to a dirt road nearby, drive somewhere that there is no traffic, and get the car going about 20 mph and then STOMP on the brakes as hard as you can. If you skid without feeling/hearing the ABS pumping away, your module is dead and CheapABS is the $150 solution. If the ABS works, then it is something else... possibly a wheel sensor,

Sometimes you get a flashing brake light because the fluid is low. That one is a super-easy fix... top up the brake fluid. But that shouldn't light up the ABS light, which is why I think it's the module.

I have used Matt twice. Once to fix a module, and once to get assistance (was not related to the module). He's great. I've got a BMW 530i needing the same attention, and will use his services for that as well. And no... I'm not Matt. Just a happy customer of his.

The ABS sensors are in airbags depending on the model you have. Best way is to use a ODBII reader to check the airbags to find the fault.

Some alfa's have issues with the connectors coming loose, it is common in the 147 and 156 for people to end up soldering the connector under the passenger seat.

ABS - Anti-lock Brake System.
If the ABS lights on the dashboard permanently the ABS system is faulty. You must access the ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory for pull out all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector of the car. Then you will be full informed about bad pieces (e.g.: front right wheel abs sensor interrupted, ...). After bad pieces replacement you will be able to erase all faults memored by ABS ECU, in other words reset the ABS system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.
ASR - Acceleration Skid Control system.
When ASR warning light blinking the system is activated itself for car acceleration skid control.
For today's typical high-torque engines, traction control (ASR) can increase both comfort and safety, particularly when driving on slippery roads or surfaces offering differing levels of grip. Traction control permits smooth starting and acceleration through the full speed range without wheel-spin or fishtailing.


ASR only operates in conjunction with the electronic accelerator (E-gas) and uses components of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If one wheel suddenly begins to rotate faster than the others (slip), ASR intervenes in the engine management system and reduces power until the wheel stops spinning.
The ASR system represents a further contribution to active safety as it maintains vehicle traction and directional stability throughout the acceleration phase at any speed. In addition, it reduces tyre wear. Activation of the ASR system is indicated by a flashing indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
The ESP system means the Electronic Stability Program. ESP system includes the ABS system.

ASR - Acceleration Skid Control system.
When ASR warning light blinking the system is activated itself for car acceleration skid control.

For today's typical high-torque engines, traction control (ASR) can increase both comfort and safety, particularly when driving on slippery roads or surfaces offering differing levels of grip. Traction control permits smooth starting and acceleration through the full speed range without wheel-spin or fishtailing.


ASR only operates in conjunction with the electronic accelerator (E-gas) and uses components of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If one wheel suddenly begins to rotate faster than the others (slip), ASR intervenes in the engine management system and reduces power until the wheel stops spinning.
The ASR system represents a further contribution to active safety as it maintains vehicle traction and directional stability throughout the acceleration phase at any speed. In addition, it reduces tyre wear. Activation of the ASR system is indicated by a flashing indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

The ESP system means the Electronic Stability Program. If the ESP lights on the dashboard permanently the ESP system is faulty. You must access the ESP Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory for pull out all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector of the car. Then you will be full informed about bad pieces (e.g.: front right wheel abs sensor interrupted, ...). After bad pieces replacement you will be able to erase all faults memored by ESP ECU, in other words reset the ESP system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.

Is the engine starting?

Not sure I have understood the problem. Please confirm if this is correct.

1. the indicator lights on your dashboard do not come on (green lights). Are you saying the green left and right arrow lights do not turn on when you turn the indicator lever up or down. Do you see the outside orange lights flashing?
2. central locking is not working
3. the ABS and Airbag lights on dashoard are on
4. what happens to the fan. This is no clear either.

Take your truck to a garage and have the guys test the computer for any errors.

This light is telling you that you have an Airbag Problem. You might want to Locate a Mechanic and have this Checked out. This is not something that you want to try and fix yourself as the AirBags could go off and Cost a Lot more to have the Dah and Sterring Wheel Replaced. Please Rate my Response, I need all the Help that I can get! Thanks!