What is the Drive Control System Drive Moderately error message on the BMW Drive? The most common cause of Drive Control System Failure Moderately is a faulty BMW Steering Angle Sensor. Learn how to fix it by following the procedures below.
The steering angle sensor is mounted on the steering column below the steering wheel. This guide shows how to calibrate the BMW steering angle sensor. The problem is not always the steering angle sensor. To find out what is wrong with your BMW, read the fault codes from all modules.
Symptoms
Along with the Drive Control System error message, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Drive Syst. drive moderately message on the iDrive screen
- Vehicle feels underpowered
- Yellow triangle light on the dashboard
- The drive control drives moderately pop up on the dash.
- Auto canceling signals stop working.
- ABS and other driving aids turned off
- Parking brake error
- Reduced power
- Start assistance inactive
- Drivetrain Malfunction. Drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. Consult Service Center.
- Cruise control disabled
- Traction control and DSC lights on
- ARS (Active Roll Stabilization) and AFS (Active Steering) may also be displayed
- The turn signals on your BMW will no longer cancel on their own.
What Causes BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately
The most likely problems that cause Drive Control System Drive Moderately error message are:
- Steering angle sensor
- Low power steering fluid
- Weak battery
- ABS module defective
- Defective alternator
- DDE relay
- YAW Rate DSC Speed Sensor
- GWS sensor
- Loose battery cable
You need to read the fault codes to find out why the Drive Control System Drive Moderately is on.
How To Diagnose BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately
You need to read the fault codes from the ABS, DSC, SZL, and ARS modules with a BMW Scanner to determine why the Drive Control System Drive Moderately error message is on. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read fault codes from all control modules of your BMW vehicle.
- Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard.
- Plugin your scanner into the diagnostic port and turn on the scanner.
- Select the BMW model from the main menu.
- Select Auto Scan to scan all the modules.
- Write down codes on the ABS and DSC modules that will show as present (current ) status.
If you see any stored codes triggered due to low battery voltage, they can be cleared. Check the integrity of your charging system.
Generic scan tools are not able to retrieve BMW-specific fault codes.
BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately Problems Explained
Let’s take an in-depth look at problems that trigger the BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately error message.
Steering Angle Sensor
Sometimes, the steering angle sensor may need to be calibrated or replaced. First, try steering angle sensor calibration. If that fails, read codes and verify a current code for the steering wheel angle sensor.
You can calibrate the steering angle sensor with a scanner such as the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner. The scanner can read all codes on every control module of your BMW vehicle.
- Start the engine.
- Turn the steering wheel to the left and hold it in the full left position for two seconds.
- Next, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.
- Repeat all way left, all way to the right one more time.
- Bring the steering wheel back to center, wheels straight.
- Turn off the ignition. Wait 10 seconds, then restart the car.
- The steering angle sensor will be reset.
Software Issue
BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately message may come on due to a software issue in the ABS module.
The first step is to find a safe spot to turn off the engine and restart it after one minute. This will often reset the Drive Control System Drive Moderately message. If the error message returns shortly after you drive, continue with the next step as soon as possible.
Low Brake Fluid Level
If the message remains or returns as soon as you start to drive, check the brake fluid level.
Low Battery Voltage
The problem can be caused by a low battery voltage or a loose battery terminal.
Locate the battery of your BMW, which in most models will be in the trunk area. Check that both negative and positive battery cables are secure and the clamps do not rotate easily on the battery post.
Conclusion
In most cases replacing steering angle sensors will fix Drive Control System Drive Moderately, but we strongly recommend that you read the fault codes before replacing any parts. Reading fault codes is very simple and takes less than 10 minutes. This problem affects all BMW models, including 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, X1, x3, x5, z3, and z5.
We hope you find the BMW Drive Control System Drive Moderately guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.
I got a flat rear driver’s side tire last week on the 60fwy. We put the spare on. When I restarted and drove off, instantly i realized something was very wrong. It feels like the brakes are locked up especially in 4th grade. U can hear the tires actually chirping. Then, in 4th gear it all releases and all the codes and alarms go on. This allows you to drive in stick shift mode more better than regular driving mode. But every time you restart the car this all restarts? Unbelievable, a flat tire is causing all this bullshit! For real . I tried resetting the steering function and had no luck..
What if there are no codes and just need to reset?