BMW cars are known for reliability, resilience, and exceptional reliability. However, there are various things to know about owning a BMW. One of these is the Dynamic Stability Control ](DSC) button. Let’s walk you through the DSC button and what it does.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is a complex system of sensors and detective methods that allow the car to optimize the driving experience according to your driving style. The sensors monitor wheel speed, yaw rate, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
The DSC is the nucleus of the chassis control system of BMW cars. Apart from being a performance-optimizing modality, it works as a safety feature by regulating the car’s speed. This is by considering road conditions that may make the car drift or spin out of control.
Where’s the DSC in a BMW?
All modern BMW models come with the DSC button. It ensures safety on all road surfaces, including ice and snow. The button is usually located near the shifter for a BMW with automatic transmission. For a manual car, the DSC button is usually near the center console near the handbrake lever.
What are the modes of the DSC button?
There are three modes on the DSC button, including:
DSC On or MDM Mode
This is the most aggressive mode to use. You must use it after realizing how it works. Activating this mode offers more wheel slip while creating more drag. You’re likely to find braking and steering challenges.
DSC Off or STD Mode
The least aggressive among the DSC modes, you must use it while driving on regular road surfaces. This mode allows more wheel slip while creating less drag. You’re more likely to find braking and steering a lot easier.
TCS On or ASR Mode
This mode lies in the middle of the first two modes above. You should consider this mode while driving on a curved road or slippery surface. The mode comes with less wheel slip than the STD mode but more than the DSC On mode.
How does the DSC button work?
The DSC is on by default. You don’t need to press anywhere to turn it on. It uses various sensors for detecting wheel spin, car yaw rate, and other properties. The sensors apply the brakes where necessary to cut engine power.
Using active steering, the DSC makes small steering corrections to keep the vehicle under control. A caution light in the instrument cluster flashes when the DSC button is active. Wherever you start your BMW, the DSC activates automatically.
It receives information about the car’s speed and throttle position, brake pedal force, steering angle sensor, and engine speed. The system realizes when you drive and steer sharply as a deviation from ideal driving conditions. It then works on switching back to the ideal driving condition.
What does the DSC button do?
Now that you know the DSC button and how it works, it’s time to understand its functions in your BMW.
Calculates ideal driving condition
The computer in the DSC system is constantly calculating the ideal driving condition, comparing it to the vehicle’s current status. Understeering or oversteering creates deviation in the calculated ideal condition from the one determined. The DSC intervenes swiftly through the engine management system by applying the brakes at different wheels and cutting fuel.
Maintains stability
The DSC system in a BMW is designed to stabilize your car while on the road. When the system realizes that the car isn’t going as it should, it adjusts the brakes and throttles automatically to keep you in control.
When you see the DSC light flashing on the dashboard, it signals a problem with the system. You must take your car to a qualified BMW mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. This is because a malfunctioning DSC system may encourage accidents.
Decreases power to the wheel
Dynamic Stability Control decreases power to the wheel on detection of wheel slip. The system senses that you are about to spin the vehicle and intervenes by monitoring the car yaw, steering input, and the gas pedal.
The suspension system goes beyond the ABC’s single components, Automatic Stability Control and Cornering Brake Control. It monitors each wheel’s speed individually with the yaw rate and acceleration using various sensors.
Alerts stability control issues
On turning on your vehicle, it goes through a system check. It includes checking all car components to ensure they are working as they should. The DSC light will come on and off, which is normal. If the DSC light turns on and goes off, then your car is good to hit the road.
However, if the light remains on, it means there’s a problem within your system. The best thing to do is to call a trusted mechanic to diagnose the problem and find an appropriate solution before taking your car back on the road.
What may cause the DSC system to fail?
The DSC may fail to function correctly for various reasons, including:
Faulty sensors
Various things may cause the DSC in your BMW to fail. However, malfunctioning sensors, such as the steering angle or wheel speed sensor, are the most common. This is because the sensors are regularly exposed to various elements.
Over time, they will likely end up covered in dirt or grime. This causes malfunction and an inability to send accurate information to the DCS control unit.
Problem with connections
A faulty sensor and control unit connection also causes DSC failure. The wires and connectors in the system are likely to become corroded or damaged over time. This leads to intermittent or total loss of communication between the control unit and the sensors.
The system is turned off
There’s a possibility of turning off your DSC system by holding the system light for about three seconds. It disables the system, especially when drifting. After turning off the DSC, its light flashes on the dashboard, indicating it’s off.
You should try holding the button for about three seconds to try and turn it back on. If this fails, you must visit a trusted mechanic to diagnose the problem and offer an appropriate solution.
Can I drive with a DSC light on?
It’s only a good idea to drive with the DSC light on if you know the underlying problem. The system may activate while driving when it shouldn’t. It may happen, although it’s not so common. You can only drive if you know that you turned it off manually. Still, you won’t access its safety features. So, it’s best to avoid taking chances and driving with the DSC light on.
Conclusion
It’s essential to take time and learn some of the features of your BMW and what they do. The DSC button is a safety feature that protects you in various situations. When it malfunctions, it’s best to contact a mechanic to fix the problem before hitting the road.
