There can be a lot of things that one should learn when owning a BMW car. And one of these things is what they call a DSC button. Let us find out what the DSC button means.
So what is a DSC button in your BMW car, and how does it work? A DSC or Dynamic Stability Control is a suspension control system. This will individually monitor the wheel speed and the yaw rate, and the lateral and longitudinal acceleration through your various sensors.
Many people are not aware of what a DSC means. They also do not know what this DSC does and how they function in their BMW car. Knowing and learning about your car like the back of your hand is a crucial step in owning a vehicle.
This vehicle will depend on you, how you take care of it and maintain it. So knowing what this DSC means and does in your BMW is crucial. The same goes for every system and control in your car; you should tell each function.
So we will talk about DSC, what it means, and what it does.
Table of Contents
What Is the DSC Button On BMW?
The term DSC is a shortened name for Dynamic Stability Control. It is a suspension control system. This control system is way beyond ABS’s components, Automatic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, or the CBC.
The DSC or Dynamic Stability Control is known to be the nucleus of the chassis control systems in BMW cars. There are plenty of people who are still unaware of this DSC and what they do.
Some people take it for granted, not giving time to knowing what it does. As a driver of a BMW car, have the time to know about DSC and how it contributes to your car’s performance.
How Does BMW DSC Work?
A DSC or Dynamic Stability Control function monitors the individual wheel speed together with the yaw rate. Through the various sensors, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration is also monitored.
The DSC or Dynamic Stability Control is the safety net version of the BMW for their cars. Every time you start your BMW, this DSC or Dynamic Stability Control will automatically be activated.
The DSC or Dynamic Stability Control can also get information about the speed of the vehicle. It is not only limited to the vehicle speed; the Dynamic Stability Control can also get information about the position of the throttle, the steering angle sensor, the force or position of the brake pedal, and the speed of the engine.
All these data will be given to the DSC or Dynamic Stability Control. What is good about the Dynamic Stability Control is that it creates an ideal driving condition. It will also base it on the current condition of your vehicle.
When you drive and steer sharply, the ideal driving condition will notice the movement as something deviated from the ideal condition. As a return, the Dynamic Stability Control will do necessary changes that will converge your driving to the ideal driving condition calculated by the Dynamic Stability Control.
On the other hand, if you steer shortly, it is still a deviation of the ideal driving condition; the Dynamic Stability Control will bridge the gap. Every time this happens, the Dynamic Stability Control will do its job and will make adjustments internally. These adjustments are limited to cutting the fuel, applying brakes, and any other methods.
Should DSC Be On or Off?
As mentioned, the Dynamic Stability Control will automatically turn if once you start your engine. This is a part of safety features. However, some people always ask if the Dynamic Stability Control must be turned on or turned off.
The answer depends on the driver. You can always turn off your Dynamic Stability Control, and you always turn them back on. Some BMW owners advised that you turn off your Dynamic Stability Control when you are on a wet road or snowy weather.
The Dynamic Stability Control will help you maintain your traction. If you turn your Dynamic Stability control off, you will lose traction when you maneuver in accidental situations. This might also make you lose control of your car.
Some people treat Dynamic Stability Control as an airbag. They always turn it on for safety and protection.
However, some people still chose to turn it off because they thought their car was not going any faster. If you want to be on the safe side, it is better to leave the Dynamic Stability Control on all the time.
Related: DTC Button On BMW
How Do I Turn On My DSC BMW?
If you want to increase your BMW stability, you have to activate your Dynamic Stability Control. To activate your Dynamic Stability Control, it is pretty simple. You have to press the Dynamic Stability Control button.
How Do I Turn Off DSC on My BMW?
If you deactivate your Dynamic Stability Control, your driving’s stability will decrease every time you accelerate and when you drive in bends. If you want to deactivate your Dynamic Stability Control, here is what you have to do.
You have to press and hold the button. It should not be longer than ten seconds. You can let go if the indicator lamp for the Dynamic Stability Control lights up.
You will see a display of DSC OFF. Your Dynamic Stability Control is already deactivated.
Is It Safe to Drive With the DSC Light On?
If you ask people, each of them has different answers. Some people do not keep their Dynamic Stability Control on, and some people would always keep them on. It is said that Dynamic Stability Control is needed if you are losing traction.
If you have no control of the traction, this might lead to spinning out of control and going in the wrong direction. So it is advised to keep your Dynamic Stability Control on if there will be dangerous weather ahead. The Dynamic Stability Control will allow you to have complete control of your car in cold or rainy weather.
Why Does My DSC Light Stay On?
If you noticed that your Dynamic Stability Control is always on, there could be a problem with your brake cylinder pressure sensor. You can try performing a scan, and there will be a reveal of a faulty pressure sensor.
What Is DSC Failure on the BMW?
Your Dynamic Stability Control can also malfunction. If your Dynamic Stability Control malfunctions, it can also be that the wheel speed sensors have malfunctioned.
A failure with a Dynamic Stability Control on a BMW can be familiar to some BMW owners. This can be a cause of the anti-lock brake system with the control module.
How Do I Fix My DSC Light On My BMW?
To fix this, you can take the key out of the ignition. Unplug the connector and then plugged it in again. Start the car again, and you will notice that the DSC light is now off.
BMW DSC Sensor Location
Some so many people cannot locate their Dynamic Stability Control sensor. You can find your Dynamic Stability Control sensor under your passenger seat.
Summary
Dynamic Stability Control is an essential feature of your car. This control system can help you have control stability with your car.
It is best to keep it on when you are in cold or wet weather. This is considered by people an essential safety feature.
Resources
Image credits – Canva
