Lots of Malfunction Indicators and Wipers Going

[astris]

Quick backstory:

Low battery indicator for quite some time, but the car always started fine even after sitting for several days. Since it wasn't causing any issues, I didn't worry and figured I would replace the battery whatever I had a chance.

Fast forward to this Saturday:

Car starts up fine, then suddenly a bunch of malfunction indicators pop up. Increased emissions, ABS, DSC, transmission, restraints, etc. and the wipers start going too.

I figure time for new battery. I replace it (hasn't been registered yet) and all the same malfunction lights still there, except for low battery. I can still start the car up no problem, just can't put it in gear and drive.

Took it to a local shop and they are stumped.

Thoughts? Maybe intelligent battery sensor? Something else?

[Locksmythe]

I got a similar response when my car battery ran low on power while I was updating software without a battery tender. Were it mine, I'd register new battery and fully charge it before going through any other diagnostics.

[astris]

Battery does not appear to be part of the issue. Swapped in a different battery and registered it, still all the same issues.

Can't wrap my head around how the dct, emissions, abs, restraint, etc. codes are all tied together. All I know is they all happened pretty much at the same time.

[KawBoy]

When installing my BMW performance steering wheel (electronic), I experienced the same exactly thing you are; it was related to a bad connection with one of the connectors under the glove compartment. I am sure you didn't played with those though. Just throwing a piece of info that may (or may not) help you finding out the problem. Bad connection I guess.

[Locksmythe]

Originally Posted by astris

Battery does not appear to be part of the issue. Swapped in a different battery and registered it, still all the same issues.

Can't wrap my head around how the dct, emissions, abs, restraint, etc. codes are all tied together. All I know is they all happened pretty much at the same time.

Then my second thought it that if it wasn't a battery issue, then maybe battery cable. Look in the electronics forum for discussion of the cable recall.

for example:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1350018

[astris]

After checking all the typical issues, the shop decided to drop the trans and take a look at the transmission control unit. That finally revealed the problem.

Apparently some small critter decided to chomp on my transmission control unit wiring harness. The particular wires they decided to snack on were the PT-CAN high and low.

After countless hours, everything is back to normal and running great. What lesson was learned from? I don't know. I guess if your car is unable to communicate with various sensors, see if your CAN wires were eaten?