Very good video you’re explaining things very well I bought a 39 62,000 miles 20 years old perfect condition every service carried out and the gearbox when I have 11 miles
Hi Timm. Im writting a comment first time. I am one of the biggest fans. I have my 840ci 1997, for 18 years now and your info of repair is very helpful. I think there is one thing worth telling everyone. I had transfailsafe on my for about 5 years. (This is my toy car and i drive not mutch) Tried everything. Replaced batteries at first and it fixed. Then again after some time. Then made this thing with disconnecting batteries and it fixed again. For some time. Nobody was able to find a problem and i was doing this thing with disconnecting batteries time to time for about 5 years! Until one day it did not fixed a problem. Then i found a problem. I followed a thin red wire from right side battery and found so called fusible linkage hidden under black plastic strip. And one link was a bit lose causing bad sonection. It appeared that time ago when fail started, the linkage started to warm up causing bad conection. Disconnecting batteries resulted this link to cool down and pass the current. When i fixed this problem transfail never came back. Good luck to you and everyone owning e31
Hello and thanks for your time always please to learn from your experience. E39 528i 1998 automatic gearbox Transmission GS832. Once last summer experienced bang while driving back from fishing on a suuper smooth road since then all good till today when I was driving on a dual carriage road somewhere in mid Wales slowing down because the vehicle in front of me then the gearbox dop down a gear but when I pressed the pedal it hesitate to switch a gear and it just staid in neural but nothing on the dashboard No failsafe or anything!? Never had the Gearbox oil changed as heard it's not recommended its complicated and once removed and refilled with new one problems can occur! Shall I just change filter/gasket /oil? Thanks
Sorry for the late response. It is always best to change the fluid and filter but find someone experienced to do it - it is not as simple as some think to get the level right!
That will be the Bowden cable from the shifter to the selector arm on the gearbox. Lubricate the inner part at the gearbox and run through the gears a few times and it should get better
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thankyou very much for the reply, I’ll Jack it up this evening and do that . I may have bigger issues with the gear box , the car only gets used at weekend and on first start I sometimes get the trans failsafe error. Usually if I run the car for a minute to warm up and restart all is well but yesterday with the error it selected drive with a real thud so I’m suspecting issues. Once the error had gone it selected gears ok. Iv only driven it a few miles since the error first appeared as I needed to move cars around but it will now stay still untill I find a solution
Awesome vid bud, I just bought a 05 Range R with the same transmission from a friend for 500$ but it won't move in drive but did in reverse barely, the linkage bushing was seized and the rad cooling line was leaking. The gear selector will go in neutral and drive without pushing the shifter button, this weekend I'm going to try and fix it
Hi Timm, I've watched your video re the problem with the shift lock solenoid. I have an old E38 which does NOT have the shift lock solenoid. Do you have the wiring diagram to install the light bulb to fool the AGS that there is actually a solenoid.
I've seen that message about 5 times in the last 18 years on my E38. In my case it comes up when you shut the car off. It will re occur when you start up however I think that's just the check control. I have never found any faults in the EGS.
Thanks for the video, man. Very easy to understand. I have the same problem on my e36 320i m50. I noticed that gear logo’s seems to be appeared before i start the engine on, but right after the engine’s on, gear logo off, it goes away so i thought its normal. But i found that there’s a leakage on my transmission oil pan, so i decided to change the gasket. I just replaced all the automatic transmission fluids and change the automatic pan gasket. after that change, All of sudden, 50 miles after the repair, out of nowhere, the bang is happened, the car has no power (limp mode? Safe mode?) and the gear looks like stay on 4th (just like you said). But when i leave it like one day, it back to normal, well i did clear the fault on my OBD scanner, running normal again, but after 5 minutes, same thing happened again, the bang, and 4 gear, and off course, the gear logo’s on. I was wondering, in my case, if mechanical failure on my transmission is really the root of cause of this, why it can be back to normal again for some period? I didn’t try the battery yet though but, appreciate if someone can give me some advice. 😢 pardon my english is bad, sorry.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks for the feedback, Sir. I already put new trans oil like 12 litres. I just replace the battery because my battery somehow showing 8 volts only, but after change the new battery, same thing happened, trans fail safe prog (gear logo) with a safe mode after several miles. So i decided to check the alternator, and found out, its fine, while the engine on, it shown 14.1 volts, engine off 12.6 volts. The mechanic said both new battery and alternator are fine. I learned two facts from several failures before : 1. Trans fail always coming when i using the lights. (During night) During the day, i’ve tried to run the car for like 10 miles with air conditioner is on, nothing happened, trans fail never show, transmission movements are smooth also. But one of my foglamp dead, so i think i need to check the wire if there is shorts or something. Is it possible because of too much voltages on my foglamp so it triggered trans fail prog on? The foglamp blown for some reason i guess, any clue, Sir? 2. Trans fail always come AFTER i use my aftermarket alarm on. I feel like, my aftermarket alarm is the root of cause of my dead battery, even when i put my new battery on, trans fail occurred. But when i put off my alarm, manually lock the door, the next day i tried the car, during the day, nothing happened. Is it possible because the alarm “draining” my battery voltage, so when i am driving, the trans didn’t get enough voltage? I think i will check the foglamp first, then test it during the night without alarm. If ok, i think it must be the alarm, but if its not, it might be lamps electricals. I don’t know where do i have to start, very frustrated. 😭😭😭
Hi again Timm, thanks for the earlier feedback on Trans fail-safe prog. I'm having this new issue with the engine. I hear an unpleasant noise from the engine. After diagnosis the workshop suggest Cam actuators, Timing rail and Chain tensioner need to be replaced. Among the parts cam actuators are the most expensive. They quoted $1,000 for a piece and I need two pieces. I checked the part online but couldn't find it. Is there any other name for it or even the part number would help? I would really appreciate it.
The noise may be the timing-chain guide rails, but I have never heard of the lifters failing - you really have to extend the oil service a long way before they give up!
Good video Timm as usual. I had a similar experience last year with the 650i. The battery wasnt at full charge, and therefore the starter was a bit lazy cranking the engine due to lack of use. Off we go to the seaside, 3 niles later the car went into limp mode and came up with transmission fault and some other info. Wouldnt change out of first gear so limped back to the house. Switched of the engine, and sat for a few minutes and then restarted it. Fearing the worst, as we tend to do in these situations, got everyone back in the car and headed off once more. It behaved impeccably, all ok after a 100 mile drive. Must have been the battery, so I thought. Week later, out for a drive, on the return trip, yet again the engine cuts out and a transmission fault shows on the display. Switch off the engine, give it 2 minutes, re start and all is well. Battery was in good stead, and still wasnt sure what could cause this issue. Changed gear perfectly well, and didnt hear any undue mechanical noises or suchlike. Whether this is coincidence, but I got a friend of mine that runs a garage to put his diagnostics plug into the onboard computer. I was amazed to find 15 faults the car had issues with over the years since it was new. From 2009. Its strange that these faults have never been cleared each time it had a fault. Just plain lazy in my opinion, and most were BMW main dealers. So now the fault errors have been removed the transmission fault has been put to bed. I hasten to add it has 64k miles, and will be due for its oil and filter change on the autobox.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Great to have a passion about something. I am the same, I love BMW modern classics and also woodwork/engineering. Keep up the good work. It is a shame you didn't start your channel earlier as you would have helped more people and got rewarded for your work. I am a fan of meeknet and your work in the forums, but isn't it great that you can create in video format now and reach bigger audience🤜🤛. Keep up the good work
Very useful information! My 2001 740il is very hesitant to go in reverse once it has been warmed up by a bit of driving. I’ll usually have to rev it for a couple seconds before it gently begins to grab and roll backwards. I plan on doing a flush and filter change, as well as replacing the transmission temperature sensor/wiring harness as per a forum post I read. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Start with a fluid and filter change - but most likely cause is wear on the non-return balls in the valve body - they shrink in size and get jammed in the oil passage.
Hi, Thanks for your very intuitive video. I had a gearbox service done ten years ago on my (2000) E39 535i and within two years my car would not work correctly in reverse as it had previously, however I have managed. Up until a few months ago, I never had the ‘fail safe prog’ appear but now it happens regularly. One way I get around it, is to warm the car up first and take it easy for a bit, this generally works but not always. Sometimes I need to restart and other times there is a jolt between a low gear change, turning from one road into another without stopping or if I’ve had to brake suddenly. I have been quoted £350 for new fluid and filter change, including a flush, which I will pay if I’m more sure it sorts the issue out, this is my concern though ! In your opinion, do you think this is my problem, simply that transmission fluid is low and a service is required ? My car has only done nine thousand miles in the ten years since that last service on the gearbox. I would be interested to know your thoughts please. Thank you.
Hi Timm, i have an e38 728i with 5hp18 and it jolts into gear and goes into trans failsafe prog. This happened twice these past couple of weeks and I've been noticing that it typically happens after some enthusiastic drive. Do you think it's worth changing the fluids and filter or have the transmission rebuilt? Thanks!
My E39 5HP24 went bang in reverse 2 months ago at 285XXXkm. It then started slipping on 1st gear and kicked itself in fail safe... took a fortune to rebuild it... It's overall a pretty reliable gearbox if taken care of.
Hey Timm, been following your channel for a long time, also your website. Can you please share some more info about the problem number three @10:53 I have exactly that problem, the error code confirmed it. Do you think just replacing the trans module should fix the problem? Isn't it coded with the VIN and options on the car? Should I look for the same serial number? Thank you for your time and effort.
Hello Stefan, you don't specify the model you have, but all models of E31, E32, E36, E38 and E39 have a transmission module can can be simply replaced without coding.
Hello Timm, great video...thanks I would like to get an opinion from you, related to this matter, but in a different car. I own a 2004 L322 range rover, with the same engine and gearbox of bmw x5, M62 4.4. I can start the car with no problem no message, when i select the gear D, the car moves normally but when it try to change to 2th gear, i get the TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG, and the car looses power, looks like I am driving with a 4th gear or something. We replaced the gearbox, but the problem continue, tested another gear select switch, but still doing the same. thanks in advance for your support.
Hello Osvaldo, that would initially tell me the gearbox has failed - but, as you have changed the gearbox then the fault MUST lie with the EGS (gearbox computer) or the wiring between the EGS and the Gearbox.
Hi Timm great video, what do you think of the gearbox coolers for the zf transmissions on the e series cars? I often found in the E60 and e65 that they're not powerful enough to cool the fluid with start stop traffic etc
The transmission cooling is via a heat exchanger which is cooled/heated by the engine cooling system - it is susceptible to a build up of debris due to the small coolant passages - and this is often the reason for poor transmission cooling!
Very interesting, I love the detail in your video’s.. I have an early E53 X5 M62 4.4 V8, 5HP. I’ve had an intermittent Trans Fail Safe message for sometime now. I suspected the selector switch. It occurs when you start the vehicle and it doesn’t see Park properly, and just blanks the gear selector display. If you start the car in neutral it seems to work fine. I had been looking for a new selector switch, but like you say hard to come by. I’ll be trying to locate the switch to do your WD40 or electrical contact cleaner trick!!
92’ E32 M70 here- Yes, trans program error can be very frustrating when it appears. Engine motor load seems to be my cars intermittent error. Thank you for all the information, very helpful!
I have an e38 that went into limp mode with the trans fail safe activating on my way to work one day about 5 years ago. Mechanics s that it needed a new or rebuilt transmission so that is what I did. By the time , I got the car back my business was booming and I bought him some trucks that ended up being my daily driver's constantly. I drove it a few times and it seemed to run great. To help us to restore one day time permitting it's sad for about a year until an employee of mine had car troubles and asked if you can borrow a car I let him borrow the BMW it's still out of power steering leak which I was aware of. After you got done with it my uncle asked if he could borrow it. My uncle also works for me, and one day about 3 weeks after I let him borrow it it showed up to one of the job sites and was left at overnight. After a few days of seeing the vehicle there I asked him about it and he replied that that car was going to kill somebody that I needed to get it fixed apparently there was a transmission problem causing it to lurch forward during acceleration to get into the next gear. It was trans fail safe again. I've tried so many solutions and had all but given up on it. But, for some reason a few minutes ago I decided to Google e38 limp mode and your video popped up. I'm going to try these solutions this week I'll keep you posted.
Thank you sir, it is very informative however I drive a BMW m62 engine in 2005 range Rover but recently it ask for neutral gear then trans safe mode shows up, when drive the gear does slip. What would you advise Thank you
Always diagnostics is the first thing to do - best done with INPA but a cheap scanner should find the error codes. Slipping when in gear is not a good sign though...
Hi Timm. Just a question in regards to trans fail safe prog. I have a 2006 BMW X5 3.0 d. I rarely use it. But the last few weeks it has been going into trans fail generally within the first 5 mins of driving. It only seems to happen when the engine/ box are cold. Any suggestions on what is causing it. Thanks 🙏
Battery condition does that - if you are not using the car often then get a battery conditioner like the MX5.0 If the batteries have not been on charge then it is probably time for another pair!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks Timm. I only have one battery in it. I replaced the battery about 6 months ago. When it cuts out. The cranking to restart it is very strong but it didn’t restart for a couple of minutes?? 🙄👍
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks for the prompt reply Timm. Thats really unexpected from BMW. I m facing a commun issue with this gearbox, where when driving uphill it sticks in the 2nd gear and won't shift to the 3ed untill i floor the throttle. And gets back to second once the engine rpm is lower than 3500. Looks like it is overheating, due to either clogged ATF cooler or failing atf cooler thermostat. Ill check on them this weekend and change the ATF+ filter. Will go for Castrol multi vehicle conform with LT71141
Hello there, I have an E32 735i BMW which doesn't shift out of 1st gear but it can reach speeds of up to 100km/h but never shifts out of 1st gear. Do you have a solution to this problem?
Thank you Timm! I;ve had problems with an Audi S8 5HP24 going into limp mode. Whilst a different unit in the Audis its a similar solenoid driven process with common failure symptoms. Anyways, This has given me some direction on my particular problem.. ( Clutch Basket A Failure ) :P appreciate your time mate, cheers !!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation See that's what i thought , same unit. try getting someone out here in Australia to understand that though, I feel like sometimes as soon as i say Audi or BMW ( I have an Mspec E39 as well) people hear me "Sprieken de German" to them. Seriously though thank you for your time, this video helped me where no-where else did. In case you where wondering I traced my problem to a Hardware failure inside the TCM unit due to Water damage. Cheers
I see alot of transmission issues in BMW's from bad engine ground straps. When the ground straps desintigrate, the ground path heads thru the transmission and any where else it can find a path leaving a trail of destruction. Running a 4 guage copper braided strap from an alternator bolt to chassis ground can give a BMW electrical system a boost with noticable results.
Hello can you explain this to me please. My 2002 bmw 745i has started reading transmission fail safe along with the parking malfunction among a host of other codes. The ABS, DSC,
Hi, I hqve a problem with e32 735i 1991 gearbox zf 4hp22, car is stored in warehouse, had to move it from one end to another, so placed good battery in started drove it, took battery out, 6hrs later placed not so good battery in it didn't started as battery waa to low, took good battery in stared but doesn't engage any gears. Trans program came on dash, and gear indicator goes blank after few seconds, can't get diagnostic done as most of tools don't support e32, any advise? Have car over a year, fully restored all and now this...
I got an e34 525i 1991 model it shows trans program, plus the cable housing on the transmission broke it was moving while in park, I fastened the housing and its seems to work again still getting a little noise, but now when I select it into drive or reverse the idle get low when a pressure on pedal to accelerate idle cut off completely can you help me.
Thank you , your video allow me to continue investigating my car, I found the solution to my problem... it was my throttle body sensor that was off just by a little plus I think I had some vacuum leaks ,so I seal fastened and seal the complete icv line and I also seal my throttle body also and it drove well I actually could leave off with jerks and stop while in gear without shutting off....still got some fix to do though cause it my project car...thank for sharing your knowledge theres still alot of e34 525i alive.
Hi sir....I have a 2013 X5 xdrive50i and it said trans fault while using the steering peddles.... It shifted into neutral and coasted to a fuel station and has not started since....I can't manually turn the engine left or right.... Any ideas as to why?.... Thanks....
Thanks Timm for such details on fixing the issues. My Range Rover L322 Vogue has the BMW ZF 5HP24 gear box. It has 70k mileage on it. It's giving me this Trans fail safe prog message. It gives a little jerk when going from N to D or R. Also while going from stop to uphill it requires high rpm and has hard time moving upward. But once it's moving and on the highway shifting is quite normal. It remains in D mode and doesn't go to manual shift sport mode. Even before I used to hear as if something is slipping when I press the gas pedal in lower gears. I'm not sure if the slipping sound has anything to do with the gear box at all. What could be the way to fix it?
Hello Mohammad, yes the gearbox is dropping into 4th gear once the TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG message is shown which is why it is difficult to pull away on hills. You need to have diagnostics done on the gearbox to go much further.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Timm, we figured the problem was mainly due to the power supply. The battery was dyeing. I had to change the battery. The issue was pretty much solved after that. I'm having this new issue with the engine. I hear an unpleasant noise from the engine. After diagnosis the workshop suggest Cam actuators, Timing rail and Chain tensioner need to be replaced. Among the parts cam actuators are the most expensive. They quoted $1,000 for a piece and I need two pieces. I checked the part online but couldn't find it. Is there any other name for it or even the part number would help? I would really appreciate it. Thanks
I was sitting in traffic in my 530i (E39) and it went clunck and the trans fail program came up. Carried on driving to work turned it off and on and the problem went. You saying battery condition makes sense to me as I have a big subwoofer in the back. However, the clunk has thrown me off. Do you have any ideas? (I'll be having this diagnosed by my mate) i would you like your thoughts
I have a 2002 bmw 530i e39 , the transmission fluid drained out and I got the trans failsafe prog, then i put new fluid in and filled it up after starting the engine. The failsafe is still on, how do i reset it ? It won't go into drive fully, the reverse works fine , its automatic
Hello Timm !! thank you for this awesome synthetic and intellectual video. Yes trans fail safe ( "getriebnotprogramm" in german langage ) is our worst nightmare !! :D i had trans fail safe poped on dashboard also wen my camshaft and cranskshaft sensors sensors or wires needed to be replaced. Gearbox went stick in fourth gear. But now it's gone. I also have weak battery... maybe i'm gonnna replace my battery soon and my engine will be more stable :)
Great video! I have a 2006 X5 and it drove great until the other day... A heavy rainstorm for hours was happening as I drove on highway...suddenly Trans Safe Fail Prog and car would NOT start for hours.... Eventually the car started, but now drives awful...feels like the Brakes Lock up everytime I slow down below 1st gear...the car literally Jerks at every stop!!! And its hard to start it up after car sits for a while...crank crank crank... What can it be????????? Suddenly all these codes came on!!!!! Codes: 5F1D: Motronic Error: DME Torque Intervention Not Possible (STAT MD E=3) 5F42: EGS Error: Gearbox in Emergency Mode Active 92: Can Moment Interface 91: Can Moment Reduction MAF sensor ( I ordered original part & waiting for it to arrive ) P1500: Idle speed control valve stuck open P0460: Fuel level sensor A circuit P0171: System too lean Bank 1 P0599: Thermostat Heater Control circuit high Any ideas??? All this happened while driving in a heavy rainstorm.
It's likely your transmission position switch that's acting up, use INPA to check what's going on. I think Timm has a video on this problem as well. EDIT: I responded a bit too quickly 'cause he goes into detail regarding this problem in this video as well. Anyway, if that switch is shorted out or has some other problem it will no longer display your selected gear on the dash, so it's a good place to start looking.
My 645Ci won't shift above 3rd gear .😢 I have replaced the bad battery and tried resetting the transmission. Is it a solenoid problem ? Can somebody help me plz . I don't want to spend 5K to get a new transmission
If you are not getting TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG message then the gearbox is not trying to get the rest of the gears - can you manually select all gears when on the move and above 30MPH? Usual causes are: Incorrect tyres fitted or a temperature sensor failure in the gearbox
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation even when I try to shift the gears manually it's still not changing above 3rd . The number on the display changes to 4 5 6 but then drops back to three again .
hello friends i have BMW e38 728il year 2000 i have problem in transmission and it sometimes occur it shows in dash trans fail safe prog and i have dash display P R N D all OK they all display ok but if i shift to D its like you feel rpm goes up on idle 1000 rpm like car wants to go i have code before i check it throw p0740 i dont now if this code causing this or not ,,,,, and i check battery voltage and car was starts it reaches 13.6V and if i dont start car it 11.9V
Hi Timm where you located? I bought e31 1994/95 with edc option Saturday, front end is bouncy an I and got check light on dashboard when i start car for first 1minute or two. I would like you to scan it for me if thats even possible! Thank you for your videos... Send me your email or how to contact you! Thanks
Mine is getting that message but It wont let me move and the code is 6A stall-speed monitoring so I don't know what is that I try to look up on google but there is nothing my car is a bmw 1997 540i
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I just ask to someone in a shop and they told me that means that my speed sensor in the trans are gone so I need to replaced it and I just read that in a forum because my speedo just stop working
so I need to blow the grease out and put new grease as you have describbed. Also my cylinder roughness during "tick over" as you call shows little if any bars in any of the 8 cylinders. Engine runs grand. I hope thats good news.
TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG A message from System 2004 Range Rover my car I don't know what to do And sometimes it doesn't switch from 1 to 5.. it is fixed on speed 4 gear 🖖🏻💚🇸🇦💐🇬🇧💙
Thanks. I can read in the shadow error menory that something like this has happened in the car's past but unfortunately I don't know what was done about it at the time.
Very good video you’re explaining things very well I bought a 39 62,000 miles 20 years old perfect condition every service carried out and the gearbox when I have 11 miles
Hi Timm. Im writting a comment first time. I am one of the biggest fans. I have my 840ci 1997, for 18 years now and your info of repair is very helpful.
I think there is one thing worth telling everyone. I had transfailsafe on my for about 5 years. (This is my toy car and i drive not mutch) Tried everything. Replaced batteries at first and it fixed. Then again after some time. Then made this thing with disconnecting batteries and it fixed again. For some time. Nobody was able to find a problem and i was doing this thing with disconnecting batteries time to time for about 5 years! Until one day it did not fixed a problem.
Then i found a problem.
I followed a thin red wire from right side battery and found so called fusible linkage hidden under black plastic strip. And one link was a bit lose causing bad sonection.
It appeared that time ago when fail started, the linkage started to warm up causing bad conection. Disconnecting batteries resulted this link to cool down and pass the current.
When i fixed this problem transfail never came back.
Good luck to you and everyone owning e31
Thanks Nerijus! Yes, Fuseible Links is on my list of video's to do - I did cover it in an earlier video but it deserves its own!
Do you know where this red thin wire goes to?
Hello and thanks for your time always please to learn from your experience.
E39 528i 1998 automatic gearbox
Transmission GS832.
Once last summer experienced bang while driving back from fishing on a suuper smooth road since then all good till today when I was driving on a dual carriage road somewhere in mid Wales slowing down because the vehicle in front of me then the gearbox dop down a gear but when I pressed the pedal it hesitate to switch a gear and it just staid in neural but nothing on the dashboard No failsafe or anything!?
Never had the Gearbox oil changed as heard it's not recommended its complicated and once removed and refilled with new one problems can occur!
Shall I just change filter/gasket /oil?
Thanks
Sorry for the late response. It is always best to change the fluid and filter but find someone experienced to do it - it is not as simple as some think to get the level right!
I currently have a unique failsafe issue. I would love to pick your brain about.
Love your channel, has saved my bacon a couple of times now.
Sure, bung up a post on bimmerforums.co.uk
Hi, great video. My gear selector is getting quite stiff on a e39. Is that likely to be some grease needed on the switch?
That will be the Bowden cable from the shifter to the selector arm on the gearbox. Lubricate the inner part at the gearbox and run through the gears a few times and it should get better
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thankyou very much for the reply, I’ll Jack it up this evening and do that . I may have bigger issues with the gear box , the car only gets used at weekend and on first start I sometimes get the trans failsafe error. Usually if I run the car for a minute to warm up and restart all is well but yesterday with the error it selected drive with a real thud so I’m suspecting issues. Once the error had gone it selected gears ok. Iv only driven it a few miles since the error first appeared as I needed to move cars around but it will now stay still untill I find a solution
I found that the car had an error with the selector switch which was giving the fail safe message, much better than a faulty box
Awesome vid bud, I just bought a 05 Range R with the same transmission from a friend for 500$ but it won't move in drive but did in reverse barely, the linkage bushing was seized and the rad cooling line was leaking. The gear selector will go in neutral and drive without pushing the shifter button, this weekend I'm going to try and fix it
Good man, give it a shot!
Hi Timm, I've watched your video re the problem with the shift lock solenoid. I have an old E38 which does NOT have the shift lock solenoid. Do you have the wiring diagram to install the light bulb to fool the AGS that there is actually a solenoid.
The loom and connector are sitting under the shifter plate ready for action!
Hi Timm this is Alvin your number one fan. This is a great video, I haven't had this problem, thank God. Very informative 👏.
Good to hear from you Alvin!
I've seen that message about 5 times in the last 18 years on my E38. In my case it comes up when you shut the car off. It will re occur when you start up however I think that's just the check control. I have never found any faults in the EGS.
Thanks for the video, man. Very easy to understand. I have the same problem on my e36 320i m50. I noticed that gear logo’s seems to be appeared before i start the engine on, but right after the engine’s on, gear logo off, it goes away so i thought its normal. But i found that there’s a leakage on my transmission oil pan, so i decided to change the gasket. I just replaced all the automatic transmission fluids and change the automatic pan gasket. after that change, All of sudden, 50 miles after the repair, out of nowhere, the bang is happened, the car has no power (limp mode? Safe mode?) and the gear looks like stay on 4th (just like you said). But when i leave it like one day, it back to normal, well i did clear the fault on my OBD scanner, running normal again, but after 5 minutes, same thing happened again, the bang, and 4 gear, and off course, the gear logo’s on. I was wondering, in my case, if mechanical failure on my transmission is really the root of cause of this, why it can be back to normal again for some period? I didn’t try the battery yet though but, appreciate if someone can give me some advice. 😢 pardon my english is bad, sorry.
It sounds like you are short of transmission fluid - you must go through each gear with the engine running and finish filling before it reaches 30C
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks for the feedback, Sir.
I already put new trans oil like 12 litres. I just replace the battery because my battery somehow showing 8 volts only, but after change the new battery, same thing happened, trans fail safe prog (gear logo) with a safe mode after several miles.
So i decided to check the alternator, and found out, its fine, while the engine on, it shown 14.1 volts, engine off 12.6 volts. The mechanic said both new battery and alternator are fine.
I learned two facts from several failures before :
1. Trans fail always coming when i using the lights. (During night)
During the day, i’ve tried to run the car for like 10 miles with air conditioner is on, nothing happened, trans fail never show, transmission movements are smooth also. But one of my foglamp dead, so i think i need to check the wire if there is shorts or something. Is it possible because of too much voltages on my foglamp so it triggered trans fail prog on? The foglamp blown for some reason i guess, any clue, Sir?
2. Trans fail always come AFTER i use my aftermarket alarm on.
I feel like, my aftermarket alarm is the root of cause of my dead battery, even when i put my new battery on, trans fail occurred. But when i put off my alarm, manually lock the door, the next day i tried the car, during the day, nothing happened. Is it possible because the alarm “draining” my battery voltage, so when i am driving, the trans didn’t get enough voltage?
I think i will check the foglamp first, then test it during the night without alarm. If ok, i think it must be the alarm, but if its not, it might be lamps electricals. I don’t know where do i have to start, very frustrated. 😭😭😭
Hi again Timm, thanks for the earlier feedback on Trans fail-safe prog. I'm having this new issue with the engine. I hear an unpleasant noise from the engine. After diagnosis the workshop suggest Cam actuators, Timing rail and Chain tensioner need to be replaced. Among the parts cam actuators are the most expensive. They quoted $1,000 for a piece and I need two pieces. I checked the part online but couldn't find it. Is there any other name for it or even the part number would help? I would really appreciate it.
The noise may be the timing-chain guide rails, but I have never heard of the lifters failing - you really have to extend the oil service a long way before they give up!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks
I dont even own a BMW but i enjoy watcing your videos, you just give so much useful information and also honesty, I appreciate that the most
I appreciate that!
Good video Timm as usual. I had a similar experience last year with the 650i. The battery wasnt at full charge, and therefore the starter was a bit lazy cranking the engine due to lack of use. Off we go to the seaside, 3 niles later the car went into limp mode and came up with transmission fault and some other info. Wouldnt change out of first gear so limped back to the house. Switched of the engine, and sat for a few minutes and then restarted it. Fearing the worst, as we tend to do in these situations, got everyone back in the car and headed off once more. It behaved impeccably, all ok after a 100 mile drive. Must have been the battery, so I thought. Week later, out for a drive, on the return trip, yet again the engine cuts out and a transmission fault shows on the display. Switch off the engine, give it 2 minutes, re start and all is well.
Battery was in good stead, and still wasnt sure what could cause this issue. Changed gear perfectly well, and didnt hear any undue mechanical noises or suchlike.
Whether this is coincidence, but I got a friend of mine that runs a garage to put his diagnostics plug into the onboard computer.
I was amazed to find 15 faults the car had issues with over the years since it was new. From 2009. Its strange that these faults have never been cleared each time it had a fault. Just plain lazy in my opinion, and most were BMW main dealers.
So now the fault errors have been removed the transmission fault has been put to bed. I hasten to add it has 64k miles, and will be due for its oil and filter change on the autobox.
These cars hate low battery voltages, causes a lot of problems!
Plenty of useful information as usual. How do you know this stuff? Are you a car engineer?
I make it all up! No, naturally inquisitive and had BMW's for years!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Great to have a passion about something. I am the same, I love BMW modern classics and also woodwork/engineering. Keep up the good work. It is a shame you didn't start your channel earlier as you would have helped more people and got rewarded for your work. I am a fan of meeknet and your work in the forums, but isn't it great that you can create in video format now and reach bigger audience🤜🤛. Keep up the good work
Very useful information! My 2001 740il is very hesitant to go in reverse once it has been warmed up by a bit of driving. I’ll usually have to rev it for a couple seconds before it gently begins to grab and roll backwards. I plan on doing a flush and filter change, as well as replacing the transmission temperature sensor/wiring harness as per a forum post I read. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Start with a fluid and filter change - but most likely cause is wear on the non-return balls in the valve body - they shrink in size and get jammed in the oil passage.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks for the response. That’s a possible cause of the issue that I had not heard of before.
Hi,
Thanks for your very intuitive video.
I had a gearbox service done ten years ago on my (2000) E39 535i and within two years my car would not work correctly in reverse as it had previously, however I have managed.
Up until a few months ago, I never had the ‘fail safe prog’ appear but now it happens regularly.
One way I get around it, is to warm the car up first and take it easy for a bit, this generally works but not always. Sometimes I need to restart and other times there is a jolt between a low gear change, turning from one road into another without stopping or if I’ve had to brake suddenly.
I have been quoted £350 for new fluid and filter change, including a flush, which I will pay if I’m more sure it sorts the issue out, this is my concern though !
In your opinion, do you think this is my problem, simply that transmission fluid is low and a service is required ?
My car has only done nine thousand miles in the ten years since that last service on the gearbox.
I would be interested to know your thoughts please.
Thank you.
Always my pleasure!
Hi Timm, i have an e38 728i with 5hp18 and it jolts into gear and goes into trans failsafe prog. This happened twice these past couple of weeks and I've been noticing that it typically happens after some enthusiastic drive. Do you think it's worth changing the fluids and filter or have the transmission rebuilt? Thanks!
Yes, always best to start with fluid and filter before anything more drastic
My E39 5HP24 went bang in reverse 2 months ago at 285XXXkm. It then started slipping on 1st gear and kicked itself in fail safe... took a fortune to rebuild it... It's overall a pretty reliable gearbox if taken care of.
Yes Wayne, they are a reliable gearbox if looked after - sounds like you got your money's worth!
Hey Timm, been following your channel for a long time, also your website. Can you please share some more info about the problem number three @10:53 I have exactly that problem, the error code confirmed it. Do you think just replacing the trans module should fix the problem? Isn't it coded with the VIN and options on the car? Should I look for the same serial number? Thank you for your time and effort.
Hello Stefan, you don't specify the model you have, but all models of E31, E32, E36, E38 and E39 have a transmission module can can be simply replaced without coding.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Oh, sorry. It's a 1996 740i M62B44 euro car. Do you mean the computer in the fuse box under the hood?
Hello Timm, great video...thanks
I would like to get an opinion from you, related to this matter, but in a different car.
I own a 2004 L322 range rover, with the same engine and gearbox of bmw x5, M62 4.4. I can start the car with no problem no message, when i select the gear D, the car moves normally but when it try to change to 2th gear, i get the TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG, and the car looses power, looks like I am driving with a 4th gear or something.
We replaced the gearbox, but the problem continue, tested another gear select switch, but still doing the same.
thanks in advance for your support.
Hello Osvaldo, that would initially tell me the gearbox has failed - but, as you have changed the gearbox then the fault MUST lie with the EGS (gearbox computer) or the wiring between the EGS and the Gearbox.
Hi Timm great video, what do you think of the gearbox coolers for the zf transmissions on the e series cars? I often found in the E60 and e65 that they're not powerful enough to cool the fluid with start stop traffic etc
The transmission cooling is via a heat exchanger which is cooled/heated by the engine cooling system - it is susceptible to a build up of debris due to the small coolant passages - and this is often the reason for poor transmission cooling!
Very interesting, I love the detail in your video’s.. I have an early E53 X5 M62 4.4 V8, 5HP. I’ve had an intermittent Trans Fail Safe message for sometime now. I suspected the selector switch. It occurs when you start the vehicle and it doesn’t see Park properly, and just blanks the gear selector display. If you start the car in neutral it seems to work fine. I had been looking for a new selector switch, but like you say hard to come by. I’ll be trying to locate the switch to do your WD40 or electrical contact cleaner trick!!
Yes, there's so many versions of them and all difficult to find! Thanks for your comments!
Thanks again Timm for a great video.
My fail safe was cause when water got in the ECU box.
A common fault with e38s 750.
92’ E32 M70 here- Yes, trans program error can be very frustrating when it appears. Engine motor load seems to be my cars intermittent error. Thank you for all the information, very helpful!
Always my pleasure Jak!
I have an e38 that went into limp mode with the trans fail safe activating on my way to work one day about 5 years ago. Mechanics s that it needed a new or rebuilt transmission so that is what I did. By the time , I got the car back my business was booming and I bought him some trucks that ended up being my daily driver's constantly. I drove it a few times and it seemed to run great. To help us to restore one day time permitting it's sad for about a year until an employee of mine had car troubles and asked if you can borrow a car I let him borrow the BMW it's still out of power steering leak which I was aware of. After you got done with it my uncle asked if he could borrow it. My uncle also works for me, and one day about 3 weeks after I let him borrow it it showed up to one of the job sites and was left at overnight. After a few days of seeing the vehicle there I asked him about it and he replied that that car was going to kill somebody that I needed to get it fixed apparently there was a transmission problem causing it to lurch forward during acceleration to get into the next gear. It was trans fail safe again. I've tried so many solutions and had all but given up on it. But, for some reason a few minutes ago I decided to Google e38 limp mode and your video popped up. I'm going to try these solutions this week I'll keep you posted.
Any problems put them up on Bimmerforums.co.uk/com I'm on both
Thank you sir, it is very informative however I drive a BMW m62 engine in 2005 range Rover but recently it ask for neutral gear then trans safe mode shows up, when drive the gear does slip. What would you advise
Thank you
Always diagnostics is the first thing to do - best done with INPA but a cheap scanner should find the error codes. Slipping when in gear is not a good sign though...
I believe mines was the Mass Air Flow sensor. I replaced then drove for a two days less.
If I have a 740il and need to clean the gear switch , what do I clean with ? Eleretic cleaner ?
Switch cleaner is best, but WD40 does just as well
Hi Timm. Just a question in regards to trans fail safe prog. I have a 2006 BMW X5 3.0 d. I rarely use it. But the last few weeks it has been going into trans fail generally within the first 5 mins of driving. It only seems to happen when the engine/ box are cold. Any suggestions on what is causing it. Thanks 🙏
Battery condition does that - if you are not using the car often then get a battery conditioner like the MX5.0 If the batteries have not been on charge then it is probably time for another pair!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation
Thanks Timm. I only have one battery in it. I replaced the battery about 6 months ago. When it cuts out. The cranking to restart it is very strong but it didn’t restart for a couple of minutes?? 🙄👍
Thanks Timm! Valuable info! How to drain the torque converter on the 5HP24 e38 740iL? Im not finding it on the net.
Thanks Ziad - it's not possible without taking it out and shaking it! The best you can do is change the fluid a few times!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks for the prompt reply Timm. Thats really unexpected from BMW. I m facing a commun issue with this gearbox, where when driving uphill it sticks in the 2nd gear and won't shift to the 3ed untill i floor the throttle. And gets back to second once the engine rpm is lower than 3500. Looks like it is overheating, due to either clogged ATF cooler or failing atf cooler thermostat. Ill check on them this weekend and change the ATF+ filter. Will go for Castrol multi vehicle conform with LT71141
Hello there, I have an E32 735i BMW which doesn't shift out of 1st gear but it can reach speeds of up to 100km/h but never shifts out of 1st gear.
Do you have a solution to this problem?
Are you getting 'TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG?
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation yes I am getting one
Thank you Timm! I;ve had problems with an Audi S8 5HP24 going into limp mode. Whilst a different unit in the Audis its a similar solenoid driven process with common failure symptoms. Anyways, This has given me some direction on my particular problem.. ( Clutch Basket A Failure ) :P appreciate your time mate, cheers !!
Exactly the same gearbox and control unit - and exactly the same problems!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation See that's what i thought , same unit. try getting someone out here in Australia to understand that though, I feel like sometimes as soon as i say Audi or BMW ( I have an Mspec E39 as well) people hear me "Sprieken de German" to them.
Seriously though thank you for your time, this video helped me where no-where else did. In case you where wondering I traced my problem to a Hardware failure inside the TCM unit due to Water damage. Cheers
I see alot of transmission issues in BMW's from bad engine ground straps. When the ground straps desintigrate, the ground path heads thru the transmission and any where else it can find a path leaving a trail of destruction. Running a 4 guage copper braided strap from an alternator bolt to chassis ground can give a BMW electrical system a boost with noticable results.
That's great information Jason!
Hello can you explain this to me please. My 2002 bmw 745i has started reading transmission fail safe along with the parking malfunction among a host of other codes. The ABS, DSC,
Hi, I hqve a problem with e32 735i 1991 gearbox zf 4hp22, car is stored in warehouse, had to move it from one end to another, so placed good battery in started drove it, took battery out, 6hrs later placed not so good battery in it didn't started as battery waa to low, took good battery in stared but doesn't engage any gears. Trans program came on dash, and gear indicator goes blank after few seconds, can't get diagnostic done as most of tools don't support e32, any advise? Have car over a year, fully restored all and now this...
I got an e34 525i 1991 model it shows trans program, plus the cable housing on the transmission broke it was moving while in park, I fastened the housing and its seems to work again still getting a little noise, but now when I select it into drive or reverse the idle get low when a pressure on pedal to accelerate idle cut off completely can you help me.
Hello Clinton, put your problem up on Bimmerforums.com or .co.uk and you will get a much better answer than I could give across TH-cam
Thank you , your video allow me to continue investigating my car, I found the solution to my problem... it was my throttle body sensor that was off just by a little plus I think I had some vacuum leaks ,so I seal fastened and seal the complete icv line and I also seal my throttle body also and it drove well I actually could leave off with jerks and stop while in gear without shutting off....still got some fix to do though cause it my project car...thank for sharing your knowledge theres still alot of e34 525i alive.
"Corretion" Without jerk
Hi sir....I have a 2013 X5 xdrive50i and it said trans fault while using the steering peddles.... It shifted into neutral and coasted to a fuel station and has not started since....I can't manually turn the engine left or right.... Any ideas as to why?.... Thanks....
Thanks Timm for such details on fixing the issues. My Range Rover L322 Vogue has the BMW ZF 5HP24 gear box. It has 70k mileage on it. It's giving me this Trans fail safe prog message. It gives a little jerk when going from N to D or R. Also while going from stop to uphill it requires high rpm and has hard time moving upward. But once it's moving and on the highway shifting is quite normal. It remains in D mode and doesn't go to manual shift sport mode. Even before I used to hear as if something is slipping when I press the gas pedal in lower gears. I'm not sure if the slipping sound has anything to do with the gear box at all. What could be the way to fix it?
Hello Mohammad, yes the gearbox is dropping into 4th gear once the TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG message is shown which is why it is difficult to pull away on hills. You need to have diagnostics done on the gearbox to go much further.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Timm, we figured the problem was mainly due to the power supply. The battery was dyeing. I had to change the battery. The issue was pretty much solved after that.
I'm having this new issue with the engine. I hear an unpleasant noise from the engine. After diagnosis the workshop suggest Cam actuators, Timing rail and Chain tensioner need to be replaced. Among the parts cam actuators are the most expensive. They quoted $1,000 for a piece and I need two pieces. I checked the part online but couldn't find it. Is there any other name for it or even the part number would help? I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Will replacing the battery fix it or will i need the code cleared
No need to clear codes if the problem was poor battery condition
Another reassuring video thanks Timm 👍😀
Very welcome Kev, and good to hear from you!
Wow you got the 90s alpina those are really rare cuzz they only made about 500
I was sitting in traffic in my 530i (E39) and it went clunck and the trans fail program came up. Carried on driving to work turned it off and on and the problem went. You saying battery condition makes sense to me as I have a big subwoofer in the back. However, the clunk has thrown me off. Do you have any ideas? (I'll be having this diagnosed by my mate) i would you like your thoughts
Change the battery, keep it well charged and cross your fingers!
My car is bmw e34 GM auto, It’s show “trans program” when use S mode.How fix it?
Have a good watch of the video.....
I have a 2002 bmw 530i e39 , the transmission fluid drained out and I got the trans failsafe prog, then i put new fluid in and filled it up after starting the engine. The failsafe is still on, how do i reset it ? It won't go into drive fully, the reverse works fine , its automatic
I was looking at the Nissan sent Altima 2006 and somehow you guys are showing me BMW videos hello
TH-cam works in mysterious ways - and hello!
Hello Timm !! thank you for this awesome synthetic and intellectual video. Yes trans fail safe ( "getriebnotprogramm" in german langage ) is our worst nightmare !! :D i had trans fail safe poped on dashboard also wen my camshaft and cranskshaft sensors sensors or wires needed to be replaced. Gearbox went stick in fourth gear. But now it's gone. I also have weak battery... maybe i'm gonnna replace my battery soon and my engine will be more stable :)
my car is E39 540I AUTOMATIC M62B44 1998
That's always a good place to start!
Under $400 fixed the hard down shift. Throttle body sensor(idle air bipass solenoid)
Well done!
Thank you very much
You are welcome!
Tim I have a 2007 E63 coupe . My transmission mechantronic unit went . Any tips ?
Cheapest way forward is a second-hand box and start by swapping over the Mechatronics unit which is simple to do on a lift
Just wondering on how to change the language on the information display...
On my 2006 BMW x5 m3 4.4l battery went dead. Re place and still the car wouldn't turn over. It will not start the car
Al a o it have the engine fail safe pro on as well as the transmission safe fail pro on
Great video!
I have a 2006 X5 and it drove great until the other day... A heavy rainstorm for hours was happening as I drove on highway...suddenly Trans Safe Fail Prog and car would NOT start for hours....
Eventually the car started, but now drives awful...feels like the Brakes Lock up everytime I slow down below 1st gear...the car literally Jerks at every stop!!!
And its hard to start it up after car sits for a while...crank crank crank...
What can it be?????????
Suddenly all these codes came on!!!!!
Codes:
5F1D: Motronic Error: DME Torque Intervention Not Possible (STAT MD E=3)
5F42: EGS Error: Gearbox in Emergency Mode Active
92: Can Moment Interface
91: Can Moment Reduction
MAF sensor ( I ordered original part & waiting for it to arrive )
P1500: Idle speed control valve stuck open
P0460: Fuel level sensor A circuit
P0171: System too lean Bank 1
P0599: Thermostat Heater Control circuit high
Any ideas???
All this happened while driving in a heavy rainstorm.
Hi. Did you ever sort out your X5? We have a 2005 X5 and had the same issue today with the braking issue. Please let me know. Thanks
interesting could this happen on newer models like the e46 I mean with the respect to the flash
No, it was sorted by that point.
Does this apply to the E-34 535I I have a 1989 BMW5 series,that shows the sam÷ message.
Yes it does Enrique - exactly the same application
What kind of grease did you use
Silicon Grease DC4 is best for electrical applications
Likely cause of no gear display on the dash? Trans prog fail error but drives without issue
Missing Shift Lock gives those symptoms - so you will need diagnostics to check
It's likely your transmission position switch that's acting up, use INPA to check what's going on. I think Timm has a video on this problem as well.
EDIT: I responded a bit too quickly 'cause he goes into detail regarding this problem in this video as well. Anyway, if that switch is shorted out or has some other problem it will no longer display your selected gear on the dash, so it's a good place to start looking.
My 645Ci won't shift above 3rd gear .😢 I have replaced the bad battery and tried resetting the transmission. Is it a solenoid problem ? Can somebody help me plz . I don't want to spend 5K to get a new transmission
If you are not getting TRANS FAIL-SAFE PROG message then the gearbox is not trying to get the rest of the gears - can you manually select all gears when on the move and above 30MPH? Usual causes are: Incorrect tyres fitted or a temperature sensor failure in the gearbox
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation even when I try to shift the gears manually it's still not changing above 3rd . The number on the display changes to 4 5 6 but then drops back to three again .
had this on my 1995 840 , it was the maf it failed when it got hot and caused trans fail
What’s a “maf” just asking because I get this msg also when hot as well as a knock when switching gears
@@KDH513 mass air flow
Great information 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful! David!
hello friends i have BMW e38 728il year 2000 i have problem in transmission and it sometimes occur it shows in dash trans fail safe prog and i have dash display P R N D all OK they all display ok but if i shift to D its like you feel rpm goes up on idle 1000 rpm like car wants to go i have code before i check it throw p0740 i dont now if this code causing this or not ,,,,, and i check battery voltage and car was starts it reaches 13.6V and if i dont start car it 11.9V
11.9V is a very dead battery - time for a new one and keep it charged!
yeah my 540iA had clutch slipping no saving that
Hi Timm where you located? I bought e31 1994/95 with edc option Saturday, front end is bouncy an I and got check light on dashboard when i start car for first 1minute or two. I would like you to scan it for me if thats even possible! Thank you for your videos... Send me your email or how to contact you! Thanks
I've had Trans program on my E34 540i, the battery was bad
Thanks for reinforcing the video!
Mine is getting that message but It wont let me move and the code is 6A stall-speed monitoring so I don't know what is that I try to look up on google but there is nothing my car is a bmw 1997 540i
Unfortunately that is the 'code of death' and means that there is an internal gearbox failure.
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I just ask to someone in a shop and they told me that means that my speed sensor in the trans are gone so I need to replaced it and I just read that in a forum because my speedo just stop working
Got the error code Getriebechalter 60 today in my 2003 540i INPA error Transmission holder-German to English translation.
That's the transmission range selector - just as I describe in this video!
so I need to blow the grease out and put new grease as you have describbed. Also my cylinder roughness during "tick over" as you call shows little if any bars in any of the 8 cylinders. Engine runs grand. I hope thats good news.
TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
A message from System 2004 Range Rover
my car
I don't know what to do
And sometimes it doesn't switch from 1 to 5.. it is fixed on speed 4 gear
🖖🏻💚🇸🇦💐🇬🇧💙
The answer is always to be found in diagnostics - also watch the entire video, there's a lot of answers for you
Thanks. I can read in the shadow error menory that something like this has happened in the car's past but unfortunately I don't know what was done about it at the time.
Well, at least it's running well now Onkel!
It is, yes.
trans program bmw e341991😢😢😢
Have a watch, the answer is in there somewhere!
Why are you talk too much? You don’t do anything man