Trans. Failsafe Prog Warning and MAF sensor

[jdstrickland]

Originally Posted by craigsx5

Just a quick note re when the TRANSMISSION FAILSAFE PROGRAM warning message comes on the check control panel on the dashboard!

I had this failure warning appear last week. The transmission went very 'jerky' and I thought it had a major failure.

Took it down to my independent and had it the codes read. It showed a failed Mass Airflow sensor(open circuit).
Apparently a number of engine electronic components also report to the transmission computer.

My independent mechanic quoted over A$750 for to install a new Bosch MAF to fix the problem.

Instead I bought a new Chinese copy from Ebay for $60 and installed it myself. It took 15 minutes!

Transmission is now working perfectly and warning message now gone!

I hope this gives members lead when this warning appears!!

Good info, but not always true. Just sayin....

EVERYONE with a 1996 or later automobile MUST have an OBD II Code Reader. You can buy an ELM-327 module on eBay or Amazon for $20-ish depending upon extra features (connectivity) you choose, then get any of several different apps for your phone or tablet. Apps come in a Free Version that has limited capability -- unable to create graphs or charts, that sort of thing -- and Fee Based versions with full capabilities. All versions report OBD II Codes and provide text translations, the fee versions will collect data over time and provide a means to download into a spread sheet so you can build graphs and charts.

[talljames]

Heh all, I have another question. The car will crank over but it will not start. Apart from all the other issues, fuel, etc. Can a bad MAF sensor on my 05 X5 E53 v8 cause this symptom? Or will nothing happen at all (ie no crank) with a bad MAF sensor.

[talljames]

Also, does anyone know if you unplug the maf sensor will the car still start? thanks

[talljames]

The second question apparently yes. BMW have a saved program that kicks in when there is no detection of a MAF sensor. So, this rules out the MAF for my issue and answers the first question for me. cheers

[Hellgomes]

CRAIGSX5, that your problem was with 4x4 light??
I have it on and goes away with steering calibration only 2 times. Now not disappear.

I have cleaned my MAF with normal alcohol "ethilic 96%"
A few days ago

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by jdstrickland

Good info, but not always true. Just sayin....

EVERYONE with a 1996 or later automobile MUST have an OBD II Code Reader. You can buy an ELM-327 module on eBay or Amazon for $20-ish depending upon extra features (connectivity) you choose, then get any of several different apps for your phone or tablet. Apps come in a Free Version that has limited capability -- unable to create graphs or charts, that sort of thing -- and Fee Based versions with full capabilities. All versions report OBD II Codes and provide text translations, the fee versions will collect data over time and provide a means to download into a spread sheet so you can build graphs and charts.

That's only true if you live in the good old USA. The poster lives in Sydney Australia, and the last time I look that wasn't a part of the Good Old USA.