Trans fail safe X5 E53 2005 330d

gee0393 · #1 02-03-2017, 07:33 PM

Only just started to have a few problems. My headlights are really dull and tried changing all the bulbs but still the same.
Also my battery ran flat when I left keys in ignition for a little while and now won't start even when using a starter pack. Getting an error saying trans fail safe and a lot of noise coming from the abs module.
I also have 4 amber lights on the dash. Dsc, 4x4, abs and another which I can't remember right now.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

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wpoll · #2 02-04-2017, 01:05 AM

Sounds like a failed battery. All the warning lights and transmission errors are "normal" when the battery voltage falls too low - like now.

williamx5 · #3 02-04-2017, 01:44 AM

Good day!!

Agree with WPOLL!! Get a good charger and charge the battery back up before trying to start it... Once started, let it run a while to finish a good battery charge... All the lights should go out as soon as you start moving... Ask me how I know?!

Good luck!!

Cheers!!

gee0393 · #4 02-04-2017, 06:07 AM

Thank you. I do have a booster pack which I tried but it still wouldn't start. Should I try a trickle charge or just replace the battery? Thanks

gee0393 · #5 02-04-2017, 07:29 AM

The battery charger I have is brand new and fully charged and car still wouldn't start. I think the battery may need to be replaced so I'll do that and go from there

gee0393 · #6 02-04-2017, 11:02 AM

Ok so changing the battery has fixed the fail safe problem however my headlights are still very dim even when I changed all the bulbs for new ones?

williamx5 · #7 02-04-2017, 11:59 AM

I think you have a grounding cable issue... make sure all cables are clean and tight... what is the voltage reading on the battery? You could swap the battery, just to make sure, but I had issues with starting my 4.6is after I accidently drained the battery cleaning the interior... After charging for a couple hours and it failed to start, I turned off the X, set the alarm, let it be for a while, then tried it again... alarm off, turned to "on" and crossed fingers... hit the starter and it worked... not sure if fingers need to be crossed! That step might be optional!

Good luck!

wpoll · #8 02-04-2017, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gee0393

Ok so changing the battery has fixed the fail safe problem however my headlights are still very dim even when I changed all the bulbs for new ones?

What is the condition of the headlight lenses? The plastic can become very yellowed by UV and this affects headlight output.

But like williamx5 said, you could have a ground issues. There are many ground connection points on the car. Some in the boot (trunk) near the battery and quiet few around the engine bay.

Any item symptoms? Is the car new to you. Have the headlights work well in the past?

A little background will help us to help you arrow it down...

gee0393 · #9 02-04-2017, 02:47 PM

Thanks wpoll. Yeah the lights worked fine until a few weeks ago and suddenly went very dull. I changed the bulbs and are still the same. Even the main beam lights don't seem as bright as they should be which would make sense if it has a grounded earth. I have checked the output at both headlights with a multi meter and the readings were Drivers dip beam 12'19 - 12'23 pass side dip beam 12'26 - 12'32. Not sure if this is a little low or not? Could the alternator be a factor?

gee0393 · #10 02-04-2017, 02:48 PM

And yes I've had the car a few years now

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