error code 30 mechanical converter lockup clutch monitoring and light blinker issue

BiiQ X5 · #1 02-17-2018, 08:50 PM

Hello 03 x5 4.6is owner. Just purchased this car from a dealership and found this error with my scanner. Dealership said they will take care of it but I just want to make sure if that's what it is. When the car starts up for the first time I get that whining and hissing noise coming from the front near the alternater but i tried spraying belt conditioner there and it did not change the noise so I assume its coming from the transmission. After driving it for a while the noise starts to calm down and eventually it fades off. There is no transmission noise and its changing gears smoothly. I also hear the noise change when I put it in reverse or drive or any gear. What could it be?

Also My rear left blinking light does not work. I tried changing the bulb and its still not working. Could it be the ground contact or something behind the light harness?

TwinTurboGTR · #2 02-17-2018, 09:07 PM

Congrats on the new purchase! Hopefully we can get some more info on it once you get everything settled down.

So the error code 30 means the monitor is sensing excessive torque converter slippage. Now thats what the computer is saying, it doesn't necessarily mean that is exactly what it is. Some investigation is going to need to go into it.

For the blinker, a notorious problem is the contact points on the bulb holder or on the lens cover itself are shot. Look at the bulb itself first then trace it back. Always go as simple as possible.

BiiQ X5 · #3 02-17-2018, 10:11 PM

yeah I will have to check the contact points on the light harness because I swapped the bulb holder from the right side and its still not working.

The transmission has to be checked out, your right. I mean it does it when you just start it up cold and it speeds up during acceleration driving but like i said, It reduces as the engine warms up. I have a feeling its a dirty connector or the filter. If anyone has had experience with this, it would be helpful.. thanks

BiiQ X5 · #4 03-06-2018, 11:27 PM

The transmission seems to have a jolt just before you come to a complete stop after applying the brakes. It happens more coming off a highway and applying the brakes and at the very end it jolts before it comes to a complete stop. I put my tester in and I got this error code 30 mechanical converter lockup clutch monitoring Is that a valvebody issue that could be bringing that code up, or is the torque converter in need of a rebuild? the transmission works well besides that jolt. Also when i put it on drive then take off without applying acceleration on the pedal, the converter pulls the car with no problem. Your knowledge would be helpful.

RRPhil · #5 03-07-2018, 06:58 PM

The code indicates a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch rather than an issue with its hydrokinetic function. The lock-up clutch is controlled by the EDS 4 solenoid in the valve body assembly. The lower front valve block contains two valves which control the operation of the lock-up clutch. The valve body assembly can be removed with the transmission still in the vehicle, and it could then be tested on a Axiline or HydraTest machine.

The torque converter can only be replaced by removing the transmission – a much bigger job. If you have access to diagnostics kit that can monitor and record the engine and turbine speeds in real time you can pinpoint the issue very accurately without risking spending money on something that turns out not to be faulty.

Phil

BiiQ X5 · #6 03-07-2018, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRPhil

The code indicates a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch rather than an issue with its hydrokinetic function. The lock-up clutch is controlled by the EDS 4 solenoid in the valve body assembly. The lower front valve block contains two valves which control the operation of the lock-up clutch. The valve body assembly can be removed with the transmission still in the vehicle, and it could then be tested on a Axiline or HydraTest machine.

The torque converter can only be replaced by removing the transmission – a much bigger job. If you have access to diagnostics kit that can monitor and record the engine and turbine speeds in real time you can pinpoint the issue very accurately without risking spending money on something that turns out not to be faulty.

Phil

Thanks for the response Phil. Im glad to hear that the valvebody could be the only issue here. I can do this in my backyard but is it the eds 4 solenoid the issue or is it the lock up switch?

Where is the lock up switch in the photos? I assume its in that section where you have those red squares. Also do you do rebuild services for valve bodies if i send it to you? Can you just overhaul that entire valve body with new wires and solenoids and the lock up clutch?

RRPhil · #7 03-07-2018, 08:38 PM

It’s possible that the valve body is the issue. In my experience, however, it’s more likely to be the torque converter.

An easy and cheap thing to try would be to swap the EDS 4 solenoid with one of the other three (identical) black-cap solenoids (labelled A, B & C in the photo above) and see if the fault moves with the solenoid.

I do re-manufacture valve body assemblies for the 5HP24, including fitting Sonnax valves where necessary, and then vacuum test and HydraTest them to ensure 100% electrical & hydraulic functionality. However, I’m in the UK. There must be places in the States that offer the same service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU3KvO8zKlc

Phil

BiiQ X5 · #8 03-07-2018, 09:30 PM

Yes I could try swapping the solenoids but would'nt it be easier to remove that wire harness and then just using an ohm meter and the one with the least resistance is the problem? Even if it does read a lower resistance than the others, does that mean that it is the problem? Can solenoids cause a jolt while braking to happen like mine?

RRPhil · #9 03-08-2018, 09:00 AM

It’s easy enough to test the winding resistance of the solenoids, just by taking measurements at either the 16-pin plug on the back of the transmission (which also tests the integrity of the internal wiring loom)

or at the ECU (which tests the integrity of the vehicle wiring loom too).

This is certainly worth a go, but there’s more that can go wrong with a solenoid than just the winding resistance, so it will certainly indicate a fault but not confirm that the solenoid is operating properly.

Phil

BladeX5 · #10 03-08-2018, 12:23 PM

RRPhil you're the man! I thought you weren't around these forums anymore. I've learned so much of my transmission thanks to your contribution and others too. That's the reason I still have the same transmission after 4 years, with just a few tweaks, despite 3 shops told me I needed to change it right away since I purchase my X5.

I'll keep an eye over this post. It's so informative.