Trans Failsafe, After Rain, EDS 3 Actuator Code

[Boston01X5]

First time BMW owner, lots of experience with Mercedes. You guys have a great forum here glad I found it.

Vehicle is 2001 BMW X5 4.4 with 150K.

Symptoms:

Running perfectly, started raining trans failsafe came on with service engine light had never seen it before. This has happened a few times since after it rains.

What I've done:

Went home in limp mode found posts that mentioned two transmission connectors under truck that can get wet. Found both connectors, didn't have hair dryer but used air to clean out any moisture, didn't seem like there was much. Applied dielectric grease and used electric tape wherever it would help.

No change.

Next ordered a scanner went with a Carsoft BM II. Needed to get the codes from the individual modules because the other scanner I had was giving generic codes.

Code in the transmission module was "Pressure Actuator EDS 3"

Questions:

Problem has happened three or four times only after rain while I have driven in the rain it's happened, once while it was just in driveway next time I drove it, and one time after I took it to the car wash and drove for 20 minutes.

After a few days with hot temps it goes away by itself, once after two days it was still there I cleared all codes in transmission module and it went away.

I don't really think it's the actuator because it only happens when it rains? Seems electrical to me, but I don't know these cars very well, I am learning 😉

Where do I look next?

I looked at the box that holds the TCM and the top cover looks dry even after rain.

Sorry about length wanted to give much information as possible.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much,

Erick

[wpoll]

Have you inspected the entire loom running to the transmission? It's possible there's a chaffed wire on the loom that causes the issue when it gets wet.

The mechatronic connector itself it pretty well protected from general rain spray etc. but parts of the loom are not so well covered.

Grab a flashlight and have a good look...

[Boston01X5]

Thanks very much for your help Wayne, haven't checked the loom, didn't know that was a problem. My next day off I will take a good look and report back here.

Thanks again,

Erick