Transmission Issues

[ajitverma]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2000 X5 4.4i (auto) with 206K miles on it. I recently started getting the dreaded Transmission Failsafe Prog error. The last time I got this when the car had about 100K on it. At that time, changing the harness with the heat sensor along with the filter and oil had fixed the issue. I’m not very sure this time. Resetting the code did not help. The battery voltage is good too. I don’t get the DSC or ABS light. I did a scan with Rheingold and see the following:

- 000031 Gear Monitoring
- 000034 Gear Monitoring 2
- 000035 Gear Monitoring 3
- 00008D IKE: EGS Signal Line Disturbed

I pulled out the EGS card and cleaned the contacts. This also did not help.

I’m looking for some guidance. Do you guys feel the transmission needs to be replaced? Changing the oil, filter, and harness will cost me $500-600. If it’s more likely that the transmission needs to be replaced I would rather spend the money there.

Thanks for the help.

[X5chemist]

For 206k miles, you got a good one. X5s run oil coolers too small in my opinion. I like to run the biggest oil coolers I can fit on my SUVs and trucks. I drive a lot in city traffic and some long highway trips. The closer trans oil is to 150F the longer it will last.
I'm no trans expert, but the codes seem to indicate it's slipping.
Check out this ZF5HP19 video on slipping codes. A BMW trans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IOA00fLdZ0

What are your long term plans? A good engine is worth a new transmission.
First, I would take it to a very reputable shop for a test drive and pressure check. A good shop will take it for a drive with a scanner connection. Usually a free diagnostic if any repairs are made.

[ajitverma]

Thank you, X5chemist.

I replaced the engine about 3 years and 20K miles ago So the engine now has about 100K on it. The suv otherwise is in great condition. So, I don’t mind getting a rebuilt transmission.

Let’s see if there are a few more expert opinions and recommendations to this thread. I’m also leaning towards taking it to a transmission shop and get their thoughts.

[X5chemist]

Having a transmission shop check the level is worth $75 or their diagnostic fee. A good shop will give back a report on codes and diagnostics. I hope mine makes it to 200k. Changing the filter and oil was one of the first maintenance items done to mine. A local shop does great work. $125 for total service.

[andrewwynn]

Have you cleaned out the plug and connector at the transmission? Mine used to occasionally get filled with water from rain/car splashes and I would get trans limp mode until I pulled the plug and cleaned out the water.

[ajitverma]

Thanks, @andrewwynn! I haven’t tried that. Did you also get the Gear Monitoring codes? My vehicle hasn’t been in rain or muck for a while, but the connector may be dirty.

[andrewwynn]

Water gets in from the hood/firewall area not from under so just needs a big splash on the hood or enough rain while not being driven.

I got transmission codes that suggested problems with solenoid/valves and then got haywire readings on L1-4 where the dash said both 5 and 4 gear at the same time! (Also sometimes no gear at all). If the dash doesn't match prnd on the shifter it's almost certain there is water in the connector. Happened to me three times over the years

[ajitverma]

Just a quick update. I showed it to a few transmission shops in Bay Area. They said the amount of slippage I had could not be fixed with an oil change. I did it anyway because it was behaving much better in sports mode, but that’s $150 down the drain. I finally decided to get it rebuilt at Legacy Transmissions in Hayward. Cost: $3500. Others were asking for $4500-$5000. It’s been working perfectly ever since.

I hope this thread is useful to someone in this situation. Thanks everyone for your help. You guys are awesome!

[zuvarak]

Originally Posted by ajitverma

Just a quick update. I showed it to a few transmission shops in Bay Area. They said the amount of slippage I had could not be fixed with an oil change. I did it anyway because it was behaving much better in sports mode, but that’s $150 down the drain. I finally decided to get it rebuilt at Legacy Transmissions in Hayward. Cost: $3500. Others were asking for $4500-$5000. It’s been working perfectly ever since.

I hope this thread is useful to someone in this situation. Thanks everyone for your help. You guys are awesome!

Glad to hear that you're all good now, with that $$$ wouldn't expect anything less though. Did anyone from diagnostics ever show you the actual clutch adaptation values?