8D IKE: EGS signal line disturbed, M54 3.0

[kfm]

My 2002 X5 3.0 (65K miles) developed a shifting problem where after driving for about 4 to 5 miles it would make a big jolt down shifting from 3rd to 2nd. Trans failsafe message also shows up.

Upon downloading the error code, I found:

53 DME signal, crankshaft sensor,
F4 DME Segment timing, true running disturbed,
96 EGS CAN engine speed, and
8D IKE EGS signal line disturbed.

My question here is, could this be a bad crankshaft sensor?

At first I had missed the last error code so mostly been focusing on the crankshaft sensor. I have this nagging doubt that crankshaft sensor is really the cause of the shifting problem. From all I have read of people reporting crankshaft sensors errors none was associated with shifting problem. They all related to engine problem like not starting or running rough. My engine starts like charm and is running perfectly fine. Also, if crankshaft sensor is the problem why only 3rd gear downshift?

Recently I went back to the error log record (pictures taken of the scanner displays for each error) and realized I had missed the EGS signal error. Researching on that led me to a long thread on a 4.6 that seems to indicate my problem could be electrical.

Now I wonder if it is worthwhile for me to replace the crankshaft sensor to see if it fix the problem?

Would most appreciate any advise!

[X5chemist]

My first thought is remove and clean it. It's low mileage. Inspect the wiring harness. It goes go through some tight spaces. I plan to replace the sensor on mine during a coolant system refresh.

Did you clear it and drive it? Have codes appeared more than once?

[kfm]

My first thought is remove and clean it.

This idea has not occurred to me since the crankshaft position sensor is none contact hall effect sensor, and in a seal environment. It is very difficult to reach, so I am thinking if I remove it, I may as well to replace it. I just have this nagging doubt the problem is really this sensor.

Did you clear it and drive it? Have codes appeared more than once?

Yes, I have cleared it. Once cleared, it will not reappear until the shifting problem occurs. I have let the engine idle for a over 10 minutes and not seeing any error (crankshaft position sensor or any of the other errors I listed). But after driving it for about 3-4 miles of local traffic, less than 10 stop and go, the shifting problem will happen and all the error will show up again.

I am wondering if some how the transmission controller was having some problem, cause the rough shift, which makes the engine speed fluctuate from this abrupt load change introduced by the bad shift, causing the engine control computer to interpret it as a crankshaft sensor sending bad signal. This was the reason for my doubt the crankshaft sensor being bad. I should note the rough shift is very rough, it makes big jolt if someone hit me.

[80stech]

It might be a good idea to check/clean the connector at the trans and DME/Ebox. If you just unplug and plug a few times it should be good enough to clear the problem to diagnose.

[kfm]

Following advise of 5Chemist and 80stech, spent Saturday afternoon to take both the DME and EGS boxes out of the EBox. First time doing this so it took considerable amount of time to figure out how to unlatch the connectors. But it is pretty straight forward once that is figured out -- so anyone wants to attempt replacing either DME or EGS, it doesn't require too much experience, very doable.

I opened up the DME and EGS metal enclosures and checked the circuit boards carefully. No sign of any physicals damage, both boards looked pristine. I also check all the connectors in the EBox, also no sign of corrosion or any other signs of trouble. When I plugged the connectors back, I inserted them in/out a few times to make sure of good connection just to be sure.

Went for a quick test drive, the problem didn't come back. But it was a bit late so I only drove in the neighborhood. Did a scan after the drive, no error code. Will have to take it out for a longer drive. But I have nagging feeling the problem is still there, since I didn't fix anything.

I will next check the connectors on the transmission side. Any one has some diagram of the wiring to the transmission and where the connectors are? I took a peak under the car, nothing obvious. Also couldn't find much info on the web either.

[kfm]

Update -- did a much longer test drive (3x further than what it took the last two incidents to happen) today. No problem still.

One other think I have noticed is that even though I have my car on a battery charger, it is only 12.4V. When I have the car running, voltage goes up to 14V even during idle. So it looks the battery is weak. I have read weak battery could cause similar transmission error. I am going to have the battery tested next also.

[kfm]

Been driving my X5 for a while and the shifting problem had not returned. Not sure it is fixed (connection problem with the DME or EGS wiring ?) or will return. The battery voltage has been between 12.9-12.4V, since I don't drive it every day.

If anyone has info on the transmission side wiring connector location I would most appreciate, still want to check that out.

[andrewwynn]

The transmission side connector is very easy to get to and clean on the 3.0.

Water will get in there, i think it actually works its way down from the engine though the cable.



Mine looked like this and caused slam shifts also weird feedback of what gear it was in.

Monitoring the L1-L4 with foxwell it showed values that are not possible due to pins getting shorted.

Thanks to [mention]srmmmm [/mention] to lead me to this I was about to change the valve solenoid and the position switch (which unlike the v8 where it's outside the transmission and easy, it's inside the transmission and not).


The location is under the right side front seat. You can get to it by driving the front right tire on top of a curb and sliding under on some cardboard. (I've had to clear the water out twice while mid drive).

I filled it up with dielectric grease after the third incident as I never determined the exact source of the water.