TRANS.FAILSAFE-can be driven in this mode for how long?

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

13.9v ?


–awr–

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I hope that's what he meant, because at 23.9v he's either about to ride the lightning or push a bricked X5.

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[omodos]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

13.9v ?


–awr–

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Hmm too high ?i will check again .....like i mentioned there is power steering fluid on halfvthe alternator not on the pulleys side....

[andrewwynn]

On the e53 should be 13.8 ± 0.2 if memory serves. And rock steady. Voltage swing is a prime candidate for trans failsafe. Been there.


–awr–

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[Henn28]

Originally Posted by EODguy

I hope that's what he meant, because at 23.9v he's either about to ride the lightning or push a bricked X5.

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Maybe it’s the rarest of e53s, the mild hybrid!

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by Henn28

Maybe it’s the rarest of e53s, the mild hybrid!

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[g300d]

I've had a power steering fluid-covered alternator on the 3.0 with the GM trans for a long time and it never caused a transmission failsafe situation (now that I've said that I've probably jinxed it).

I experienced steadily worsening trans failsafe for a time on the 4.6 with the ZF. It was the transmission selector switch on the side of the transmission, losing contact inside, confirmed by pulling the switch, actuating it manually, and checking for continuity at the pins. Opening the switch, cleaning and bending the spring contacts for a better connection, and resealing the switch resolved it in my case.

Credit to Edwin (IIRC) of the E38 forums for his writeup on this which IIRC included the testing procedure, pinouts, and lots of pics.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by g300d

I've had a power steering fluid-covered alternator on the 3.0 with the GM trans for a long time and it never caused a transmission failsafe situation (now that I've said that I've probably jinxed it).

I experienced steadily worsening trans failsafe for a time on the 4.6 with the ZF. It was the transmission selector switch on the side of the transmission, losing contact inside, confirmed by pulling the switch, actuating it manually, and checking for continuity at the pins. Opening the switch, cleaning and bending the spring contacts for a better connection, and resealing the switch resolved it in my case.

Credit to Edwin (IIRC) of the E38 forums for his writeup on this which IIRC included the testing procedure, pinouts, and lots of pics.

ok thanks for heads up on this re power steering fluid on alternator...volts are 13.9v car started and as read via no.9 in obc...
Just hoping gonna find a mechanic at short notice that doesnt have 2 week waiting list...plus other than the visual inspection for leaks the fluid level can be topped up at least....will scanning tools point to the transmission selector switch if it has a fault?

[haigha]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Pretty sure you have the six speed ZF 6HP26Z transmission, so it won't likely be water in the trans. connector. In addition, our 3.0D models have a large plastic splash guard covering the transmission, well, splashes. :-)

What might be an issue is the rather common trans. fluid leak from the mechatronic seal, resulting on low fluid levels. This can be hard to spot, since the leaking fluid is often trapped in the splash guard - no tell-tale fluid spots under the car.

Agreed, a very likely cause! In my case there was a puddle of ATF on my garage floor under the transmission, but I have the 4.4i.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by haigha

Agreed, a very likely cause! In my case there was a puddle of ATF on my garage floor under the transmission, but I have the 4.4i.

Ta for all replies...will plead with mechanic to check level and if low at least top up , not sure how tricky or time consuming on a 3.0d this will be. And hopefully will give me more time till the possible leak is resolved unless of course the leak is big one not gradual...okays appreciate again all feedback...

[wpoll]

If, as you now say, it's coming up in trans. failsafe when you first start the car, it's less likely to be low fluid. It's more likely it's a hard fault...

A fluid level check and a scan will reveal much...