Newb w/infamous trans fail issues, 03 3.0L

cattywampus · #1 08-31-2009, 05:19 PM

Symptoms:
Trans fail safe mode enacted although no code on cluster readout. Vehicle transmission has entered ‘limp mode’ starting from a high gear (maybe 4th?)

NO VOLTAGE ISSUES

Dsc, abs, brake light all lit yellow.

Had the wife take it into an independent and they pulled code 58 on their auto-logic diagnostic equipment, or ‘no message from EGS computer’. Service guy called and said the transmission module would more than likely need replacing since the transmission module was not communicating w/the engine’s computer. Did a quick search and learned it is very rare for the TCM to fail. Anybody ever have this fault code that could lend some insight? We’ve only had the car for 3 weeks and it’s got 60k on it. Total drag.

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Poper · #2 08-31-2009, 05:46 PM

The car starts from third gear, I know cause I have already had it when it was something about 63k miles on it. In my case concern about disc/shield they are burn 'cause membrane did not transfer torque and when I cross the 2700 rotary/min the Trans fail safe mode on.
I have 3.0L engine too

Here where I live in Poland repair cost me about 1200$ everything

I hope that you understand what I am trying to tell you

cattywampus · #3 08-31-2009, 05:47 PM

so what'd you do to fix it?

Poper · #4 08-31-2009, 05:53 PM

I gave my car to mechanic, and he change all disc's, membrane, oil and filter, basket in trans for new.

cattywampus · #5 08-31-2009, 05:59 PM

was your trans showing signs of deterioration prior to finally 'giving up'?

mine was running just fine 2 days ago then quit. i hope it's not a mechanical issue rather just a module or sensor that needs replacing.

Poper · #6 08-31-2009, 06:07 PM

My trans was good, when I get pedal to the metal

when trans change gear from 3 to 4 I feel wrench, then about 10-15k miles later on a highway about 190-210km/h (120-130 mph) when I try to accelerate rotary grown up, but my X was slowing down, and I hear only engine sound that it try to accelerate but it could not.

cattywampus · #7 08-31-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poper

My trans was good, when I get pedal to the metal

when trans change gear from 3 to 4 I feel wrench, then about 10-15k miles later on a highway about 190-210km/h (120-130 mph) when I try to accelerate rotary grown up, but my X was slowing down, and I hear only engine sound that it try to accelerate but it could not.

yes, that condition sounds like the tranny is on it's way out.

this is my wife's car and we pussy foot this thing around.

Weasel · #8 08-31-2009, 07:44 PM

Before spending tons of money on modules/transmission rebuild, etc. I'd have the dealer diagnose it as I just fixed a 7 series today that was in limp mode. They were expecting to get an estimate on a whole transmission or control module, but when I told them a rat chewed through the can bus wires that go to the trans module. All I had to do was properly splice a couple wires together and clear the faults. I only knew to look at that circuit by the can faults stored and wiring schematics printed straight from the test plan in the GT1 tester.

Nothing is set in stone with vehicle troubles as there are an infinate amount of ways for systems to be faulted, and nothing beats the amount of information and diagnostic capabilities you get from the BMW diagnostic equpiment.

cattywampus · #9 08-31-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

Before spending tons of money on modules/transmission rebuild, etc. I'd have the dealer diagnose it as I just fixed a 7 series today that was in limp mode. They were expecting to get an estimate on a whole transmission or control module, but when I told them a rat chewed through the can bus wires that go to the trans module. All I had to do was properly splice a couple wires together and clear the faults. I only knew to look at that circuit by the can faults stored and wiring schematics printed straight from the test plan in the GT1 tester.

Nothing is set in stone with vehicle troubles as there are an infinate amount of ways for systems to be faulted, and nothing beats the amount of information and diagnostic capabilities you get from the BMW diagnostic equpiment.

thanks for posting Weasel.

i will take it to the dealer now that the independent has failed to give me a definitive answer.

would it be worth my time crawling around under the car to look for loose connectors or bare wires or are they pretty well concealed under a maze of covers and brackets?

Weasel · #10 08-31-2009, 10:09 PM

Pretty well concealed, and the wiring problem I mentioned is very uncommon... but there are so many things that can cause train failsafe, just like there are many things that can cause a check engine light. Although it can be more common for transmissions or trans control modules at higher mileages, you can't fix anything without knowing exactly what your dealing with. Hopefully it's something cheap and easy for ya, fingers crossed!

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