Trans.Fail Safe Prog.

[urcbmw8]

If I remove the alternator, is there any way to test or find out whether it bad or good? Should I bring to alternator rebuild place to test it out? Can they tell?

[ARTRIGA]

You all should have this diagnosed at a good Indy or a dealer, before guessing and throwing cash at the parts. This problem is way too complicated to just wing it. I will say it's the ABS/DSC module connectors incide that are melting off due to high engine temperatures, and if this happens, systems no longer talk to each other and go crazy with unrelated system warnings. (like your temp gauge)
Again, take it to a dealer or indy with GT1 and you will know for sure!

P.S If it is indeed the ABS/DSC, there is a way cheaper way than paying a dealer $800-$1200 for part and $500 for labor.

[chefwong]

OT, on the ABS module.
Aside from rebuilders...

If you google the part # for the module, on the ~net~, there seems to be non reman units at around $550 each. Has anyone had any experiance with these.

Similar to how the OEM alternator cost $$$, and the similar/exact non OEM branded unit runs considerably less...

[Cisc0]

I have the same issue of the Trans.Fail.Prog B/S, but I noticed it only happens when the vehicle is not warmed up. In the cold mornings when I just want to start and run, I cant. I have to wait till my Temp needle hits the middle and then I can take off without getting that error message. And when that does happens, I just pull over shut off engine and pull key out for 10 seconds, re-start and I'm all good. As of now I have not diagnosed the problem since I have learned to deal with just waiting for the vehicle to warm up before take off.

[ARTRIGA]

Originally Posted by Cisc0

As of now I have not diagnosed the problem since I have learned to deal with just waiting for the vehicle to warm up before take off.

I guess you can buy a little time this way, but you will have a problem soon, unless you diagnose and fix this. If it goes from just lights to actual safe mode to where you only have 1 gear left....can't be that healthy for the tranny to drive in 3rd gear only all the time ..

[Cisc0]

The first time this happened I called $tealership and they wanted me to drive it in without clearing the codes. I told them that this was impossible since I'm on one gear only and could barely do 20mph. So I've just learned to live with it and like I said the problem only happens when I've parked overnight and don't warm up engine in the morning before take off.

Thanks for your input Art. I will update once I get it diagnosed. I feel like parking right outside my Indy and in the morning just turn on and go so that the message appears to get a diagnosed. I feel like that's the only way since the message connot be cleared before diagnosis. I will update if my madness leads me to do this.

[javierh8]

That is an issue with the alternator. Is because of the amount of power being sent out of the alternator. If it was replaced recently, it has faulted again. have it checked and replace.

[SlamminRC]

Originally Posted by urcbmw8

I had the same problem with Trans Failsafe Prog and now my car is dead. I have to jump the battery to start the engine. Do I have bad battery or DSC module? Please advise.

Same thing happens to my 04 4.4.... It happens probably 2-3 times a year.

Cluster lights up like a christmas tree and when i pull over, shut down the engine and try to restart, it doesn't start up. Like the battery is dead. (FLICKERING)

That's why i carry a portable jump starter now. Whenever it happens to me, i just pull out the jump starter and voila, no more issues.

Happens either on Trans Failsafe Prog or DSC is Inactive message on the cluster.


BTW... NEW battery less than 1 year old.

[wallieX5]

Originally Posted by SlamminRC

Same thing happens to my 04 4.4.... It happens probably 2-3 times a year.

Cluster lights up like a christmas tree and when i pull over, shut down the engine and try to restart, it doesn't start up. Like the battery is dead. (FLICKERING)

That's why i carry a portable jump starter now. Whenever it happens to me, i just pull out the jump starter and voila, no more issues.

Happens either on Trans Failsafe Prog or DSC is Inactive message on the cluster.


BTW... NEW battery less than 1 year old.

This just happened to me just now and my battery is also less than a year old! I had to get the car towed to my house. So what is the consensus? Is it the battery, alternator or DCS module?

04 X5 4.4 108k miles

[HEISING]

Your DSC module is Failing. It is temperature related. My DSC did the exact same thing. I repaired my own DSC module and the bimmer has been running great since. You need special tools to do the job so it isn't for everybody. If you want to see for sure if your DSC is failing, remove your drivers side headlight and bracket. On a cold morning, don't start the X5.
Heat the DSC module with a hair dryer (get it good and warm) Start the X5 now and immediately drive it. If the X5 operates normal you know it's the module.
Good Luck!