Trans Failsafe Program - Need Help

[MiCkEy]

Old timer here with a new problem. I did use search and have already gone through a couple of usual tests.

Yesterday, the TFS message displayed alongside the SES on my wife's 2001 X5 with 90,000 miles. My first hunch was the battery as the battery was almost on the 6th year so replaced that. Checked the new battery with a multimeter with the car off and on and the voltages read 12.56 and 14.01 respectively so that was good and supposedly alternator is charging.

Truck cranks hard but eventually starts on the second try and idles rough and TSF comes on and gear possibly stuck in 3rd or 4th. There are no other lights, ABS, DSC etc.I have also cleaned the MAF. I do not have the OBDII as a friend borrowed it and I wont get it back till tomorrow. I had changed the transmission fluid last year including a new dropping the pan and putting in a new filter.

What else can I check on my own while I wait for the OBDII? Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated