Trans Fail Safe Mode...yet another post..

[roadriderg]

Originally Posted by Piston

When you put your key into position 2 right before the start position does your car show that the car is in Park? Cause mine doesn't know if the shifter is in park or neutral or any gear for that matter. It does recognize that i put it in sport mode though as the indicator light on the console reflects that change.

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I checked my gearshift indicator with the switch in the second position,engine off and thel park light is on and if I move the shifter the corresponding light will come on in selected gear even the sport mode. You may have a defective gear indicator so it does not know you are in park or neutral to start the car. Just a guess.

Gary

[Piston]

Originally Posted by roadriderg

I checked my gearshift indicator with the switch in the second position,engine off and thel park light is on and if I move the shifter the corresponding light will come on in selected gear even the sport mode. You may have a defective gear indicator so it does not know you are in park or neutral to start the car. Just a guess.

Gary

That's what i was thinking it was but people have directed me towards the alternator. That part is $150 ish plus requires the trans pan to be dropped vs. alternator which I haven't priced out. The diagnostic computer was showing that sensor wasn't sending any info while all other sensors were working fine. I thought it was possible that it was getting incorrect readings because of this voltage problem. Will keep you updated and TY for this information as it has helped me a ton.

The defective gear indicator is showing as trans range sensor error on the diagnostic computer that was used.

[roadriderg]

Originally Posted by Piston

That's what i was thinking it was but people have directed me towards the alternator. That part is $150 ish plus requires the trans pan to be dropped vs. alternator which I haven't priced out. The diagnostic computer was showing that sensor wasn't sending any info while all other sensors were working fine. I thought it was possible that it was getting incorrect readings because of this voltage problem. Will keep you updated and TY for this information as it has helped me a ton.

The defective gear indicator is showing as trans range sensor error on the diagnostic computer that was used.

My humble vote is on the trans range sensor. If your car is not starting And you are getting a failed gearshift sensor. It would sound like the computer is not getting a indication that you are in park or neutral thus not allowing your starter to go. I know the alternator is a bitch to install and carries a heavy part price from bmw. Also a bad alternator would not block the starter from starting the car, providing you have a fully charged battery.

Gary

[Piston]

Originally Posted by roadriderg

My humble vote is on the trans range sensor. If your car is not starting And you are getting a failed gearshift sensor. It would sound like the computer is not getting a indication that you are in park or neutral thus not allowing your starter to go. I know the alternator is a bitch to install and carries a heavy part price from bmw. Also a bad alternator would not block the starter from starting the car, providing you have a fully charged battery.

Gary

Thanks Gary getting it diagnosed on monday.