Transmission issues summary

[wpoll]

Sounds like one of the front axles has popped out of the front diff. Has been know to happen and results in what you are seeing...

[bcredliner]

Your symptoms match those of a failed transfer case. Source of sounds can be misleading.

[JimG]

Happy New Year!

I have a 2003 X5 3.0 with 163,000 miles. When cold it will not move in drive, after a 10 min warm-up, it drives and shifts like a new car! Looking or suggestions

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by JimG

Happy New Year!

I have a 2003 X5 3.0 with 163,000 miles. When cold it will not move in drive, after a 10 min warm-up, it drives and shifts like a new car! Looking or suggestions

Check the fluid level first. ATF should be checked at 120F, on level ground and engine running. Remove the fill plug and ATF should be slightly coming out.
Sounds like it may be low.

[semcoinc]

JimG

Yeah, check fluid level first

I ran into this problem with my 3.0 E46 transmission with no transmission engagement in cold temps (neither drive nor reverse) until a very warmed up coolant temp.

Here is the thread on E46 fanatics.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=893453

My problem went away when I replaced the solenoids in the thread.

These were my PNs and prices back in 2017 when I solved my issue in my 3.0 E46:

Main pressure regulator solenoid - AC Delco 10478146 Amazon Prime $36.00

Torque converter lock-up clutch solenoid - AC Delco 24227747 Amazon Prime $23.00

Here is another narrative with transmission info

Transmission Valve Body Removal & Installation, Filter, Fluid Service

Just a significant lowering of the valve body was necessary to swap out the solenoids.

My theory on why this symptom manifests itself is because the o-rings in the solenoids harden and shrink over the years and miles. This causes them not to function as designed until they warm up and become pliable and do their o-ring job

Mike

[Overboost]

I thought about the seals as well but didn't want to jump to suggesting heavier repairs until the level was checked. Cold weather can certainly wreak havoc on old hardened seals for sure but OP is in VA so I wasn't sure how cold it has been and if he keeps it outside

[semcoinc]

As my solenoid failures worsened, the tranny would not engage after a night of 40°F.

At the early stages of my issue with the solenoids it took an extended exposure in sub 25°F temps.

For several years before I discovered this threads solution, I employed a heating pad to the transmission oil pan and had no issues in cold temps as long as I was plugged in.

Mike

[JimG]

I have checked the fluid level which was fine. The solenoid replacement is a strong possibility. recently a nearby Indie mentioned the possibility after I described the symptoms, so I think I will give it a go, as otherwise its a great car! Question for Mike which is the TCC solenoid on the valvebody pics?

Thank you both for the help.
Jim

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by JimG

I have checked the fluid level which was fine. The solenoid replacement is a strong possibility. recently a nearby Indie mentioned the possibility after I described the symptoms, so I think I will give it a go, as otherwise its a great car! Question for Mike which is the TCC solenoid on the valvebody pics?

Thank you both for the help.
Jim

Hi JimG

I think this image may help you and they may be #3 and #4



Another image that I have in my archive suggests that the TCC solenoid is #4.

For the price, and if you are planning to keep the vehicle for a long time, I would suggest replacing both of the solenoids

I will also offer that I have used AMSOIL Full Synthetic ATF in my E53/4.4i since 80K miles and now 113K miles with perfect performance and in my E46/330Xi as well from 80K to now 132K miles with similar results.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...EA/?zo=1173195

Mike

[Bull907]

What does the original post mean that the torque converter be replaced without pulling the transmission?