Transmission issues summary

[JCL]

Originally Posted by savad

I have a '01 BMW X5 3.0. I was driving on the freeway and as soon as I came out, it started losing power. The RPM's would hit red and I'd move a few feet. Now it barely moves. It has the original ATF. I opened the fill plug and drained a couple quarts and put in 4 thinking that it may have leaked a bit but I am still having the same problem. Any ideas?

Have you checked the output from the transfer case to the front driveshaft, to see if the splines are damaged?

The transmission requires precisely the correct amount of fluid, so you can't just throw some fluid at it and not expect to have problems.

[savad]

Originally Posted by JCL

Have you checked the output from the transfer case to the front driveshaft, to see if the splines are damaged?

The transmission requires precisely the correct amount of fluid, so you can't just throw some fluid at it and not expect to have problems.

Thanks for the quick response. How would I check the output from the transfer case to the front driveshaft?

Thanks in advance.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by savad

Thanks for the quick response. How would I check the output from the transfer case to the front driveshaft?

Thanks in advance.

There is a known problem with the output from the transfer case wearing the splines. If the vehicle won't move, see if the output shaft is turning (while it is in gear with someone else in the driver's seat and their foot on the brake). You are looking to see if the output shaft is spinning but not driving the driveshaft. Don't get under the vehicle, be safe.

[savad]

Originally Posted by JCL

There is a known problem with the output from the transfer case wearing the splines. If the vehicle won't move, see if the output shaft is turning (while it is in gear with someone else in the driver's seat and their foot on the brake). You are looking to see if the output shaft is spinning but not driving the driveshaft. Don't get under the vehicle, be safe.

I lifted the X and put it in Drive. The rear tires spin but the front do not. The front shaft doesn't turn either. I played around with it, going from reverse to drive to 5th and so on. Suddenly, all four wheels turn but rather slowly considering the RPM. Also, as I'm accelerating, the tires "brake" and stop and start going again. I turned off the DSC and the same thing happens.

I'm just don't want to replace the transmission.