Problems piling up

[Hoser]

Early in the summer my ABS module had a nervous breakdown causing the appropriate dash lights to shinola on me. There were no other problems other than no ABS. Yesterday on the highway the auto trans started misbehaving by shifting up and down while on the flat (about 100k/hr-60m/hr). Could this action on my automatic be caused by the ABS module? I wanted to wait until Sept when we would be finished vacation to get the module rebuilt. As for rebuilding the ABS module- what company is the preferred supplier?

[Ricky Bobby]

Ebay - BBA Reman

And yes the ABS module problems could be related to the other problem since the module has the power to cut throttle and apply brakes

[bcredliner]

It is never a good idea to continue to drive a vehicle showing an ABS warning light.

[srmmmm]

I'd also recommend an inspection of the harness connector to your transmission. It doesn't take much in the way of contamination and moisture on those pins to make your transmission act like it has a mind of its own. After cleaning mine, the service tech told me they had seen several 2002 models that had "dry sockets" on the engine harness where no di-electric grease was every applied to the connectors to help seal against moisture.

2002 X5 3.0 259,780 miles
2004 325i 115,000 miles

[TerminatorX5]

I would determine first that the ABS module is at fault, and not one of the speed sensors or a faulty connector... The tranny will hunt for a gear when it is getting incorrect (not plausible), or missing speed signal...at the end of the day, it may go into limp mode... and drag the engine into limp mode...

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

I would determine first that the ABS module is at fault, and not one of the speed sensors or a faulty connector... The tranny will hunt for a gear when it is getting incorrect (not plausible), or missing speed signal...at the end of the day, it may go into limp mode... and drag the engine into limp mode...

[Hoser]

When the trifecta first appeared I went through the speed sensors and they all metered out OK, but that was 2 months ago, and some 1500km. I can't understand how this transmission thing could just appear without any warning and then hold on consistantly for the 20 km until home. I have an appointment with an indy shop tomorrow morning and they are going to canvass the transmission module to see if there is any more information avaiable. If the tranny is hooped at 180K km, as well as a ABS module-I'm afraid this X5 will be going the way of the dodo bird.

[srmmmm]

When my harness connector shorted out, the transmission stayed in fail-safe mode for the last 200 miles of our trip. It would start out in second gear, then shift very methodically (slow) up through the other gears. It did not engage the lock-up clutch though so fuel mileage definitely suffered. But I could tell the transmission was operating in such a manner as to protect itself. I wasn't overly concerned, because it was the third time I had experienced the condition after going through a car wash or very heavy rain.

2002 X5 3.0 259,850 miles
2004 325i 115,000 miles

[Hoser]

Well they pulled a DST of over temperature on the transmission fluid. Of course it only acted up yesterday to get DW spinning. They suggest complete tranny fluid service, replace thermostat on tranny cooler, and replace the harness in the transmission along with filter. And they noticed my serpentine is cracked and in need of re & re. Quoted $1,300 all in. I think I'll swallow hard and think on it for a day. He road tested and feels the tranny is in decent shape but at 190k km should be serviced. I agree.