Trans. Failsafe Prog Warning and MAF sensor
 

Just a quick note re when the TRANSMISSION FAILSAFE PROGRAM warning message comes on the check control panel on the dashboard!

I had this failure warning appear last week. The transmission went very 'jerky' and I thought it had a major failure.

Took it down to my independent and had it the codes read. It showed a failed Mass Airflow sensor(open circuit).
Apparently a number of engine electronic components also report to the transmission computer.

My independent mechanic quoted over A$750 for to install a new Bosch MAF to fix the problem.

Instead I bought a new Chinese copy from Ebay for $60 and installed it myself. It took 15 minutes!

Transmission is now working perfectly and warning message now gone!

I hope this gives members lead when this warning appears!!

I recently had exactly the same thing...trans fail safe message and jerking from 2nd to 1st....and yet I'd only replaced the MAF around 2 months previous. Scanned for faults and it came back with a MAF code so had the MAF exchanged under warranty.

Car's back to running perfectly again now.

Hi Craig and V8, did you find it was a now and then problem and that the car would come good again after restart and the warning messages would go away before you replaced the MAF. Also, were you able to drive at low speeds after it happened?

I had the same issue and I have a intake air temp sensor plausability on my obd2.

Hello James,

Yes, the computer reset after the ignition was turned off. However, after about 5-10 minutes running, the warning re-appeared and the transmission problem re-occurred.....very frustrating!

And yes, I could still drive a low speeds. I put up with the problem for about 2 weeks before replacing the MAF sensor. As I said, the cheap Chinese sensor, proved to be very successful.

After this problem, I bought a cheap code reader for less than $20, which helped with future computer warnings. It seems you have done the same.

Good luck, CRAIG

Thanks Craig. I will look for it to reoccur again. I will probably go with the Bosch as I understand the cheap versions dont last that long. Good to solve the problem though and considering how many cheap versions you could get out of one of the more expensive that is a good idea except for the wear and tear on the engine everytime it happens..:o)

No worries James,

If the problem is very occasional, you should try to clean the sensor with a MAFS spray cleaner(I think that is what Jess and Dan need....ha ha!). Also, make sure your air filter is very clean. Then, re-test using your code reader from time to time.

Finally, these X5(e53) cars aren't worth much these days....around $6k-$10k. My Chinese sensor had worked well for years, until I traded-in the car. So be careful not to over-capitalise on the maintenance.

Hi Craig, thanks and good point about spending too much. I have read that the cleaners dont work that well once the film has gone (something like that). I must admit the costs are starting to add up. I had a 2003 model before this one and loved the comfort suspension and comfort seats. Then at around 220k the air suspension gave way on one side so was about to spend over 2K and someone rear ended my car and wrote it off. The sports suspension is good but I seem to be feeling every little bump and the car sways up and down and from side to side more than it should I think.

[solved] x5 e53 2005 Mass Air Flow Sensor
 

So I purchased a more expensive Bosch MAF sensor and housing. While waiting for it to arrive from USA to Brisbane I decided to give the cleaner a go. There were two popular cleaners on the shelf. I figure I am just testing so I purchased the smaller one (see photo).

Attachment 75872

Next I removed the clips off the air filter box lid, unscrewed the hose clip around the maf and noticed the top of the filter was greasy. Then it dawned on me. Its funny how you dont put things together first off. The last mechanic had left one of the clips undone. In fact it was on backwards (duh) and I remember lifting the bonnet and seeing the gap to the filter and thought that was poor workmanship. Have a look at the filter (photo).

Attachment 75873

Attachment 75874

Anyway, I did the clean and put it all back together and at the same time ordered a new air filter. I drove around a bit with my fingers crossed hoping the dirty filter will not cause the issue again and then nothing. No problems. The new air filter arrived and I was so glad to swap it over. I haven’t had an issue since. The new bosch MAF sensor arrived from USA and I have placed it on the shelf just in case for the future. But I think I will do a regular clean of the MAF sensor every 6 months.

Now onto the next issue. 🤓

Here in the desert I used a piece of pantyhose before the filter and closed the airbox with self tapping screws and my MAF and filter lasts regular times (although I have had to scoop sand off the engine many times)

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

James,
It's good you checked the filter and I'm glad you got it all sorted.
The original cause of my MAFS failure, also related to the air filter.....it had moisture on it.
Good luck with your next maintenance project.
CRAIG.