Trans Failsafe Prog
 

Hi all,

I know there are lot of threads, sorry to post again ;P.
Wondering if anyone has any advise on my problem. I have a 2001 X5, 4.4i. two weeks ago, the 'Trans Failsafe Prog' message always appears in my cluster. Clearing it from the scanner did the trick but only for the meantime. i found out that the boot going to the throttle body is a bit loose so tightened it and the X runs smoother and strong. However, after few days the message is there again. this time it appears when i'm on a downshift especially 2nd or 1st gear or on a complete stop. cleared the message by turning off and on ignition but sometimes it doesn't even engage to 1st gear then 'Trans Failsafe Prog' message appear. prior to this, few months ago the cluster always displays this message then sent it to the dealer for a software update and the message disappeared. but the last few days it's driving me crazy... I have the GT1 but is off to the seller for replacement, never had a chance to use it for diagnosis. my other obd scanner pulled a code referring to Camshaft position A but it showed only once. work done so far to trace this issue was cleaned the MAF and throttle body with a brake cleaner. replaced one camshaft sensor (passenger side of the engine)....

thanks for any help in advance.

cheers,
royemaun

:dunno: anyone care to help?

Royemaun - I think the transmisison message and the cam positioning messages are two separate issues. I know the scan tool I have doesn't do the codes for the transmission, they need to be done at the dealer

JohnD,

Last night I worked late on my X5 to narrow down the possibilities for this particular issue and as advised by my friend who is working for Land Rover here, I swapped the cam sensor which was taken from the left side (now new one is installed) and placed it on the right side of the engine (btw the cam sensor on the right that was taken out is not exactly the same as on the left - but the cam sensor fits just fine). This morning 7am, drove about 15kms (highway - drop the kids to school) and i've noticed a difference as the 'Trans Failsafe Prog' message did not show up till i was caught in a traffic on my way back to the office. the otherside of the road is always congested (that's the scenario each day) in which the gear would only shift 1st to 2nd and maybe 3rd. then like after 5km the trans failsafe prog is back. cleared the code when i arrived in the office @ 8:45am, drove the car few kms without the transfailsafe @12noon then going back to office after an hour without any issue. I was thinking if there is any procedure for the trans to learn my driving habbit? (not the trans reset).

thanks

The transmission failsafe problem has nothing to do with the engine, but will be either a problem with the transmission itself, a sensor the transmission reads, or something in the DSC system (if you have that light as well). So the OBD code reader is not of any help for the transmission problem.

I'd either wait till you have the GT1 back so you can read the faults fron the transmission control module or bring it in to the dealer for diagnosis.

And the transmission learning your driving habits has nothing to do with the failsafe message you are getting, that is caused by a fault that needs to be found and fixed.

I had that problem and brought it to the shop fixed the little things and now it came back but this time worst i have no 1st gear ( so i have to start off in 2nd) and i have no reverse at all ( so i have to put it in reverse and get out the car and push to get out of a parking in NYC)

My OBD code reader pulled a P0715 Input Turbine/Speed Sensor(A)Circuit Malfuntion code everytime the Trans Failsafe Prog message appears is this something i should look at? However, the dealer have diagnosed the X couple of months ago with the same problem and made an update to the trans software and the issue was solved.
Also i remember two weeks ago i've noticed that when running beyond 120kph the DSC/Brake indicator would lit on the cluster but not showing any trans error msg. and is not the case right now.

thanks

I would need to know the BMW fault codes stored in the DME, DSC and EGS to make any kind of accurate deductions... You may be able to call the dealer and have them fax you a copy of the faults/diagnostic report from that last visit.

oh no, i must have placed the report somewhere, i will try to locate it. the dealer gave me like 4 pages printout of the test but they don't keep records of report that's for sure, they only keep records of what has been done on the car. i'm not 100% sure if that is what you are looking for otherwise i would have to wait for my GT1 to give a new diagnosis report.
so far the X is not showing the annoying transfailsafe msg., only once this morning since i've changed the cam sensors.

thanks

royemaun, are you in Riyadh or Jeddah?