engine code help please
 

Ok, I have two 03 X5's. One is 4.4 with 92K and the other is a 4.6 with 74K on the clock.

The 4.4 had a check engine light on so I borrowed a diagnostic computer and the code was P2189 System to lean @ idle speed bank 2. I went ahead and cleared it but anyone.....

The 4.6 code was P0741 Torque converter CKT performance or stuck off
Anyone???

Also I am in the market for one of these diagnostic tools, and know they can be purchased from around $40 to over $200. Anyone have a good recommendation???

Thanks in advance for your help.

Anyone want to offer some insight, please!
 

Anyone!!!

For the 4.4i it is a vacuum leak or other source of unmetered air, check the obvious places first like the crankcase vent hoses at the back of the engine etc.

For the 4.6is it is a torque converter fault, and the 4.6is is known for having the torque converter go out over the years... It may be worth having the diagnosis done with BMW diagnostic software to get the BMW codes stored in the DME and EGS. I would want to know the faults stored in the tranny module the most as it is either the TC itself or a solenoid/control problem...

Weasel, thanks for the quick reply. ON the 4.4 can you enlighten me aobut how to try to find a leak, will it be somehing visable like a crack in the hose, or is there something really obvious that I should do or look for?

The 4.6 has the Dinan Stage II software, CAI and MAF meter.I know from some posts that some Dinan equipment can cause faults. The software chip wouldn't cause a faulty reading on the torque converter would it? Are there any obvious symptoms if the TC is going out? Are there shifting issues, noises, or other symptoms that might indicate it is a true TC problem?

Your wisdom and your time are greatly appreciated. Unfortunately I am a couple of hours away from a BMW dealership and not sure if any of the other Indies have the diagnostic equipment but I will make some calls tomorrow. If I come up with anything I will let you know. Thanks so much.

The thing with the vacuum leak is it can be caused by quite a few things, but the first thing and most common is those vent hoses. And if it is those it will be apparent when you look at them, they can collapse on themselves and get the consistency of clay.

Sometimes when the TC is going out, especially with the 4.6is it gets a whine under load that sounds kinda like a supercharger whine.

I had a p0741, cleared it and it hasn't come back but plan on doing the solenoid, filter, and fluid soon. I get a whistle under load in between shifts, some say its normal but we will see if there is a difference. Should have had a local member with gt1 scan it for me :/

Weasel, again many thanks. I will check the vacuum hose this weekend. The only whining I hear from the 4.6 is my wife telling me to slow down.

Seriously tho fortunately I have not heard what you describe. I am going to monitor it and see if it happens again. In the meantime I am going to buy myself an ODBII diagnostic device, any reccomendations??

Hey J, thanks for the heads up. Can you tell me more about changing the solenoid and filter. Is this a DIY for a mechanically challenged guy? Is there a good link on this?

When I bought the 4.6 about a year ago, I had the fluids changed at the dealer, brake,, coolant, etc., but I was under the impression that tranny fluids don't get changed so I did not have them do that.

Thanks again.

I really like this one since it has live data and good fault description.

Equus Products, INC.

There's a DIY on the trans fluid change, to do the filter u drop the trans pan, while ur there the solenoid is accessable, when I get to do it, I will try and take pics.