I have checked the fluid level which was fine. The solenoid replacement is a strong possibility. recently a nearby Indie mentioned the possibility after I described the symptoms, so I think I will give it a go, as otherwise its a great car! Question for Mike which is the TCC solenoid on the valvebody pics?

Thank you both for the help.
Jim

Hi JimG

I think this image may help you and they may be #3 and #4 :dunno:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...ctureLayer.jpg

Another image that I have in my archive suggests that the TCC solenoid is #4.

For the price, and if you are planning to keep the vehicle for a long time, I would suggest replacing both of the solenoids :dunno:

I will also offer that I have used AMSOIL Full Synthetic ATF in my E53/4.4i since 80K miles and now 113K miles with perfect performance and in my E46/330Xi as well from 80K to now 132K miles with similar results.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...EA/?zo=1173195

Mike

What does the original post mean that the torque converter be replaced without pulling the transmission?

That's without OPENING transmission.

Hi!
I'm having a odd issue with my e53 3.0d 01 BMW.


When cruising on the highway, at 100+ kph, the car will raise around 200 rpm from time to time. Especially if the is a small incline. There is no other noise or vibration during this.

I'm thinking atm. that the lockup solenoid might have lived out its life, but i thought i would ask you guys out when im planning of removing the pan anyway.

Fresh oil, with less than a 1000 km, and topped of per, instuctions.


Any thoughts?

Should throw a code of its locking/unlocking like that at cruise for no reason.



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Hi. Thanks for the reply.

My thought initially. But I dont know what would trigger trans. Failsafe, Im not an expert on automatics in general, but understand them on a basic level.

Another question.
How is the solenoid triggered?
If the solenoid is triggered by 12v, or ground for that matter. How sensetive is the solenoid for a possible voltage drop?, say if the 12v supply has been slighty damaged? Maybe 5v, but you get the idea.

Battery is brand new, and car starts up with no issue, even when it has been sitting for 2 weeks, when im travling at work

It may not give you fail safe.
I had my valve body rebuilt on my 6HP tranny. They said the solenoid and the pressure regulator cylinder bore was all worn out.
It would throw a code for TC stuck open and closed. What would happen is if accelerate and the TC wouldn't unlock on command. It would throw a Service light and the code from the TCM was torque converter stuck open and close.

Some times it would do it. And it notice the higher rpm cruising and it would not give a service light on the dash. Then later in the day, it would appear.

So I'd say you should 100% have a code, at least with the TCM.
I don't know the solenoid voltage but they seem to go bad all the time. If it's just a lazy slow reacting solenoid. Maybe you won't have a hard code?


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If it is a transmission problem our resident expert is RRPHIL. If he doesn't provide input you could PM him.

03 4.4 transmission issues
 

I drive a 2003 x5 4.4. My rpm started bouncing a tiny bit in 3-5 gear when it is above 2000 rpm not as much in higher rpm but it happens. It will also go into transmission fail safe mode at some point while driving it. Is this the torque converter? It shifts smoothly and downshifts smoothly.