4.4i 2003 55k transmission failsafe prog
 

Hi all.

I keep getting the message transmission failsafe prog, it hapens before i even crank the engine. When I turn the key to start there is a 'ding' and the message appear. I can then either turn the key off and on a few times and the message will clear, or I can drive a couple of hundred yards ( seems to be stuck in about 3rd) then turn off and on and all is fine. the message has never appeared whilst driving, and the drive seems fine. Will go the rest of the day including re-starts with out the error.

Any help would be welcomed.

Forgot to mention, had a new battery fitted by the dealer last week, hoping that it was a low voltage problem.

I had the same problem last month , I replaced the battery and the alternator and the problem went away. X5 are so sensitive when the voltage drops below 13.8v when the engine is on.

Yep I went straight for the battery, but mine is doing it before the engine starts. As if the system is sensing something wrong.

Yea test your voltage. Either buy a cig lighter volt meter, or search here how to unlock obc, then run voltage test while driving. You could very likely have a bad voltage regulator. That is sadly attached to the alternator.

Many thanks, I will try and test the voltage. Do you still feel it could be that eventhough it shows the error before starting and it shows it with a brand new battery?

Try to Clear the code.

Yes I do. Do you get the error before the car even tries to start, or as the car is starting?

I can get the code to clear by turning off and on maybee 4 or 5 times then I can start without the code. Next morning turn on the key, error message.

Took it to the dealers today.

They have told me that it is the 'gearbox pressure actuator' and that I need a replacement gearbox at thousands of pounds.

Should I believe them?????