Hi Everyone!
My 1993 5351 (177k) needed a jump because I carelessly shut the trunk lid and it didn't shut all the way and the light stayed on and ran down the battery. I couldn't get it jumped until the next day, and it started right away, it hadn't completely run down as clock had the right time.
As I put it into reverse, a strange thing happened! It felt like I was blocked by something! The highway assistance guy thought my parking brake was on, but no, and he ended up having me put in neutral and pushed me out of my parking spot so I could get home. On the way home at red lights with no one behind me it had no problem going into reverse!
The same thing happened the next morning....and has intermittently continued, once it is warm there is no problem.
I was stuck at work a couple of days later in the garage (it did it again) and I called the shop where I go and they talked me through checking the trans oil level, and it seemed very low although the car was cold. A guy at work gave me some fluid, we put some in and instantly it reversed JUST FINE! I then drove to the mechanic to check it, who said I am now overfilled, and they think the problem would come back tomorrow. BUT WHY? I think it must be an electrical issue since it occurred right after the jump, but what do I know?
So, there was no problem for a couple of days, but now the problem is back again. I can indeed slowly and painfully reverse, then drive and in a few minutes it shifts into reverse as pretty as you please. Sorry for this long explanation, but anyone have any ideas as to what is going on? THANKS so much!
The transmission is wearing out. Make sure you have the fluid level correct. The trans will not work properly if the fluid level is incorrect.
I don't usually reccomend doing a service on a failing trans because... they end up failing most of the time anyway. That is why you see people reccomending not to flush an old trans. They do not understand that them failure had already occurred, and the flush was a waste of money. You can do a fluid and filter swap though again, unlikely to fix it.
Sounds like a good time to start collecting parts for a manual trans swap
Thanks snowsled for your thoughts, but how depressing for me!.
Why though did this 'failure' not manifest before I had it jumped, it shifted up and down the SF hills as smooth as silk!
And btw it's an automatic....is that relevant?
I suspect the jump start and the trans acting up are not related at all, just coincidence.
Doesn't sound like a shifter issue if you were able to select neutral. I guess it is possible something electrical was cooked in the jump. Reference the Bentley manual, I am not completely familiar with the auto trans on these cars.
I knew yours was an automatic because manual transmission cars do not have those kinds of failures:angel:
My previous 92 E34 did the same thing at 256K miles. It was not long thereafter before reverse went out completely. I hope yours is something less serious.
yes! please tell this girl how to 'pull codes' and what happens if trans oil is 'overfilled'. I am eager to learn how to keep from being a full time pedestrian again. What do you think of Lucas transmission product? Would it be something worth trying at this point? Thanks to all...
Roberto, I think you misinterpreted the tenor of my question. I was not asking sarcastically but seeking information. Take it as you will. I have just never seen codes for transmission problems that could be obtained by a typical owner, especially via the stomp test, of which you have instructed multiple people multiple times.
I'm sure that BMW dealers and/or higher level independent BMW mechanics have a computer system that can query the TCM for codes. I just thought you knew of a code check for the transmission that I was not aware of.
Roberto, I think you misinterpreted the tenor of my question. I was not asking sarcastically but seeking information. Take it as you will. I have just never seen codes for transmission problems that could be obtained by a typical owner, especially via the stomp test, of which you have instructed multiple people multiple times.
I'm sure that BMW dealers and/or higher level independent BMW mechanics have a computer system that can query the TCM for codes. I just thought you knew of a code check for the transmission that I was not aware of.
Steve sir, I apologise if I came across as being too defensive. You know that I will sic Bentley's ghost on anyone who dares to offend me, so you wouldn't dream of it. In truth, I don't personally like the process of fixing problems by deleting codes. Its too much of a chance factor for me, and even when it does work, sucks, because it shows that the car has weird mood unexplained mood swings etc.
To clarify, there are indeed transmission codes, whether they appear in the stomp test or not. They can be seen on bmw dis and peak readers (and probably carsoft too). I don't know of any other way to extract or derive usable transmission codes at this point.
Sometimes, merely deleting codes fixes a problem, especially one that seems to be unprovoked by any specific action/inaction. Before deleting the codes, they should be read and noted down in case useful information is present. After codes are deleted, the codes should be reread a few days later after some driving in between to see if any codes that appeared earlier are repeated. Codes that are repeated deserve scrutiny and action if they are judged to be important.
Codes should be one of the first things to be pulled in the process of diagnosing or gaining visibility on anything, as they are too easy to do if the stomp test works on one's E34. I forget this too often in my recommendations and so I try to start off with this one first nowadays.
As an aside, I just encountered an android friendly bluetooth OBD2 code reader adaptor on ebay ! The adaptor connects to the car and interfaces with the smartphone through the bluetooth receiver on the phone. The phone has a free downloadable software that can display codes. Hot stuff man !!! Unfortunately they don't seem to have an OBD1 version but I'm positive that its just around the cornere.
Wow there is a lot of brilliance on this forum! I plan to carve out some time to read, re-read, and make practical application of your thoughtful responses! Exciting! But...any thoughts about Lucas trans fluid stuff?
I will let you know what I find out when I do these diagnostics...I am determined to get to the bottom of this mystery! Thanks ever so much!
Your transmission is dying. You have classic symptoms prior to completely losing reverse. Accept it, plan for either a rebuild or a used junkyard trans. This is quite common on auto trans cars of this age.
Overfilling the trans usually only results in the fluid exiting the dipstick tube and making a mess, or leaking from the trans pan seal, making a mess. It is unlikely to harm the trans. I do not know the proper procedure on these cars, mine is a manual. Some models have no dipstick and require you to remove the drain plug while running:dunno: Point being, just make sure it is correct per the manuals procedure.
I would not bother with mechanic in a bottle. It will not fix the problem. You have an impending trans failure, probably a broken reverse band.
Hello friends!
Again this morning a tough minute or two of reverse and then reverse as smooth as silk. I have an appointment with Hans' german car shop to check and clear all error messages, only 70$ and seems like a place to start. Autozone won't do it in California (heard that they do elsewhere).
I am curious...if indeed the tranny is failing, and I realize that is a real possibility, then why the symptom only when the engine is cold? What is the science behind that phenomenon?
Thanks again...this is really kind of fun.
Oh and I just realized that on my initial post I have a typo! My car is a 1990 535i, not 1993....silly me. Doesn't make a difference with your sage advice, does it?
Ok Roberto...sounds like a very expensive path lays ahead of me...but I will start checking. I am so hoping that deleting error codes and making sure I have the proper trans fluid level will miraculously solve the issue...you never know....
But I do look forward to your parallel research.
thanks,
joanne
I belive this was the latest post from the OP. You tell me, it looks like the proper level inspection is still pending to me.
Bobby, better watch how you twist my words. I mentioned that overfilling can be an issue as well. At no time has anyone insinuated that she overfilled the trans.
Everyone agrees that a proper fluid level inspection and correction is FIRST. No point in any other discussion until this is done.
Steve sir if you can spare a few minutes, would you mind detailing how the reverse gear in your former e34 went out, the leadup to it, and any advice you received from techs about that which you feel is correct. Perhaps it can help us understand this a bit better.
Steve sir if you can spare a few minutes, would you mind detailing how the reverse gear in your former e34 went out, the leadup to it, and any advice you received from techs about that which you feel is correct. Perhaps it can help us understand this a bit better.
Well, let me see if I can remember. The car had 256K on the original transmission. It was regularly serviced by a good independent mechanic (this was my pre-diy days for BMW).
It began as follows. In the mornings upon first start up, I would place the car in reverse and there was just a slight delay in gear engagement at first ... perhaps a 2-3 second delay. Once warmed up, it would engage fine. This went on for maybe a week or so. It was quite some time ago so I am unclear on the time frames. The problem progressively got worse with the delays lasting as long as up to 10 seconds. Finally, it would just not go into reverse at all. All forward gears worked fine. I tried Lucas transmission treatment prior to it letting go completely and don't recall seeing any improvement.
I was told by the indy mech that this was a known problem with these transmissions and would need to be rebuilt or replaced. I'm sorry but I don't remember what specifically he said was the actual problem. I don't have enough knowledge of transmission internals to even take a stab at it.
The car also needed a new aux fan and I was told that the combined repair would be approximately $4300, so I just salvaged it for $600 If I had only known then what I know now. I would likely have done a 5 speed swap and changed the aux fan myself.
I can't speculate on what OP's problem is (due to my limited knowledge of the tranny internals), but I agree that a proper fluid level check is paramount, and if the fluid level is correct, then I agree with BMWFF about going to a transmission specialist rather than a BMW mechanic. Looking back, my indy mech may have just not wanted to mess with it or he may have been giving me some good fatherly advice based on his experience.
If the tranny slip light has not come on it is not a band or broken component problem. I think you will find it will be a selector / valve body/ solenoid / 'o' ring issue. You need a tranny specialist rather than a BMW specialist. Most stealers don't seem to be either one of those.....
It seems like some transmission issues could be caused by other unrelated problems.
Jo, I would like you to clean your throttle position switch. Its a little switch with a connector that is right to the right of the throttle body. Unplug, clean with electrical contact cleaner, blow dry, add dieletric grease to both switch and connector, replug, say a hail mary, then start the car and see if the problem remains.
This is an extremely long shot at this stage of course but what the hell the tranny seems to have alot of weird **** going on judging by the forum posts above, so anything could be possible.
The position of the tps (throttle position sensor) can also be found in pictures within the pages of the bentley manual.
It would hardly be uncommon for a car of this age to have leaking trans cooler lines. Over time it adds up to a low fluid situation and probably a rust free undercarrige!
Sounds like the fluid is OK, for sure now.
Time to start planning for a trans replacement, it is giving you a warning, you are on borrowed time...
Hi all!
Trans fluid level has been checked when engine warm, it's perfect, and mechanic said fluid "looks clean". As of yesterday morning it surprisingly reversed fine even when engine cold, we will see what today brings. Inspection forthcoming!
Update from me, the OP.
It's been so rainy and cold I haven't done anything but some research, wait for the car to get warm every morning and cautiously put in reverse...it's been ok, until today when reverse was still weird even after the car was warm, and then first and second gear sounded terrible, increased rpm's and for the first time 'transmission program' error message. Pulled over and disconnected battery (still hoping it was some electrical issue spawned from the jump a couple of weeks ago-when this all started- and after 15 mins it drove fine (except reverse) and no message, and took it to the shop. They checked fluid and this time it was a little low. Reverse was fine at that point and they told me to come back if there were problems as they were busy until wednesday. A friend and I took for a drive, and it seemed to slip a little bit (to my friend, seemed fine to me) but when parked the reverse issue was back. We took it back to the shop and all the mechanics gathered round with sad faces as we do fear the worst....
So strange that there was no sign/symptoms of tranny problems before that fateful jump!
I will update you later in the week...and thanks everyone for your concern and taking the time to write on this thread, it's much appreciated.
A sad pedestrian,
joanne
Yes, I am going to start calling around and pricing things as I am now on foot so can't get to work at the moment! I think I need a shot of whiskey first however to calm my nerves
Hi BMWFF...the 'trans program' light come on today and just briefly. I pulled over and disconnected the battery for 15 mins and then restarted and it never came on again, and drove ok except reverse. But it scared me enough to take it to the shop. Is that what you mean by tranny slip light? The place I took it to has done a lot of work on it the past 3 years, they are 'bmw specialists', but not dealers. They are planning to read codes this wednesday.
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