After a year with our 2011 535i, the first diagnostic challenge has appeared: the "Driveline Malfunction" message. This shows up after I accelerate gently but firmly to merge into traffic lanes. It happens when I'm especially careful not to force a downshift under acceleration - so as not to disturb SWMBO. After switching off and restarting, the message disappears.
My very basic scan tool doesn't read a code, but instead flashes its yellow question-mark light and also flashes the "EV" icon. The scan tool owner's manual states that some monitors can't fully communicate with OBD until they have gone through a drive cycle that includes "enabling criteria". Google provides such a cycle, one that includes 4 steps:
1. Idle cold for 2 minutes, 10 seconds
2. Hold 20-30 mph for 3 minutes, 15 seconds
3. Hold 40-60 mph for about 15 minutes
4. Stop and idle in gear for about 5 minutes
Searches here and in the 5 series DIY have shed no light on drive cycle criteria, and only a few random comments about the "Driveline Malfunction" message.
Is performing this cycle likely to give my scan tool a code, or should I just go out and replicate the earlier maneuvers that caused the message to appear? Going to a dealer is not an option, although more sophisticated scanners can be borrowed.
Suggestions, war stories, witty cracks are all welcomed.
tia, rford
Ps. After a dozen or so BMW's, only two have been trouble-free: a 1968 R69S and an e91 325iX. All problems on the others have eventually been resolved without a trip to the dealer, so I have reason to expect an eventual solution this time, too.
My very basic scan tool doesn't read a code, but instead flashes its yellow question-mark light and also flashes the "EV" icon. The scan tool owner's manual states that some monitors can't fully communicate with OBD until they have gone through a drive cycle that includes "enabling criteria". Google provides such a cycle, one that includes 4 steps:
1. Idle cold for 2 minutes, 10 seconds
2. Hold 20-30 mph for 3 minutes, 15 seconds
3. Hold 40-60 mph for about 15 minutes
4. Stop and idle in gear for about 5 minutes
Searches here and in the 5 series DIY have shed no light on drive cycle criteria, and only a few random comments about the "Driveline Malfunction" message.
Is performing this cycle likely to give my scan tool a code, or should I just go out and replicate the earlier maneuvers that caused the message to appear? Going to a dealer is not an option, although more sophisticated scanners can be borrowed.
Suggestions, war stories, witty cracks are all welcomed.
tia, rford
Ps. After a dozen or so BMW's, only two have been trouble-free: a 1968 R69S and an e91 325iX. All problems on the others have eventually been resolved without a trip to the dealer, so I have reason to expect an eventual solution this time, too.
