All I can tell you is that others did this:
- How people tested & resolved transmission "Trans Failsafe Program", aka "Limp Mode" (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16)

ill540i said:

transmission is in a limp mode

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Im being told that the problem most likely might be caused by the speed sensor

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Trans Prog Failsafe problems can be caused by sensors, a failing alternator or a failing tranny. Check your alternator. If that is fine, have the tranny reset. This requires a GT-1 or equivalent scanner. If the TPF recurs, then you have a tranny problem.

Thanks i will definately try to get it to the shop sometime next week,i have spoken to a mechanic over the phone and he said they will do all the diagnostics for free and from the codes i told him over the phone he says its most likely to be the speed sensor

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When you guys say 'speed sensor', which one are you talking about?

I think (but haven't checked) that there's one mounted on the transmission.

Is that the speed sensor you're talking about? Or a wheel speed sensor?

ill540i said:

he says its most likely to be the speed sensor

Click to expand...

Its the sensor mounted on the transmission

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Thanks. I should add a picture of that to the pictures of all parts of the E39 thread. I can dig it up if it's out there.

ill540i said:

Its the sensor mounted on the transmission

Click to expand...

That would be very helpfull

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Probably the input or output sensor.

Good video for overview of your tranny:

Thanks dvsgene

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See also:
- How to locate, test, and replace the speed sensor mounted on the automatic transmission (1)

I took my car in and they said that solenoids need to be replaced also

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