trans program query - will it ever be solved?

[mango]

Hi All,

I have been living with my "trans program" error for at least 12 months now, but am finally trying to resolve it. After about 5 weeks of searching and testing my mechanic now absolutely hates my car and has suggested I donate it to a wrecker.

I still have hopes of solving the issue for my '94 525i touring. I have the 5 speed ZF box which comes with the intermittent trans program error.

I'd love to know if other peoples symptoms are/were the same as mine and if they resolved the issue.

When Trans error comes on the gear indicator on the dash goes blank (ie doesn't indicate what gear your in) is this usual. Also with the error my car runs really roughly (almost backfires and misses) wheras when error is not trigerred it runs fine. Even when error is not on, its almost as if torque convetor doesn't lock up as its very sluggish to take off.

Has anyone had similar symptoms and a cure. We have tried various things speed sensor, loom, shift selector etc,but error still comes back. Mechanic has serviced/checked transmission and mechanicaly it appears to be perfect (car has only done 150,000 k's)

I do like my e34 of course, but the relationship is being severly tested. Any comments or experience would be much appreciated. Also, anyone in Brisbane with the same issue??

Many Thanks
Andrew

'94 525i Touring
Brisbane, Australia

[bmwrp8]

hope you tried this site already.http://bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/TransProgram.asp

[Ross]

Torque converter lock up isn't what you want when starting off, lock up occurs at cruise. Count the gear changes, maybe you aren't starting in first gear.
Your mechanic sounds overwhelmed and a guesser. Perhaps he would like to share the cost of his mistakes and refund all he has charged so may consider his suggestion to scrap the car.
Try to find a mechanic who has diagnosed these trannys before.

[whiskychaser]

Hi All,
When Trans error comes on the gear indicator on the dash goes blank (ie doesn't indicate what gear your in) is this usual. Also with the error my car runs really roughly (almost backfires and misses) wheras when error is not trigerred it runs fine. Even when error is not on, its almost as if torque convetor doesn't lock up as its very sluggish to take off.

Trans prog and the failing to show E or D etc is normal. I would say misfiring isnt. Even a low battery can trigger trans prog so it may not be the box after all. If it revs but doesnt go anywhere fast it could be low ATF level. Did you let it warm up/put on aircon/go through all the gears/get soaked in ATF when filling? If not it may want some more

[mango]

Thanks for replys everyone,

Yes I have researched all forums for answers and we have been trying to systematically work through potential issues. Its just that the intermittent nature of the beast really compounds the problem. Have tried to eliminate as many possibilities as we can. There has been some discussions on voltage drops causing the error so I will investigate voltage regulator a bit more. First thing we did however was installed new fully charged battery and there have been no probs with starting or power to other accessories.

My mechanic is actually a transmission specialist who has done a lot of euro boxes, and fortunately for me has taken on the challenge and done a lot of investigation in his own time.

I was thinking that having the dash gear selection indicator drop out might have pointed to a faulty selection switch, but then again maybe not.

Cheers
Andrew

[myles]

I saw a problem that may be similar. The car (89 525i) was having all sorts of what appears to be transmission problems that turned out to be the engine intermittently running rough. New plugs, leads, rotor and cap solved the problem.

The rough running caused a voltage drop that played tricks on the trans computer. This problem plus a failed fuseable link and the whole car went crazy.

If you put your car in neutral or park does the engine start running smoothly?