94 540i 5hp30 no forward

[mrudisill]

Update:
All, thank you so much for you help and ideas.
I built the obd1 diag interface [ Thanks genphreak ] and I am working on getting the software to mesh. (I love this stuff)
I am confident that the valve body is 100% but will check line pressure soon.
I did not see anything problems or issues with the TCM, Thank god this is pre lead free!

genphreak,

1. Car is level, and followed proper procedure for fill. Check it a few times since and fluid level seems happy / consistent.
2. I used Fuchs Titan 3353.
3. Prior to the rebuild /repair, trans switch was not functional. Since clean out / repair switch works 100% and feel confident with the switch.

Once I check line pressure and pull codes (depending on the results from reading codes) and if things point to clutch slipping, I am ready to pull the trans out and rebuild it. I will take photos and create a 'how to' and post on this site as well. (As I learn - I share my knowledge freely)

Also, once I have the interface and software 100%, I will post an ISO image for others to utilize.

Thank you all again and will keep you updated.

[mattyb]

whiskeychaser, its funny I feel completely comfortable with engines, built a few before, love puling them apart etc but trannys just freak me out

[whiskychaser]

whiskeychaser, its funny I feel completely comfortable with engines, built a few before, love puling them apart etc but trannys just freak me out

I think most people feel the same way. If you have an auto box fail, you can do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv0onXhyLlE&feature=kp
Or you can find out what went wrong and fix it :-)

[632 Regal]

Transmissions are just big gray mystery boxes. Have a lot of room to spread everything out in order on a clean surface. Don't flip things over, just like if you scoop them up and pour them back in. Replace seals and frictions same way, don't disturb the order or flip things.

Clutches should be soaked in the proper fluid for a bit and then assembled. Do not rebuild with dry clutches in an auto trans!

[632 Regal]

Almost sounds like a selenoid was fubar and burned up clutches. Make sure those are good, replacing disks are for the most part kinda easy. MAKE SURE SELENOIDS are OK first!

[genphreak]

x2 on that!

Solenoids are common failures and the TCM can isolate them as a symptom/issue- but not always!

BTW, re the Fuchs 3353 fluid; it may be ok if your trans is a black-tag version, not green.

If black, you may want to try a BMW OE fluid such as:

BMW 83 22 9 407 765
BMW 83 22 9 407 807

... or the Castrol stuff version. This may be the same as the OE fluid.

(I use Castrol (Transmax Z, a green synthetic fluid) in all my black tag transmissions with great results/improved function)

[genphreak]

No worries, that's why we're here!

Very interested to see how you go with pulling the codes and any images you work-up. Good luck!

[genphreak]

Applicable more to >e38 and e39 5 and 7ers: there is a lot of CANbus hacking going on as the auto companies have not bothered to secure Controlled Area Networking in any way other than through their normal levels of apathy and by planning obsolescence. As such, obscurity is the only thing that keeps customer cars locked. Note sites like http://e46canbus.blogspot.com.au/ popping up all over

[genphreak]

Long discussion on CANbus hacking:

[mattyb]

oh man what this CANbus?