Trans program message

:banghead: Hey Lincolnmaster; need your help again... My 89 735iL displayed the "trans program" message. Then, it just stop taking gears. So I let it sit for about 2 hours and tried it again. This time it took reverse well but nearly didn't take drive at all. Is this a computer glitch or can this be corrected by changing the filter and trans oil? Or should I start looking for a new tranny? I noticed the message a little earlier but payed little attention. Did I wait too long?

Sincerely,
Cajunboyla

Sorry mate, I didn't see this one here. I replied in the other post...but for everyone elses sake, I'll copy paste what I replied in the other thread...


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Before I explain in detail, here's a list of things to check:

1. Battery voltage (at the battery itself under the rear seat)
2. Tire pressure
3. The transmission program button next to the shifter stalk is clean and the contacts for the shifter stalk are clean and corrosion free.
4. Transmission wiring harness


Now then, those are the main things to check. Here comes the details.

1. Proper Battery Voltage: These cars are pretty sensitive to battery voltage. Anything less that about 10 volts, the car will do wierd things. Make sure the battery is good and has a stong voltage of about 12V, +/- .5 volts. Try the "magic reset" (found on the main 7-series forum), this method has been known to solve some problems. If the problems come back after the reset, it is because your computers have relearned the problem the car is suffering.

2. Correct Tire Pressure: If one tire is not properly inflated, the brake/ASC sensors will detect the lower pressure tire as spinning to fast because it has a smaller diameter and the car will shift improperly. However, you'd notice this symptom only when the car is in motion, as you've said the car doesn't go into gear at all to get moving. But it's still good to check these things!

3. Shifter Stalk/S-E-M selector: After 199,000km's, these two circuits have seen a lot of use. The one you're probably most concerned with, however, is the shifter stalk contacts. You can take this out by following the instructions on the web site below. Clean off with electrical contact cleaner and let dry COMPLETELY before reinstalling. Quick question: Is the gear displaying on your dash?

http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_13.htm


4. Transmission Wiring Harness: Located underneath the car, this sometimes can wriggle itself loose and become dirty. You'll have to jack the car up and crawl underneath. Of Course, if it is dirty, it's a good idea to clean it off now while you're there. Disconnect the battery before you clean off and, again, let dry completely before re-inserting. I'm not sure where this connector is...I'll look for some pictures or write ups to help you out...


As always, let us know what you find. These are just the basics to check first.
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Also, if you shut the car off for about a minute, and turn it back on, do the gears engage?

Okay Lincolnmaster; I followed your instructions and cleaned transmission program button next to the shifter stalk, checked and cleaned the Transmission wiring harness and the battery is brand new. However the tranny does nothing. The tire pressure is okay and the gear is displaying on the dash? But when I shut the car off for about a minute, and turn it back on, the gears engage. The car will take reverse immediately, but struggle to go into drive. And when I engage drive2 or drive3 it will hesitate and engage sluggishly. Is is time to begin looking for another tranny? :banghead: :frown: .

Sincerely,
cajunboyla

Not yet dude... :D At least you can say that those components are clean! It can be frustrating at times, but keep faith! You haven't exhausted every resource, yet!

You've probably checked the level of tranny fluid? When was the last time the fluid was replaced? You'd be surprised what low fluid would do.

There's a fellow over at the E32 RoadFly forums, his name (or his screenname, I'm not sure) is Kirt Koeller. He's the transmission guru! I mean, the god of the E32 transmissions! I wouldn't doubt if he even had a part in designing and assembling these things. There's also another guy screenname 'highline' who knows a lot about our cars too, so he's a good resource as well.

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e32

Registration is free. I don't post very often over there, but my screenname is 'bimmerman750il'. If you don't want to register, I can post over there in your behalf and link the responces on here, if you wish...but it's best if you do then you can answer any specific questions anyone has.

I guess if you wanted to start looking for a replacement one just to get one lined up if needed, then I suppose that wouldn't be a bad idea regarless if you needed it or not. That way, IF you can't get this problem sorted out, you won't have to spend as much time trying to find one.


But I know of same/similar problems being fixed without spending heaps of cash. Best suggestion is to contact Kirt first and see what he says...