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Transmission codes being thrown

17K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  markusmarkus  
#1 ·
My transmission has been going into limp mode these past few months. It happens when the car shifts from 2nd to 3rd shift, then transmission slips around going into limp-mode or other known as fail-safe.:evil: I finally got a scanner that is compatible with pa soft and the i have found what codes i have. Someone please give me some knowledge of these codes to help me know whether or not i will need a new/used transmission. Thanks, Sterek :thumbup:


95 [149]
38 [056]
31 [049]
35 [053]
41 [065]
Any chance those codes came with descriptions? I know PA Soft does.
 
#3 ·
First order of business with any transmission related problem is to verify the proper fluid level and then also make sure there are no contributing DME or ABS codes or problems.

As mentioned, first rule of asking and getting help is to provide code definitions and when possibly a complete scan attached, linked or pasted into the thread.

More information is never a bad thing.
 
#5 ·
Be advised that BMW sourced automatic transmissions from GM of France and ZF of Germany. They are different transmissions!! The GM unit uses Dexron3 or newer fluid. The ZF unit uses a different, more expensive fluid. How to tell which transmission is in your car? The GM unit has a fluid pan with smooth sides. The ZF unit has a fluid pan with ribbed sides.

Checking the fluid level requires that the transmission be at or near operating temperature. Then, the fill plug is removed. The fluid needs to be barely dribbling out.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Checking the fluid level requires that the transmission be at or near operating temperature. Then, the fill plug is removed. The fluid needs to be barely dribbling out.
IMPORTANT CAVEAT!!!

Fluid plug is ONLY removed while engine is running! You check and fill fluid with the engine running. DO NOT stick you finger or anything else in the fill hole either.

DO NOT remove the transmission fill plug with the engine off.
 
#17 ·
The wheel speeds (all 4) are sent into the ABS/DSC module. One of them (RT. Rear?) is used by the DSC and then it's also sent back out for use by the instrument cluster, the radio and also the CAN. The powertrain (PT) CAN uses the speed signal for the very heavy interdependence of engine load, road speed, engine rpm etc.

The DME & the EGS use these signals to make decisions about what gear to be in and how much/or little. Down 1 gear, down two etc.

If the CAN interface is likely not receiving the road speed signal, soit can't make decisions about how to shift properly?
The first step would be to verify all 4 speed signals going INTO the DSC unit.
Then further verifying that there is a speed signal coming back out of the DSC to the PT CAN.