JustAnswer > BMW
Ask A Question|Register|Login|Help
JustAnswer

BMW
Ask a BMW Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

Have your own BMW question?

12 BMW Mechanics are Online Now
characters left:
Not a BMW Question?
Bookmark and Share

Question

my mums BMW x5 2003 model just stalled on the freeway tonight. She had a warning flash up saying "failure: computer malfunction" or something along those lines, and would longer get speed when stepping on the accelerator until it rolled to a stop. The car engine still runs and all sounds normal when the ignition is switched on, but it wont recognise Drive or Reverse when you step on the accelerator. Any idea's what the problem may be at all??? Thanx heaps :-)

Submitted: 71 days and 13 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $20
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
+
Read More

Optional Information

Year: 2003
Make: BMW
Model: x5

Already Tried:
turning the engine on and trying to accelerate in Drive or Reverse.

Posted by rpmdiag 71 days and 13 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXX,

 

That engine light coming on is our ONLY clue at this point, because it set a code in the computer system that we need to get out. A scan tool or code reader will be needed to do this. Most parts stores will read the codes for FREE for you. There are literally hundreds of possible codes that can set, that's why it's so important.

 

Thanks for your question,

 

Ron



Edited by rpmdiag on 9/10/2009 at 2:21 PM

71 days and 13 hours ago.

Reply

The engine light did not come on. the main clue here is the fact that when the x5 came to rest, the car was still operable, however the car when put on reverse or drive gear (Auto), the engine was still running with no movement of the car, in other words drive gear and reverse gear not operating. What has the computer in the x5 got to do with the driving gears hence the original message was a Malfunction in the computer.

Accepted Answer

The light I refered to was the same as you did, there are codes stored in the computer right now that can direct us what to do next. It's all guess work without the codes. The transmission shifting is controlled by the computer system.

 

Thanks again,

 

Ron

Picture
Expert: rpmdiag
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/10/2009

ASE Certified Technician

33 years experience in driveability for domestics and imports, also a professional Instructor

71 days and 13 hours ago.

Reply

Great. Thank you, so the computer runs the transmission then. Thank you for your help. Cheers :-)

Posted by rpmdiag 71 days and 13 hours ago.

Answer

Yes, there are shift solenoids inside the transmission.

 

Thanks again,

 

Ron

+
Read More

Related BMW Questions

  • my keys are locked in the trunk and its sunday any ideas
  • Have 95 325is; was in 5th gear at 80mph @ 3000rpm tried to
  • hello
  • I HAVE A1996 328 E36 , CAN I REMOVE THE CAT-CONVERTOR TO MAK...
  • Need some help with a part for my car
  • i own a 328i, and my passenger side seat is reclined and won...
  • Hi Folks, Mini Cooper 1.6, 2002. My wife own's a mini
  • i have a 93 740i, i punched the drivers side console switch



Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Question List | Become an Expert | Terms of Service | Security & Privacy | About Us
© 2003-2009 JustAnswer Corp.