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Question

Bimmaster, I have a situation with my 1997 528i, I have 166k on the car. Recently I had the same issue back in Aug 09. My ABS, Traction control and transmission lights are on. The car will not shift into there respective gears. It seems as though it's starting in maybe 2 or three but will not change. I do not believe the transmission is bad. I changed the fluid and filter earlier this year. The last time this occurred I unplugged the relays (ABS and Others) under the left cabin filter housing. That seemed to do the trick.....it did not work this time. What might be the problem?

Submitted: 31 days and 15 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $20
Status: CLOSED
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Posted by bimmaster 31 days and 15 hours ago.

Answer

Your transmission is going into failsafe mode, meaning it's locked in 3rd gear to protect itself from damage. This occurs when there is a bad speed sensor, solenoid, or internal slippage from one or more clutches.
The only way to tell for sure what the problem is, is to have the fault codes read by a bmw shop, or dealer. Once the faults are read, you begin a diagnosis.

31 days and 15 hours ago.

Reply

Why is the Traction control and ABS lights coming on, i understand the transmission issue. Is it possible there could be freyed wires causing the issue?

Posted by bimmaster 31 days and 15 hours ago.

Answer

The traction control and abs units all share speed signals from the engine, and transmission control modules. So if one of those inputs is bad, or missing. It will turn on this lights too, because it cannot function properly with this fault.
Frayed wires could cause it, but it's rare unless there has been an accident or damage somehow. You would only be guessing without reading faults, thats time intensive.

30 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Where is the speed sensor located?

Accepted Answer

There is a speed sensor located inside the transmission, and also wheel speed sensors at each of the 4 wheels.

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Expert: bimmaster
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/23/2009

BMW Technician

3 years dealer experience, master bmw tech

Posted by bimmaster 30 days and 5 hours ago.

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Please let me know if this answers your question.
If so please use the green button to accept.
Thanks

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