BMW E32 Trans Program Error

[Gumis E32]

hello, a few days ago my car (740iL) has the trans program error, I read a lot about but I got no specific response - what is it and where it came from

1st gear is good, 2nd is shaking and error and I know the car is riding on 4th gear

after restart engine is same story

reverse is good,

I need to replace the transmission?

what is really a problem

sorry for another topic but i dont know what it is...thank you

[Actros617]

Trans Program is usualy a eletrical issue with the transmission valve body or the solonoids in there had an error and triggers the transprogram, you need to remove and rebuild that valve body and give it a new fresh filter and fluid you dont have to replace the transmission.

[Gumis E32]

can i buy somewhere new valve body???

[Avec]

Also check for faulty speed sensors in the wheels. The trans error fault is an electrical problem, not a problem with the transmission itself.

[93 BMW 740i]

When I had a Trans Prog error, I replaced the MAF and it turned off.

[Avenolpey]

Trans Prog Error to quote Shogun "can be many things" sometimes not related to the transmission at all. It is simply a way to protect the drive train when the computer senses something out of spec. In my case the O2 sensor connector is the intermittent problem.

[zener]

My "trans program" message was gone after I replaced my battery. Voltage dropped too much while starting.

[Bimmerman4ever]

When I had a Trans Prog error, I replaced the MAF and it turned off.

When I was diagnosing a problem, when I pulled the plug to the MAF it would trigger a Trans Program display

Of course, it clears itself once plugged back in and car is restarted
( I don't have tranny issues, rebuilt a couple years ago)

[tinkjns01]

Hello, i'm a newbie to the site I have the same issues(1992 735il) only it won't even move at all when in gear, does this mean i need to replace the transmission? Thanks in advance

[Avec]

Confirm that moving the shift lever is actually moving the lever on the transmission. With the cable off the lever, you can move it with your hand and feel it click into each gear position. If the transmission lever is moving with the shift lever, then you have a more serious transmission problem

[shogun]

Troubleshooting Transmission Repair
There are a few words in the language of auto repair that make car owners want to crawl back into bed, and "transmission" is at the top of the list. There's something about that mysterious box underneath your car that incites fear. Unfortunately, most repair shops know this, and will take advantage of the situation by reaching deep into your pocket.
http://www.zf-parts.com/troubleshooting.htm

the fault finding tree
http://www.tpub.com/content/construc...222-350022.htm

copied: Potential Transmission Problems

Potential problems can have a variety of sources and causes – their result being the incapacitation of your vehicle, rendering it useless and notably it will grind to a halt and damage is imminent and unavoidable, if you do not act with immediacy.

Fluids, leaks, mechanical failure, sensors and/or controls could all be part of your transmission troubleshooting. Here are a couple possible suggested solutions. Basic Automatic transmission problems that have been identified as commonplace are:

Fluid leakage, caused by possibly a defective pan gasket, loose filler tube or extension housing to transmission case, or a converter housing area leakage.
Fluid flowing out of the oil filler tube might be due to a high fluid level, the breather vent, oil filter or screen may be clogged, or internal fluid leakage.
A transmission unit that overheats and a has strong burned odor to the fluid may be caused by a low fluid level, fluid cooler lines that are clogged, or heavy pulling with insufficient cooling, even a faulty oil pump or internal slippage.
Buzzing or whirring noises, can also be attributed to low fluid levels in some cases or even a defective torque converter or scored gears.
No forward or reverse gears or slippage in one or more of the gears and even delayed or erratic shifts. Any of these problems may be due to low fluid levels, defective vacuum linkage controls, internal clutch or band failure, broken vacuum lines or an internal malfunction.
Repair advice for Transmissions and abovementioned troubleshooting coping strategies/interventions

For most of the abovementioned problems, there are suggested methods of dealing with them effectively.

For fluid leakages, we suggest replacing the gasket, tightening pan bolts, tube nuts, all bolts and perhaps even having the transmission checked and/or tested professionally. Also check fluid levels, open the breather vent, replace filter, clean the screen and change fluids if deemed necessary.

For more serious transmission problems like overheating and burning smells, consider checking and correcting fluid levels, draining and refilling the transmission fluids. If the problem persists however, cooler lines may have to be cleared or even replaced. Installation of transmission oil cooler is another viable option. Professional care and repair may also be required at this point, by a professional transmissions specialist.

Regular care and transmission maintenance is critical to the optimal performance of your transmission and vehicle overall. Checking and correcting the fluid levels, is always a good first line of defense and in all serious transmission related problems, it is considered prudent to having the transmission dealt with by a professional. Automatic transmission replacement might even be recommended or required.

Given the proper attention the automatic transmission will provide guaranteed miles of hassle-free driving, minor problems can almost always be attributed to low fluid levels. Driver awareness to changes in the operation of the transmission, or early prevention so to speak, can avoid problems down the line. Let our expertise and personal attention serve your transmission repair and or transmission replacement needs today.

Aside from changing the fluids and filters, tightening nuts and bolts, repair or overhaul of the automatic transmission is best left up to a trained and skilled professional with the expertise to install, inspect, test and run, declare safe and ready for use! Specialist tools and equipment are required to do this properly (hydraulic pressure testers, electronic scanning tools for retrieval of failure codes, numerous testing equipment, special jacks and even hydraulic tables are required for transmissions repair – some of which are extremely heavy).

Transmission fluids should be checked every 6000 miles or so (roughly every six months.

Installation and/or repair throes and woes – in the thick of it

If you do so choose to go it alone, our ready-to-use and install, turnkey transmission kits and applications, are there to answer your call to action! No matter the scope of work or who is doing it, safety is also important. Some general tips would include:

Ensuring that the vehicle is on a level surface, transmission in park and the engine running for checking fluid levels, waiting for it to cool down somewhat if it has just done a major run/haul is advisable.

Move the transmission through the gears and then back to park. Dipstick readings should be done accurately and repeat measurements prudent to eliminate error. Guard against overfilling as this may cause you great heartache like slippage, seal damage and overheating. Do not learn the hard way!

In addition, if there is discoloration or any odor to the transmission fluid, BEWARE, it is trying to tell you something. You are best served to have a technician or transmissions specialist trace, locate, verify and rectify the cause of the burnt fluid – the root of the problem. Cause and effect analysis and testing is a great way to ensure the optimal functioning of your transmission.
Other tips would include:

checking for leaks, changing the fluid and filters regularly and
taking care not to damage the transmission case or oil pan sealing surfaces,
being careful when cleaning the transmissions case, as they are usually made of aluminum and are easily scored, which again may lead to leaks and spell more trouble down the road!
Clearances, exact fit, matching and OEM standards are key for ensuring optimal performance and power delivery
Having transmission work/installations tested and inspected by qualified professionals is a necessity and will guarantee the safe operation of your vehicle, as well as the longevity of your transmission – taking good care of your investment, is also a priority for us.

http://www.rebuiltautotransmissions....eshooting.html

[Gumis E32]

what about EML ??? i have light on cluster but I never see it blinking or lighting.

off EML = trans error????

[shogun]

740 does not have EML, yours throttling valves has a bowden cable, not an electric motor and EML module.

[Gumis E32]

ohh thanks a lot you r the best

[94bimmer740il]

my trans error got fixed when i added some trans fluid..true story. and im very happy. its been a month so far

[Gumis E32]

i think i need add some fluid too...

better is add fluid or change fluid???

[shogun]

well, changing fluid the DIY and in most shops way is just draining the oil pan and changing the filter. That means that from your total volume in the trans system with trans, pipings to trans oil cooler, oil cooler for trans fluis and the biggest volume torque converter you actually change less than half of total volume.
So people make it 2-3 times usually to get all out = change>dribe = mix again>>change and fill up again = more dilution with new one and so on.
I have heard from several members on Bimmerboard that they use Castrol Import Vehicle trans fluid and are happy with that
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224

CASTROL IMPORT MULTIVEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FOR USE IN MOST HONDA, TOYOTA, NISSAN AND OTHER IMPORTED VEHICLES.


■Recommended for use in vehicles that require:



■Honda, Acura — ATF–Z1 (except in CVTs)
■Toyota, Lexus — Type T, T–III, T–IV
■Nissan, Infiniti — Matic–D, Matic–J
■BMW — LA2634, LT71141
■Mitsubishi — Diamond SP–II, SP–III
■Hyundai — SP–II, SP–III
■Volvo

■Also meets requirements of
■ATF+3®, ATF+2®, ATF+®
■Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V (Not for use where MERCON® SP is required).
■General Motors DEXRON®–III H and prior (Not for use where DEXRON®–VI is required).
■Allison C–4

So just refilling to check if it improves is fine.

And this week I was discussing with the guys on the German E31 forum about oil change on transmission and they commented that the trans guru of ZF Germany, the famous Meister Sagert told them that he prefers to refill not at oil temp between 30-50 degree Celsius but at 18 degree C. That means by the lower trans fluid temp you get MORE fluid into the transmission than at 30-50. This is especially important for the 5HP30 as that has no filling dipstick opening from top but from bottom.
I will do that too in future, actually I anyway always fill it in at ambient temps, never at 40-50 degree C., because it is difficult to manage that to measure without special equipment, alsthough I have a non touch lazer temp feeler.

How they do it in ZF is shown here and there is Meister Sagert, many pics
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/527361

[billbarr]

thanks for posting the zf pics,
super cool