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Thread: Trans Fail-Safe Prog

  1. #1
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    Trans Fail-Safe Prog

    Hello all,
    I have searched this forum extensively and I have found several threads on my "Trans Fail-Safe Prog" error message. I have yet to figure out what the problem is. The message pops up when the key is turned to the second position and then stays on during driving for about two minutes, then it turns off. This car had been parked for two years and I have finally brought it back to life and this seems to be the last issue. Since I havent driven the car much and I have no history with it, I'm not sure how it should feel while driving; I'm not sure if it's running as it should. The car has brand new batteries and a list of other new items. Any ideas??

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    could be a bunch of things, but if the TFS goes away after a few minutes, I would check temp sensors (3 on the rear crossover pipe, 1 on each intake run rear cover). Aslo worth checking is the condition of the DK motors (might need a good cleaning).
    How are the fuel filters? Clogged filters can also create a few problems here.
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    Temp sensors? That seems odd, but I don't have much experience with this 840. Is there a procedure to check them? Also, I see people mention the DK's all the time but I can't figure out what they are! Fuel filter is new....are there more than one?
    2007 BMW Alpina B7, 2007 Harley Davidson Road King, 2006 Toyota Tacoma

  4. #4
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    If you have an 840 V8, then you have no concern about DK Motors (V12 throttle bodies), because your car doesn't have them. If there was only one filter there forward of the left side fender well, then there aren't others. It's only that some 840's had dual filters like the 850.

  5. #5
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    As the fault is present before the engine is started, the most likely problem is that the gear selector is not giving the gearbox computer (EGS) the correct code for the gear-selector position. The gear selector operates a multi-way multi-throw switch which is to the right of the slector under the panel. It sends the gear selector position to the dash and the EGS (it is worth checking what gear position the instrument cluster displays).

    Each selector position (P,R,N etc) produces a unique code, if the code is incorrect, the 'Trans Failsafe' message will appear. The code can be incorrect if any of the switch elements fail to operate. The selector switch can be removed and cleaned.
    Last edited by Timm; 03-13-2010 at 03:41 PM.
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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    Thank you rcradd and timm....I will try to clean the selector switch. I was also reading that the EGS box might be bad, does that seem reasonable?

    I'm still trying to figure out how to perform the stomp test, does anyone know the procedure?
    Last edited by usarugger67; 03-13-2010 at 04:25 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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    Try the recommended suggestions above...

    If neither works...I have the next step. And your not going to like it....
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    No, but afaik the search function is not broken.
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    Lets hear the next step, so I can prepare my wallet and schedule! What about the EGS??

    What does that mean Ladislav?
    Last edited by usarugger67; 03-13-2010 at 04:52 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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    Quote Originally Posted by usarugger67 View Post
    What does that mean Ladislav?
    Select 'Search' in the blue bar at the top. Use second 'google' search empty space and enter something like 'stomp test e31'.

    Results will follow. If not, alter search terms.
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    Yes, I know how to search the forum. As I said, I am not finding any results for the stomp test procedure. Does anyone know how to run the test?
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    Please correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think the stomp test does anything on the 840i or 840ci. It certainly does nothing in the UK on any of the V8 models....
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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    94-95 OBCI cars should stomp test.

    Search on the E38 forum for "stomp test"
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Timm View Post
    As the fault is present before the engine is started, the most likely problem is that the gear selector is not giving the gearbox computer (EGS) the correct code for the gear-selector position. The gear selector operates a multi-way multi-throw switch which is to the right of the slector under the panel. It sends the gear selector position to the dash and the EGS (it is worth checking what gear position the instrument cluster displays).

    Each selector position (P,R,N etc) produces a unique code, if the code is incorrect, the 'Trans Failsafe' message will appear. The code can be incorrect if any of the switch elements fail to operate. The selector switch can be removed and cleaned.

    Timm....
    What if you get the TFSM in position II (not started)and the dash instrument cluster does display the right gear position? That`s my problem.
    Can reset the TFSM when it is in D, but comes back when put in P (and also N if I remember correctly)
    Thor-Egil, Norway

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    Quote Originally Posted by Timm View Post
    Please correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think the stomp test does anything on the 840i or 840ci. It certainly does nothing in the UK on any of the V8 models....
    UK spec vehicles were not fitted with "Check engine" lamps, so you cannot do a stomp test from factory spec.

    I've successfully fitted a lamp to my v12 by just adding the appropriate bulb to the cluster, it may be possible on the UK M60 V8s too (Earlier ECU etc?) I found it extremely handy for diagnosing my TFS problem.

    Did legislation change at some point in the US so that there was no longer a necessity for the stomp test?

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    So I tried the stomp test several times and nothing happened. I'm assuming this is because there are no codes?
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    It should tell you no codes then...I dont remember the code for that...

    Stomp tests were stopped with the advent of OBDII in 1996 on the M62s.
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    Well I can’t get it to work then....I dunno what else to do. However, wouldn’t the codes relate to the engine only? If I'm having a trans issue would it show up?

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    Thats my point above....

    ONLY Emissions/Engine codes are ever going to show in a stomp test.

    But I wanted you to try so you could get familiar with it. You should still get a flashed code for no errors stored...

    The TFS is usually a voltage problem in 840s. Are you committed to the batteries being perfect? If so...you need to then hook the car to a diagnostic computer.

    I say this for 2 reasons....
    1. See/clear any codes.
    2. See how many modules you can find....

    I suspect you have the dreaded issue that I was eluding to above...

    Confirm to me:
    1. Batteries perfect (12.5+ VDC 3-4 hours after you shut it off)
    2. You have all forward and reverse gears right?
    3. You get the TFS in key position 2, before you start it. (wait to start and see)
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  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by TwoEagle View Post
    Timm....
    What if you get the TFSM in position II (not started)and the dash instrument cluster does display the right gear position? That`s my problem.
    Can reset the TFSM when it is in D, but comes back when put in P (and also N if I remember correctly)
    See if the shift interlock is working.....see if you can select gears without your foot on the brake. You did get shift interlock in the US did you?
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  21. #21
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    Other than the TFS warning is there any noticeable problem with the vehicle. If it's shifting correctly and all else checks out maybe you just need to see if you can do a hard reset of the car.

    I was driving on the highway at 70 mph for over two hours and all of a sudden the TFS warning appears on my MID. I drive to the next exit and the car is not shifting, stays in 5th. I pull in a store shut the car down go in buy a drink, come back out crank the car and all is fine except I now have a check engine light. Drive 90 miles home no problems just the check engine light. Do a hard reset, courtesy of Ice, and I've never had it happen again. Point being there are almost infinte things that can cause a TFS. I would see if I could clear it and wait for it to happen again. I do like the idea of pulling the shifter switch and cleaning. Can't hurt.
    Bankswood

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    Careful with the shifter switch, it's made out of ultra delicate super brittle flimsy plastic.
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  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Timm View Post
    See if the shift interlock is working.....see if you can select gears without your foot on the brake. You did get shift interlock in the US did you?
    Sorry...what is the shiftinterlock? Also I`m norwegian and the car is german.
    Will try this when I am home in a couple of weeks
    Thor-Egil, Norway

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  24. #24
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    Hard reset did not make a difference. Trans error code popped up again before I even started the car (in #2 key position). I will try cleaning trans selector next.
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  25. #25
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    On the 840s, TSF in KP2 is an electrical short, blown module, something of that ilk.

    IS not anything to do with the engine as happens with the 850s.

    As I said before...battery voltage is the number one cause for this.

    Your selector switch, as well as he harness connector into the trans are other culprits.

    If none of those...get ready for an adventure. Do you have access to diagnostics?
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