transmission malfunction message

2004 BMW 525I
Avatar
AZTONY2000
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Transmission problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 90000 miles

Dear Sir

I have a question regarding the message shown on the display screen in my car, it is " transmission malfunction " it appears sometime when i am driving in the traffic, while using automatic system, not typtronic, my car seems to be working on the 4th level, slow and could not take more speed while the message appears i park the car, stop it and then turn it on, the message disappear and the car work normally please i need to know about the problem because many mechanics advice to change the sensors in the transmissions and other advice to check other items in it.

kindly advice

thanks
Jun 7, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DOCHAGERTY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,603 POSTS
This sounds like you have a a problem with a input or output speed sensor. We should run the codes to see whats come up and then go from there.

Here is guide to get us started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

These cars had big problems with the sensors here is there location (below)

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jun 7, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Avatar
AZTONY2000
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
dear Sir,

Someone said a software problem should be permanent problem, i face this problem sometimes in traffic and only sometimes when i drive backward.can u advice for any solution ? mechanics suggest to change sensors and other suggest to change 2 gear box inside the transmission. your reply is highly appreciated
thanks.

Tony
Jun 8, 2010 at 3:27 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DOCHAGERTY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,603 POSTS
Software is a realm that does not have to be considered a "yes or no, black or white" issue. The intermittent nature of the problem indicates the root problem as what could be software and if there is a component failure, it would probably show up as a permanent fault. BMW has been "fixing" problems with software, especially the MOST bus cars, as they are using a high level of integration in the bus structures. If I were the repairing technician, I would try non-invasive methods before replacement of parts. It is not OK to throw parts at these cars, if the repairing facility you have the vehicle at does not have sufficient training or the skill sets to properly diagnose and repair an E60 vehicle, you may be in for a long ride to nowhere.
Jun 9, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Avatar
CHICODUSTY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I am experiencing a similar type of prob on my car...did you ever have any luck with getting it fixed with that other guy?
Dec 2, 2010 at 5:55 PM
Avatar
DOCHAGERTY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,603 POSTS
Yep I don't know why he private messaged me but he said that did the trick and the car is working once again!
Dec 2, 2010 at 7:21 PM
Avatar
CHICODUSTY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have a 2004 BMW 525i, and I recieved a hard transmission fault light about a three weeks ago. My mechanic said that I had a transmission fluid
leak, so he changed this coil and trans pan with 21 bolts on it. The car drove fine for a few days but then I got several more soft transmission faults where as soon as cut the car off and back on they went away. The mechanic then reprogrammed the car and cleared the faults. The car seems to be driving fine, but I have received another tranny light. What could be causing this?

Dec 2, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Avatar
JOHNNY201
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I did the sensors and my problem went away. I had the same message on my car about the transmission malfunction.
Aug 18, 2015 at 11:37 AM