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Trans failsafe

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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Willbof
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Trans failsafe

Post by Willbof » Thu Aug 22, 2013 11:43 am

Right, after leaving the car for a few hours when I turn the ignition on I get trans failsafe message. Car has reverse but very little power going forward. If I get the message and turn the ignition off and back on the message remains. If I start the car and then switch it off and back on again all is well and the message does not return until it is left for a few hours. Changed out the battery for a Bosch silver as was mentioned that the battery could be duff but still no joy. IMO it's worse! This morning I couldn't even start the car until the ignition had been on and off a few times. I'm assuming its an electrical fault as I have no problems once its going just if its been left. What sort of things cause this message? I'm assuming its just level, temp, pressure, maybe vibrations?
Thanks
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Horizon
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by Horizon » Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:03 pm

There is a previous post from many months ago where a member had loads of weird problems, turned out to be a faulty ignition switch. Wen you say it wouldn't start, was that it didn't turn over the engine ? Or wouldn't fire ?
If it wouldn't turn over, that sounds like an ignition switch.


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Last edited by Horizon on Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by shadrack » Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:41 pm

i would take it to a well recomended bmw indy near to you as otherwise guessing truns into a pretty deep money pit, you already bought a battery that might not have been needed, doesnt sound like the gearbox though
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Willbof
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by Willbof » Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:32 pm

Thanks Guys. It just wouldn't turn over was what I experienced so like you said possibly ignition. To be honest it's been better in the last two days! If it persists I'll get It booked in although I hear my local are complete ********
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by Willbof » Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:46 am

Just to put an end to this... booked into BMW and after they managed to replicate the fault a new position switch was fitted, computer was thinking car was in gear when starting. £380 later, no problems. Pricey mind  >:(
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by shadrack » Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:57 pm

[quote="Willbof"]
Just to put an end to this... booked into BMW and after they managed to replicate the fault a new position switch was fitted, computer was thinking car was in gear when starting. £380 later, no problems. Pricey mind  >:(
[/quote]

not as pricey as a gear box!
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by Rusty » Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:11 pm

Glad to hear you got it fixed, and by BMW too - that is rare


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Willbof
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Re: Trans failsafe

Post by Willbof » Thu Sep 19, 2013 11:55 pm

I know! And my dealer has the worst rep ever around here!
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