Hi Guys,
I would like to add more questions (sorry for that). Recently I had this issue where when I drive, the gearbox goes from gear 1, and then it jerks and move straight to gear 4.... and thats it.... and it wont change.... When i switch off my car and restart... it moves from gear 1 and then straight to gear 4 and sometimes 3.. from here.. it doesn't change.
I would like to get the sifu's advices if I should repair the gearbox or change the battery voltage as claimed by the website below:
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/BMW_E32_Common_Problems.htm
For sure I am going to check the voltage first. But can a voltage drop cause a gearbox solenoid valve not to response for the e32?
"
Trans Prog Error. If there is one fault that makes you sweat, this is it! You get the message of doom on the OBC and the gearbox locks itself in 3rd on the 4-speed boxes or 4th on the 5-speed boxes. You immediately realise that the cost of a replacement box is more than the car is worth and aim the car at something that will produce a terminal insurance claim. However, don't panic, in 9 cases out of 10 the problem is easy to fix. Here is the most likely candidates:
Battery Voltage Too Low. The E32 hates having a low battery voltage and one of the first things that gives up is the gearbox. Although the EGS (control unit) keeps running, the 12V solenoids in the gearbox don't, the EGS sees this as a failure of the valve-body and gives up. Low battery voltage is often due to short trips, failing battery or a faulty alternator. Disconnect the battery, replace if needed or give it an overnight charge and have another go, hopefully the problem will not return.
S.E.M Switch. This is the Sports, Economy, Manual switch next to the shifter (marked SE* on the V8's). Although it is a simple momentary switch it can intermittently make contact when in the rest position, or select 'S' and 'M' at the same time. This causes an error in the EGS. The switch can be removed and cleaned or (for emergency use) you can replace it with the sunroof switch!
Shifter Selector Switch. The selector switch is a multi-pole, multi-throw unit and produces a switch pattern (akin to binary) to the EGS. Problems occur when the contacts get dirty and the one of the switch elements fails to make contact. The switch pattern sent to the EGS is incorrect and the EGS flags a Trans Prog Error. The shifter selector switch can be removed and cleaned with contact cleaner quite successfully.
Low ATF Level-Filter Blocked. Pretty obvious one this, however, the box usually starts slipping when cornering first. Still, when all else has failed it is worth replacing the filter and getting the oil changed."
