Whilst BMWs can be great fun and fantastic cars for commuting, some of the older models, in particular, are not without their faults, unfortunately. Luckily, with most German cars, they can often be fixed quickly and more importantly, reasonably cheaply.
But what happens if your BMW isn’t entirely shifting right? You may need to know how to reset a BMW transmission control module and get it working right again.
You can reset your BMW transmission control module in just a few quick and easy steps: turn off your vehicle and remove the keys; insert the key into the ignition, turn to the second position but do not start the car; place your foot on the accelerator for 30 seconds then take your foot off and hit the start/stop button; remove your keys and then open and close your driver’s door.
How to Reset a BMW Transmission Control Module
So, what if your BMW displays a transmission error message or is stuck in gear? As simple as it sounds, sometimes the best and first step you can take is to pull your car into a safe location and turn off the engine.
Then wait at least a minute before starting your car. This can reset the ECU and fingers crossed the transmission message may turn off.
Don’t worry if this doesn’t work, rarely does the age-old method of just ‘turning it off then on again’ magically fix everything, but it’s always worth a try and should be your first port of call.
Step by Step Guide
- Step 1 – Turn off the vehicle and remove the key.
- Step 2 – Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the second position but do not start the car. If you have a fob key, push the start/stop button but do not start the car – so keep those feet away from the brake pedals.
- Step 3 – All the lights on the dashboard will light up and once they do push down and hold the accelerator pedal for 30 seconds.
- Step 4 – Take your foot off the pedal after 30 seconds, hit the start/stop button, or pull your key out.
- Step 5 – Open the driver’s door and close it – This will reset your Transmission control unit. If you would rather have a visual guide check out this video.
Reset BMW Transmission Adaptive Settings
If you have happened to notice your BMW shifting inconsistently or responding to the gas pedal strangely, the problem may lie in the shift points being incorrect.
A shift point is where the car will want to change gear – the sweet spot between the high point of the lower gear, and the lower end of the higher gear.
You can fix this by trying to reset the adaptive transmission settings. The steps are simple and should only take you a couple of minutes. This reset returns the shift point to its factory settings and does not damage the transmission at all.
Steps
- Turn on the ignition, and press the start/stop button but do not press the brake pedal.
- All the dashboard lights will turn on but your engine will not be started.
- Press the gas pedal to the floor for 30 seconds.
- Release the gas pedal.
- Start the engine and drive away.
This should now reset your transmission back to its original factory settings.
Main Causes of BMW Transmission Malfunction
Here are some of the most common causes of BMW transmission malfunctions
1. Overheating
Parts such as gears and shafts can easily become damaged or worn and even malfunction when they are operating under high heat levels. This lowers the performance of your vehicle and also increases your fuel consumption.
2. Clutch Failure
If your clutch fails then your car will not be able to select the correct gear and it will not be a pleasant driving experience.
3. Mechatronic Sensor Failure
This will cause an error message on the screen and your BMW will go into limp mode. It may also not start straightaway or drive slower than normal.
4. Short circuit or Open Circuit
Your transmission control module functions on electric current and if there is a break in your circuit then it will just not work.
5. Mechatronic Sleeves Breakage
If you have a breakage in your mechatronic sleeve then transmission fluid may leak into the port. As the pressure drops because of the leaking fluid, it triggers a warning message,
6. Damaged Solenoids
The job of a solenoid is to keep your engine performing at its peak, if this is worn out or damaged the engine output will not be the same as normal. It may cause transmission lag and result in less than perfect driving performance.
7. Low Battery Voltage
The transmission of a BMW needs a certain amount of voltage to function properly. If it can not get the amount it needs it will go into limp mode.
8. Torque Converter Engagement
The job of the torque converter is to transmit the engine torque to the wheels via the transmission. If parts of the torque converter are not engaged correctly within themselves then the transmission malfunctions and the power is delivered inefficiently.
9. Faulty Spark Plugs
The spark plugs on your BMW are internal parts of the engine and if they are not working correctly then this will also affect the transmission.
FAQs
How do you clear the transmission fault on a BMW?
To clear the transmission fault on a BMW in a few easy-to-follow steps:
- Turn off the engine, and remove the key.
- Insert the key, turn to the second position but do not start the car.
- Push down and hold the accelerator for 30 seconds.
- Take your foot off the pedal and hit the start/stop button.
- Remove the key and open and close the driver’s door.
What causes a BMW transmission fault?
The most common cause of transmission fault or failure is low transmission fluid, this is usually caused by a leak in the system.
Can you drive with a bad transmission control module?
Problems with your transmissions control module mean that your car is unable to select gears correctly, this can potentially cause accidents. Driving a car with a faulty TCM can lead to lasting damage to the wiring in your transmission.
How much does it cost to replace a BMW transmission?
The typical cost to replace a BMW transmission can range from $3000 for the popular 3-series and 5-series. On M-series BMW, transmission replacement could set you back around $5000.
Conclusion
Having a faulty transmission control module can be a real pain and make your car unreliable. But spotting the signs and getting error messages and fault codes diagnosed early can help to prevent any further damage from being done to your vehicle.
Your TCM can quickly and easily be reset using the method above, while also avoiding any pricey mechanics bills.
