Re: Transmission Program Warning

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tim,

I have a '93 525iT (automatic transmission) and it's also equipped with a 
JimC chip.  I believe that we have the same transmission, but I don't have 
my Bentley manual handy to verify this.

I only experienced the 'Trans Program' indicator once, and that was when I 
allowed the engine to wind beyond 6000 rpm.  The only way to do this is to 
put the transmission into Manual mode.  Sport or Economy modes will always 
shift the transmission at 6000 rpm.  Well, at least when everything is 
working correctly...

Although the JimC chip bumps up the redline to allow the engine to rev to 
7000 rpm, the transmission program requires the transmission to shift at 
6000 rpm, and will display the 'Trans Program' fault when 6000 rpm is 
exceeded.  Once in this mode, the transmission will no longer shift through 
all of the gears (it runs in a 'limp home' mode).  If you shut off the 
engine, turn the ignition to OFF, and then re-start the engine, the fault 
will be cleared.

I can't comment on your transmission troubles, but it sounds like your 'very 
reputable shop' may not be 'all knowledgeable'.

I know that the Dinan chip does some re-programming of the transmission, but 
I don't know whether it raises the 6000 rpm limit.

I chose to live with the stock transmission chip.  If you look at the 
HP/Torque curve for your engine (with the JimC chip), you'll find that HP 
and torque are beginning to drop from their peak values by the time you've 
reached 6000 rpm, so there's no real gain by revving beyond that point.

- -rb

>
>Date: Mon, 7 May 2001 19:34:06 -0400
>From: "Tim Kinsey" <khstudio@domain.elided>
>Subject: Transmission Program Warning
>
>I have a 91 525i automatic, at the beginning of this year the 'trans
>program' warning signal would come on just about every time I would go for 
>a drive. Worried, I did some investigating and took it to a very reputable 
>shop.  They flushed the system and found an O-ring in the strainer, then 
>told me that I had a very limited life left on that transmission.  I nursed 
>for another week and took it to have the transmission completely rebuilt, 
>with a new flex plate, seals, and torque converter; $2500 later the tranny 
>felt good, but the damn warning kept chiming off.  I took it back to the 
>place that rebuilt the tranny they said that the transmission works fine 
>and has no mechanical failures, its an electrical fault.
>
>I did even more research and was told that the alternator could be getting 
>weaker, thus a slight drop in current, i.e.- 'trans program' warning.  I 
>have considered ordering a Dinan tranny chip to try to circumvent the 
>system fault, but no one has anything good to say about the chips.  Plus I 
>already have the Jim C chip.  I would like to not have to have this problem 
>solved.
>
>Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated!  Oh BTW, I have 
>already thought about disconnecting the chime; not an option. I have 
>maintained this car pretty well, and would hate to start 'rigging' things 
>now.
>
>Tim Kinsey
>91 525, sharked

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