E34 540i TRANS PROGRAM ERROR - HELP

[540i TOURING 0]

Hey all you E34 techs.

Was coming back from Hamilton up the Bombays in 3rd gear in Sport Mode, got to the top and it changed to 4th and a second later there was a small bang, trans slipped and engine revved up to about 4000rpm and the Trans Program error came on see owners handbook I lost all drive, engine just kept revving.

So I pulled over, turned off the car and turned on again only to have the same thing happen as soon as I hit 4th gear. Stopped again for 10 minutes and drove back to Pukekohe in 3rd gear, was fine. Mucked around at work for half an hour then drove back home and tryed it in Drive but very light footed and it made it all the way home without throwing the Trans Program Error Code again.

Any thoughts anyone?

Probably a call and drop off to Glenn at Botany Motor Worx tomorrow?

Thanks

Adam

[Eagle 1662]

Yeah sounds like an actual transmission problem if its loosing drive. Guess you dont know what the fluid level and condition are like having no dipstick

It should go into limp mode with TRANS PROGRAM ERROR and be stuck in 3rd with reverse but that usually electrical failure

[HELLBM 1557]

Scan first to eliminate the electrics.

If checks out ok replace the check ball in the valve body. Possibly stuck or sucked thru into the body.

About $7 from eastern`s (ZF Specialists) in Newton (Auck)

A common problem that is often overlooked.

Fixed 3 by this method and saved thousands...

[*Glenn* 854]

The "small bang" is a bit of a worry though Adam. Need to scan it first but I'm sure something has broken, as opposed to an electrical fault. Undoubtedly we will be talking today.

[revolutions 0]

On 11/20/2008 at 3:46 AM, *Glenn* said:

The "small bang" is a bit of a worry though Adam. Need to scan it first but I'm sure something has broken, as opposed to an electrical fault. Undoubtedly we will be talking today.

Very old post but did you ever find what this issue was?

I am having the same issue with my e34 540i has only done 82,000kms, drives fine through all gears when light footed but throws trans code and goes into limp mode and holds 3rd gear once you put your foot down.

If I turn the car off and wait 10seconds and restart it's ok until I put my foot down hard again.

I have pulled sump, valve block stripped and inspected. The plastics check valve balls are in good condition with no wear etc...

Any help will be much appreciated. 

Thanks.