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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBMW2011323I AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTRANSMISSIONAUTOMATIC TRANSAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL - OVERVIEWELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROLTRANSMISSION FEATURES AND PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONEMERGENCY PROGRAM
2011 BMW 323i Automatic

Emergency Program

2011 BMW 323i AutomaticSECTION Emergency Program

When a malfunction occurs within the transmission, the Emergency program (fail-safe mode) will be initiated. The Emergency Program will prevent unintended gear engagement and ensure driver safety. The following will occur during Fail-safe Operation:

  • All shift solenoids are de-energized via TCM internal relay.
  • The pressure regulation solenoid is de-energized resulting in maximum line pressure.
  • The Torque Converter Clutch is de-activated.
  • The Reverse Lockout function is cancelled.
  • Shift lock solenoid is de-energized.
  • Fault indicators are active.

The fault indicator varies depending upon model, year and cluster type etc. High version instrument cluster will display a message in the matrix display. Vehicles with low version clusters will display a fault symbol in the cluster.

During fail-safe mode the transmission will be shifted into a higher gear to allow the vehicle to be driven to a service location. Depending upon application, the transmission will shift into 3rd or 4th gear (on a 4spd) and 4th or 5th gear (on a 5 spd). For example the A5S360R transmission will go into 5th gear when there is a malfunction and 4th when there is a power failure to the TCM. Since pressure regulation ceases, the shift to fail-safe mode will be abrupt or harsh, unless the transmission is already in the fail-safe gear.

On newer OBD II compliant vehicles, the MIL light will also be illuminated by the ECM (DME).

NOTE: When diagnosing transmission related complaints, it is possible to have an erroneous fault indicator warning. Faults in the cluster can cause a false indication or "Trans Program" message. One indication of this scenario would be a transmission fault message in the cluster with no transmission faults stored in the TCM.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.