E36 Transmission Control Module Diagnostics - Troubles

[KevinMullins]

Looking for any kind of pointers here.

I'm running INPA and/or DIS using an ADS interface from the DIY thread (CD4053 version), no problems with most modules, live data from DME is a bit flaky but functional, instrument cluster, airbag, abs and all that no problem...but I have not been able to access the transmission control module at all. Always get "IFH-0010 Data transmission to Control Unit Disturbed" error. I haven't looked into file versions and whatnot yet to see if I'm just missing something for the TCU.
The car I've been working on is a 1994 325i, with the GS4.16 transmission module.
I've even plugged in another module from a 1993 325i and get the same error.

Just trying to get in and see what codes are there. Have had an intermittent trans fail safe symptom, flashing gear symbol on dash. When it does do it we can shut the car off and re-start and it clears up. Doesn't do this all the time either. At one point I did come across a "Control Unit Supply B+" error, but can't recall what module it was in. That may have been from swapping stuff around, disconnecting power, etc. But have also read this could be an alternator issue related to both the B+ error and the trans fail safe symptoms.

a. Has anyone successfully read the transmission module? (GS4.1x in INPA)
b. What interface and such were you using?
c. Any other pointers into diagnosis of these symptoms?

Most likely unrelated, but figured I'd mention it -
Have also been having some tachometer and MPG gauge issues, but think that may be in the cluster itself. (same symptoms with a different ECU)
Quick video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig_vJExvkhA
Tach always reads a few hundred high, RPM's are fine in INPA and DIS...MPG gauge just pegs out as soon as car is started and stays there until shut off.

[David Mc]

Kevin, I have read the EGS on my 12/97 E36 and some early (1998-1999) E46's with INPA without any problems and have also used the general test in INPA v3.01 successfully with a 1994 E36 318i. If power supply voltage is low, this can cause the trans to go into failsafe mode and as you know, may also render the module non-responsive to diagnostics. I have run all of these tests with ADS interfaces (normally Gert's but have also used a bmwecu.org and do-it auto unit without problems).

[KevinMullins]

Thanks David. My son is suppose to come by with his 95' 318Ti and see if we can access it's TCU just for comparison. (of course the Ti's are weird in some ways)
The only other ones I have around are our 99' E36 and then a couple 00' cars, but of course I can do most everything OBD on them so it's a bad comparison.
I may look into the alternator and battery closer. It seems to start and run fine even after sitting a few days, but I haven't load tested it or anything.
Might try it with a charger connected too and see if that makes any difference with the diagnostic stuff.

We bought this car a while back to put together for my daughter, so I have lots to do on it. It was a good buy for me since mechanically it has been "unmolested", but that also means it needed a lot.
This particular hasn't been on the road in a while, might just need to get it out more now that it's running and shake it up a bit.

- - - Updated - - -

Tried it on my son's 318Ti and had exactly the same results. "IFH-0010 Data transmission to Control Unit Disturbed"
Played with DIS a bit and tried running the alternator and battery tests on the 325i, but it kept coming up as showing 2.05v at the diagnostics connection via the software. A physical check with a multimeter shows it to be all good at the diagnostics connector pins. Tried jumpering the DME relay as per DIS (although I already knew it was good) and still had the same results.
DIS and INPA both show a solid 13.8-14v while running, but show either 0v or 2.05v when not running, even though everywhere I physically check with a meter the battery voltage is fine. Only place I haven't checked is at the modules themselves.
Something quirking going on with the software, just can't narrow down where this "disturbance" is.
I might try hot wiring the TCU power and ground so voltage is constant and see what is shows then as far as accessing it.

[David Mc]

Kevin, I have also tested a 1996 316Ti with no problems, are you sure that your antivirus software is not interfering with the program?

[KevinMullins]

I don't run any of that stuff on these pc's. Both the desktop in the shop and the laptop I use are strictly for automotive stuff. Both true serial port and all that too.
Gonna try updating my files a bit too, but doubt that has anything to do with it.
It might be the interface itself in some way, just don't have another ADS interface of any kind handy to try.
At least my errors are consistent...So I'll know when I figure it out. Lol

[EWBR]

It might be the interface itself in some way, just don't have another ADS interface of any kind handy to try.
At least my errors are consistent...So I'll know when I figure it out. LolI had the same trouble in the past. I was using one of the first doitauto interfaces, later the switchable ADS OBD with true RS232 connection. I cant connect to the DME and EGS on my B3 build 01/96. With old INPA version and ADS configuration I can control some features, but this is bull... About two years ago I bought GT1 with EDIC and a T30 with native DIS and SSS Progman too. Now the old cars especially E36 build 93-95 are no problem any more. I am working with DIS and for coding and programming with SSS Progman. For never cars DCAN head and now ICOM with VMWare is ok. For troubleshooting DIS is better than INPA, you only have to start working with it, it is different from the handling, but later if you familar with the sofware it can do much more. But this is my point of view. Of course in some cases I use INPA and NCS too, but only for special things.

[IcemanBHE]

Dells by chance?

[David Mc]

I use a DELL precision M65, but there is an ADS driver for the DELL 6000 series.

[KevinMullins]

My laptop is an older Dell Inspiron 8000. I didn't think they were affected by the Dell driver issue. And everything else seems to work OK on it.
The desktop I used in the shop is some generic built thing with an ASUS motherboard, has dual serial ports on it.

[KevinMullins]

Tried going through Tool32, same error.
Tried the ADS32-dell.dll, same error.

- - - Updated - - -

EDIT: This is just a thought... but I wonder if my issue with the TCU is actually EWS related? This particular car is NON-EWS, and even though I "thought" I had modified non-ews files, it still always shows up as if it's a version for those "with EWS" when you look at the info section in INPA.
While I am able to access the DME it is rather slow and flaky most of the time...wondering if the issues are related. (?)
My DME331 files are mismatched anyways, one is English (.prg) and one is English Metric (.ipo), so I need to sort that out still.
Anyone have a known working non-ews set that has matched languages and whatnot?

EDIT: @DavidMc - One of the sets I got was from one of your posts. Can you clarify the naming part of your instructions?
Download this file DME331NI.txt (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=403003&d=1330520897) open it, rename to DME331N.IPO and save as file type other, then download this file DME331NP.txt (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=403004&d=1330520897), open, rename and save as DME331N.PRG (file type other). I've always re-named them just DME331.ipo and .prg (dropping the "N"). Should I leave the "N"?

[David Mc]

Kevin, you have renamed the files correctly, I just used the "N" as a reminder that they related to a file modded for non-EWS cars.

[KevinMullins]

That's what I figured, just wanted to clarify so it wasn't a simple mistake on my part. Thanks.

[sleeper 36]

What did you come up with as to what the problem was? I have the same issues.... Thanks, Tim

[KevinMullins]

Haven't come up with anything yet. Really hadn't had time to mess with it.
I've got a few other known issues to work on with the car, gonna knock those out and then maybe get back to this.

[sleeper 36]

Gonna have to let mine sit I guess, Good Luck and keep us posted ! Tim