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Thread: Automatic no forward gears

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    oregon
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i

    Automatic no forward gears

    I have a 1990 750il automatic zfhp24 with strong reverse but no foward gears.
    I have swaped out the computer and checked the plug on the tranny.
    The fluid is clean and full.
    I'm about to tear into it to see what I can find but I have never been in a ZF. I'm hoping this might be a simple fix because of the clean fluid. Any ideas or advice would help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Just 1 E38, for now
    check out the sensor that the shifter is connected to?
    Quote Originally Posted by AquilaBMW View Post
    Some say he can remove a Jesus Bolt with his pinkie and that when he drives down the road, E65's are his personal escort around Vegas. Some say to look into his eyes is to see the Nirvana or E38 knowledge and that when he walks into dealerships, Service Managers quit their jobs. When he goes shopping, car prices drop. Others say that non-operational car start for him. It is claimed in Tonga that he is a BimmerWhisperer. Some say that he does not need a test drive to set up his coilovers, he adjusts them telepathically and after he installed KIDO, McLaren started using them and won 12 straight Formula trophies. He considers 2014 cars old as he is already testing 2015 cars on the track and cars 2001 and older are classics to him. Some say when cars suffer cardiac arrest, he is able to revive them with an electrifying touch. BMW cup holders work for him, and when he walks by VANOS clunks cease to exist. All we know is he is the Sig!

  3. #3
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i
    Have now. Checked out fine.

  4. #4
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    Would it still shift into any forward gear with out the shift computer or the connector on the side of the tranny? I think it would.

  5. #5
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i
    Would it still shift into any forward gear with out the shift computer or the connector on the side of the tranny? I think it would.

    UPDATE, I went and tried to make the car go forward, it is going into gear and will go forward with about 99% slip in all forward gears. Reverse is strong. It is acting like it's out of fluid. Any idea?

    Really? No one has any ideas other than to chech a wire?
    Last edited by ryobie1; 08-13-2011 at 06:13 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  6. #6
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    E34 535i; E36 325is
    Could be valve body solenoid(S), or dirty valve body. Seen Shogun's YouTube video on E32 valve body cleaning?

    What happens when you put it in manual mode, and try shifting that way?
    Last edited by Dash01; 08-13-2011 at 11:20 PM.

  7. #7
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i
    I have not seen it. I have been reading e32 for a week now hoping the fix is some ware in this site. But so far I have not found anything helpull with this.

    I took the pan off and removed all the noids and tested them with the ohm meater, cleaned them and put them back in but no change. I also test the ohm at the plug still no change.

    I have a theory tho: I'm wondering if reverse requires less pressure to work than the forward gears? Maybe the presure from the pump is low. Or the torque converter. I have 2 useless transmissions. I would like to try something before buying a replacement.

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    160 pages https://web.archive.org/web/20120227...h%20Guide.pdf/
    download it before it disappears

    This booklet contains information that has not normally been available in most OEM repair manuals and can be used by the technician to diagnose electrical concerns, identify the location and direction of the valves, springs, retainers and bore plugs in the valve body. This information has been prepared from actual valve bodies and in some cases may vary from one model to another, but is invalueable when the need arises to diagnose and repair electrical and valve body concerns.
    ZF-4HP-18FLE/FLA Transaxle, found in Audi and Porsche.
    ZF-4HP-22/24 Series, Model "E7", "5 Solenoid" Valve Body found in various vehicles.
    ZF-4HP-22/24 Series, Model "E9", "4 Solenoid" Valve Body found in various vehicles.
    ZF-5HP-18 Series, found in various BMW models.
    ZF-5HP-19FL Transaxle, found in various BMW models.
    ZF-5HP-24 Series, found in various BMW models.
    ZF-5HP-30 Series, found in various BMW models and Rolls Royce.

    and more for people with ZF 5HP30
    service and repair info- BMW A5S560Z - 20 pages
    http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_A5S560Z.pdf

    and this I just read on another forum: Trans update 92 735 72K

    Wanted to update this group because I know many look in here for help to their cars issues as I do. Did the repairs below and drove about 100 miles over the weekend with no issues.

    1..Not shifting at the right rpm, causing the trans to go into limp mode. This problem came on slowly. Every once in a awhile, then every time I took it out for a drive.

    Solution: Took it to a local shop(non-bmw) and his code reader said speed sensor. Changed the speed sensor(very easy job) and that problem was solved. It was a Snap-On reader and he charged me $27.00.
    2..Going down the highway , car would like go into neutral. The dash light said D but the transmission was not engaged. Could shift to M and get engagement. Trans would not go into limp mode when this happened.

    Changed the EH switch because it appeared to have someones favorite drink in it and would not clean up. Not sure if the EH switch was the cause of this problem or if the speed sensor repaired this problem also.

    Also changed to Royal Purple ATF. Not sure that did anything because the old fluid was very clean with only some carbon on the tranny magnets.
    Last edited by shogun; 03-04-2023 at 07:33 PM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  9. #9
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i
    Thank you for the link. I Found this one, the all data and the bently with a torret search.
    I set up a cam corder and I tearing apart the transmission with the burnt fluid and no2nd. My first time in anything other than a turbo350. I'm hoping if I film it I'll have a better chance. I'm think the problem will jump out at me and I'll clean the hell out of everything, I don't replace. If I can't fix it I'll have knowledge when I tear apart the tranny with no forward gears.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    1983/84/85 745i

    Thumbs up

    Disconnect its power and see what happens, it should revert to 3rd gear only with no converter lock up.
    I make E23 parts.
    09/1983 745i (stolen spring '13 around Houston, TX Achatgruen on nutria buffalo. 8481080)
    10/1984 745i
    11/1984 745i
    11/1984 735i (10:1-265/6)
    Ford, MB, and GM round out the pack.



  11. #11
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    1989 750il - 1991 525i
    It does not go forward with the power unhooked. Still has reverse.

  12. #12
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    in case you smell burnt fluid, then better take the trans apart. Replace the wear parts and it will work another +10 years.
    A trans repair is not rocket science, when you have the repair manual and go slowly step by step. It is a learning process, first time takes longer, but then you get used to it.
    In my opinion to reassemble a complete engine is more complicated than a transmission.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  13. #13
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    I pulled the tranny, out of the car yesterday. I replaced the pump and torque converter. The fluid was old but really clean (no burnt smell). I tore the the tranny down lookign for something to jump out and say "theirs your problem" but nothing did. I cleaned everything and inspected care-fully every part and spring. I did not go into the gears but everything else got cleaned and put back in. I am sared because I did not find anything broken or worn out inside! I should have the tranny back in the car in a cuple hours. *Fingers crossed*
    I hope this works.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by ryobie1 View Post
    I pulled the tranny, out of the car yesterday. I replaced the pump and torque converter. The fluid was old but really clean (no burnt smell). I tore the the tranny down lookign for something to jump out and say "theirs your problem" but nothing did. I cleaned everything and inspected care-fully every part and spring. I did not go into the gears but everything else got cleaned and put back in. I am sared because I did not find anything broken or worn out inside! I should have the tranny back in the car in a cuple hours. *Fingers crossed*
    I hope this works.

    Be very careful on re-assembly of the tranny to engine, especially make sure the torque converter is properly seated, such that it properly engages the pump. That pump is decades old, made of nylon, and is brittle and easily damaged. Be sure to have its guide knob go directly into the receptacle at the back of the crankshaft, without sideloads or stress. That means mate the engine and tranny in the same long axis. There will be crud and rust in the crankshaft receptacle, so clean that out and add some grease or anti-seize to prevent corrosion.

    I learned all this the hard way. There are probably a lot of used transmissions which were OK until improperly separated from their engines, when side loads on the torque converter and tranny input shaft damaged the pump, ruining the tranny. It may well have been "fine when I took it out" but inadvertently damaged in the process, so the buyer only learns that it is no longer "fine" once he goes to all that work to install it.

    Got a new engine rear seal to install now you're in there?

  15. #15
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    Bought a remanufactured torque converter for it. and put the pump from the other tranny. It went in really smooth no binding or anything like that. The tranny jack I have makes it SUPER SUPER easy to get in and out.
    NO 1,2,D or OD!!! AHHHHHHH!!! I'm officially at a dead end with this car. Strong reverse no forward gears. I can't think of anything that would take out all forward gears and leave the fluid clean and the pan free of chunks while leaving reverse functional.
    I don't konw what I'm going to do. This is the one last plea for help before I give up and take it to the local dealer. Please, Any Ideas!

  16. #16
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    May need a complete rebuild. have you break into the trans filter and check for any clutch material, usually theres where it catch the clutch material, how's the magnet, any fine metal shaving on it if so how much? Have you changed the fluild and filter? How many miles do you have on it?
    Last edited by Actros617; 08-24-2011 at 02:55 PM.

  17. #17
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    89' 535i
    I'm sorry to bring this back up, but what was the end result of the problem? I'm having similar issues in my e34 535i. sorry to jump a thread but it would be nice to hear what finally happened.

  18. #18
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    The ATSG repair manual says:

    Fault: position D, no drive

    possible cause:

    dirty oil filter
    clutch A defective
    one way clutch 1st gear slips
    wrong setting of gear change rods between control lever and gear box


    slipping or shaking when starting forward: clutch A defective

    See ATSG bulletin 91-70

    BMW
    87-26 ZF 4HP22 POWERFLOW
    91-70 ZF 4HP22 PREMATURE FORWARD CLUTCH FAILURE
    92-12 ZF 4HP22 NO REVERSE (F CLUTCH CYLINDER FAILURE)
    92-13 ZF 4HP22 ERRATIC OR NO UPSHIFT
    92-23 ZF 4HP22 EH EXTREMELY HARSH SHIFTS
    95-37 ZF 4HP22 SLIPPING OR NO 2ND GEAR
    97-21 ZF 4HP22 VALVE BODY RETAINERS, CHECKBALL & ORIFICE LOCATIONS
    98-60 ZF 5HP30 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
    98-61 ZF 5HP30 NO REVERSE CONDITION
    99-43 ZF 5HP18 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
    00-01 ZF 4HP 22/24 REPEATED LEAK FROM BELL HOUSING
    00-39 ZF 5HP 19FL PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
    01-31 4L30E DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 40
    01-34 ZF 5HP18 BIND-UP WITH SELECTOR IN MANUAL 2
    01-35 ZF 5HP18 NO MOVEMENT OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
    03-06 ZF 5HP 24 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
    03-32 ZF 4HP 22/24 DIAGNOSTIC AND VALVE BODY INFORMATION
    http://www.autocd.info/Atsg2005Bulletin.pdf
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  19. #19
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    Shogun, do you have that pdf in post #8 saved somewhere?
    - Sean
    RIP Blitzkrieg

  20. #20
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    Last edited by shogun; 03-04-2023 at 07:44 PM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  21. #21
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    I know this is an old post, but did you ever solve this problem? R with no forward gears is such a rare issue this is one of the few threads. I'm looking to buy a 2003 530i with the 5HP19 tranny with the same problem.
    Last edited by shogun; 02-08-2021 at 09:54 PM.

  22. #22
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    Difficult to pinpoint without more detailed info, you have to check it. First the fluid check, if dirty, abrasive parts inside, if it smells burnt.
    Then the eletcr. testing of the solenoid valves http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/...ic_ZF5HP19.pdf
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  23. #23
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    A lot of problems on the 5HP19 are caused by a worn pressure regulator. That can cause a cracked piston or seal leading to loss of forward gears. Or a blown D/G drum leading to no reverse. In the absence of more information, I'd suggest that is what you have got. And you are looking at a major overhaul of the trans and valve body. A duff battery can also cause the trans to play tricks on you but I would plan for the worst.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    Difficult to pinpoint without more detailed info, you have to check it. First the fluid check, if dirty, abrasive parts inside, if it smells burnt.
    Then the eletcr. testing of the solenoid valves http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/...ic_ZF5HP19.pdf
    In this thread @ryobie1 says he did that, he tested & cleaned the solenoids & it still didn't help.

    Quote Originally Posted by whiskychaser View Post
    A lot of problems on the 5HP19 are caused by a worn pressure regulator. That can cause a cracked piston or seal leading to loss of forward gears. Or a blown D/G drum leading to no reverse. In the absence of more information, I'd suggest that is what you have got. And you are looking at a major overhaul of the trans and valve body. A duff battery can also cause the trans to play tricks on you but I would plan for the worst.
    The no reverse problem is a common problem but is not this problem. The no reverse problem was finally fixed in the 2003 5HP19.

    In this thread @ryobie1 says he tried most everything, & still could not get forward gears. I'm hoping he can tell us what finally happened.
    I'm looking to buy a 2003 530i M-Sport, totally loaded, everything perfect except no forward gears. Before I buy I want to know someone,. somewhere has fixed this problem.
    The only thread I could find online where this was fixed was someone replaced the battery & suddenly got forward gears!

  25. #25
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    As I said above, loss of forward gears could be caused by a cracked piston or damaged seal. Even if OP tells you what happened, it probably will not help - he had a 4HP24 and you are talking about a 5HP19. Different boxes with different issues.

    But in one respect they are similar. If trans program - or the gear symbol on a later car - is showing on the cluster, the TCM will have ditched power to all the solenoids inside the trans. That means you are getting all the pressure the system can muster. If it doesn't move forward under that condition, it is not likely to move at all because the line pressure is probably leaking away somewhere.

    Without at least a full diagnostic and a check on the condition and level of the ATF, you can only speculate.

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