2001 BMW 740 il with 76xxx miles code error P1738 P1838

[terry007]

Hello
The service engine light went on.The car has 76xxx miles one owner and has always been serviced by the dealer, I have all receipts

It reads code P1738 pressure control solenoid
and the other is P0020 Intake Camshaft position Actuator circuit open

I did my research on the P1838 and some members mention a tranny issue others mention batterie issue?
The car drives and shifts like a dream, reverse, 1, 2 3 4 and D, all gear responds amazingly, no noise nor hesitations, super fast
I m a " soft" careful driver and took the car on the FWY, pressed on it hard, it responded right way no issues!
So what's going on? Is it bad?

Thanks for the replies.
I'm located in Studio City CA

Thanks
T

[kouks]

P1738 has to do with 2nd gear solenoid

P1838 is a Ford error so not related to your car

P0020 is a short circuit on bank 2, driver side OSV.

Since the trans is shifting fine you have an electrical issue. As far as I know, there are no electrical connections to the OSV in the e38, but I have a non VANOS engine and yours is VANOS. I would start by looking at all the electrical connectors and wires at the front of the engine. The main spool comes out left of the water pump with about 6 connectors going to various controls on the engine. The OSV on these cars is internal to the engine and has no connectors. Even the CCV at the back of the intake has no electrical connectors.

You may may also want to look at the wiring heading down to the trans.

Hopefully someone one else may have a better idea.

[740ilDuke]

How old is the battery? If its old (4+) you may want to replace and upgrade to a gel battery. (AGM)

I had similar issues on my first 1998 740il, but mine was kicking in TransFailSafe which is associated with P1738 & is more typically seen with a weak battery. Not for nothing, if you haven't swapped the fluid and filter (use FILTRAN brand ONLY filter) I'd add that to the to do list. Sometimes the gremlins are due to crusty/old wiring.

[terry007]

Thanks guys

Terry

P1738 has to do with 2nd gear solenoid

P1838 is a Ford error so not related to your car

P0020 is a short circuit on bank 2, driver side OSV.

Since the trans is shifting fine you have an electrical issue. As far as I know, there are no electrical connections to the OSV in the e38, but I have a non VANOS engine and yours is VANOS. I would start by looking at all the electrical connectors and wires at the front of the engine. The main spool comes out left of the water pump with about 6 connectors going to various controls on the engine. The OSV on these cars is internal to the engine and has no connectors. Even the CCV at the back of the intake has no electrical connectors.

You may may also want to look at the wiring heading down to the trans.

Hopefully someone one else may have a better idea.