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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2009 BMW X5 xDrive3.0

    Question 4F53 Fault in disengagement of converter lockup clutch

    Hello,

    I am having an issue with my 2009 bmwX5 3.0 I was hoping someone would have some insight.

    The code I keep experiencing is 4F53 Fault in disengagement of converter lockup clutch. I have sent the torque converter out to be rebuilt thinking it was the seal within the converter. After putting everything back together and clearing the codes in ISTA+, I am still getting the code after driving for 25 miles. I even ran through the plan on ISTA and still getting the code.

    I’m not really noticing any major issues with shifting or drivability.

    ADDITIONAL INFO, items replaced when torque conver rebuild:
    replaced mechatronics seal
    replaced trans filter and oil

    Anyone else have this issue after a new torque converter or rebuild? If so, how were you able to resolve?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by Kadizzle; 11-11-2018 at 09:00 PM. Reason: correction

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2009 BMW X5 xDrive3.0
    Bump

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    I would have shop take a look at it

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Greenville, NC
    Posts
    506
    My Cars
    2001 7-S62, 2002 X5 S2,
    There's a ZF transmission expert on Xoutpost.com
    2001 | DINAN 7 Sport | S62 Swapped 6-Speed
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Tucson AZ, USA
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2008 BMW 528i (4 door)
    Hi, Noticed no one replied with solution to this fault code 4F53 (some say generic code P0741). My 2008 528i got the same code after I changed the gear selector (it went bad & car refused to move & couple of times just shut down when parking, low gears). My check engine light came on yellow. The Check engine light will go out after 3 on/off cycles if car is just idling. But as soon as I drive the check engine light will come back after 5-7 miles. This went on for at least a month, while i was doing web search to find a solution. Showed the car to one of the best Transmission guys here in Tucson (non-bmw), they did a test run and got the same code. Made an estimate repair of approx $1719 to replace valve body, fluid and filter. They also gave a second estimate if this does not work to change the torque converter for another $ 1147. Meanwhile my date for emission check was coming near (which I knew will fail). I was getting ready to get this done, but as a last resort though to show the car to a German car specialist here in Tucson who does BMW repair all the time since last 30 year.

    Took the car to them with check engine light on, they could see the light on in the parking lot but as soon as they took it to shop light was gone. Any way, they hooked it up for scan & saw the same code 4F53.

    Few key points BMW shop told me:

    1. They said this code is a soft code. (this was also mentioned to me by transmission guys).
    2. This code should not light up the check engine light.
    3. They have never changed a torque converter on a BMW in their shop. They last long, very long time.
    4. Soft codes normally go away with update in software (I had no knowledge of any update to car as I purchased it used 3 years ago, put 20k miles without any issues, just the DMTL pump change).

    Break-thru:

    Check engine light & code went away after software update to engine and transmission modules. Did the emission check & it passed with flying colors. By the way the common startup thump/jerk people get in E60 also went away (some people say it comes back after some time).

    Total spent $360. 260 software update & 100 for scan (got $ 50 discount on scan due to a special).

    Car has driven more then 100 miles & transmission feels better.

    Hopefully the issue is resolved & this will help others to first try software update before doing expensive repair to their transmission or change torque converters.

    PS: Noticed gear selector goes bad (when it stops "clicking" when you hit parking button on top). I changed the gear selector 2 times with 2 different ones, both times i did not need any programming, it worked right as soon as i replaced it. I tried 2 parts numbers (9159750 original, manufactured 7225 ) (9174981 updated part manufactured later 8234) both purchased off e.bay for around $75. Currently updated part 9174981 working perfect in car without need of any programming.

    Transmission oil was changed using ZF oil at around 104000 miles. After that I have put around 20 thousand miles.

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