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Thread: X3 diagnosis for Transfer Case or VTG controller

  1. #1
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    X3 diagnosis for Transfer Case or VTG controller

    I am trying to figure out why i cannot get my transfer case to engage in my 2004 X3, Initially i got the usual 3 light display on the dash, and assuming i had a stripped gear in the actuator, i ordered and when it arrived i replaced it, no no avail.
    I get the 5F39 code on my somewhat limited scan tool. I removed the actuator again and made sure the motor worked (it does) and then continued to test the things i thought relevant, i must admit im a reasonable newbie to the beamer, but a master tech that ran an indy repair shop for 20 years. I removed the motor again, and grounded it out just in case it was needed, then started the car and tried to see if the gear rotated. It didnt. I then checked the input voltage to the controller in the back of the car (the internet is a wonderful thing for finding components!) 13.65 volts. The output however to the transfer case was only 4 volts (8 with no load). I even went as far as to run the car with all four wheels in the air and again see if the controller tried to engage the front wheels, by running the actuator (that i had removed and was hanging, and marked so i could see if it rotated). Then i rotated the stub for the transfer case actuator by hand, and voila, i had the front axle engaged.

    Whew! long day of diagnosis but i find im no closer than i was a day ago. Just for reference, the wheel speed sensors read fine, and my limited scan tool says the actuator motor is receiving 13.65 volts (which it is not). Is it possible the transfer case control module is faulty? The classification resistor? Any enlightening as to the operation of all these systems or your experienced opinion would be greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
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  3. #3
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    Not sure if this will help at all, but if you had the "control unit, transfer box" the electronic control which is under the rear compartment floor, disconnected at all, it has to be properly reconnected, i.e. reconnected when the battery is disconnected and there is no power. Once electronic control reconnected, battery connected again. Not sure if this applies.

  4. #4
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    2004 x3 3.0

    hmmmmmm

    Quote Originally Posted by dmytro View Post
    Not sure if this will help at all, but if you had the "control unit, transfer box" the electronic control which is under the rear compartment floor, disconnected at all, it has to be properly reconnected, i.e. reconnected when the battery is disconnected and there is no power. Once electronic control reconnected, battery connected again. Not sure if this applies.
    Thanks! Im not absoluely sure, but i beleive my first tests were done before i removed the module and yook off the cover to inspect for a bad trace, bulging cap ........ but you can bet im going out to the shop to repeat!

  5. #5
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    Please note also that disconnecting the battery will cause 3 lights on dashboard to go on, (airbag, brake, and another one) and they will only extinguish after a short drive, less than 100 meters, but I don't believe that running the car with all four wheels in the air is the same. Good luck.

  6. #6
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    The most common issue with those is the plastic gear breaking

  7. #7
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    Hi all thanks for the advice, turned out to be the VTG controller after all, now i just need to reset the adaptives.........

  8. #8
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    456 X3s
    Is this the
    Step #1 turn key (but not engine) to on
    Step#2 use foot to hold accelerator completely to the floor while doing the above for 25 seconds
    Step#3 now turn car on straightway and drive
    I've seen positive results over a couple days time if done correctly

    Sent from my SM-G531H using Tapatalk

  9. #9
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    I've experience this same thing what has been your results this far? And how many miles do I have on the car???

    Sent from my SM-G531H using Tapatalk

  10. #10
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    2004 BMW X3 3.0i

    E 83 VTG - more problems

    Perhaps someone out there can help me. E83 X3 2004. Got the deadly 3 lights, removed VTG, replaced the plastic gear, test ran the VTG motor which works but when I refitted it, I start the car to a stronger than clicking sound from the area.5 distinct clicks and then it stops. Leads me to believe that the VTG isn't coupling witht the TC. Getting faults 5463, 5464, 5208 and 52D1.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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