Help! CF33 error code won’t clear. Limp mode!

[Gmangione]

Hi all.
Have been working with my own BMW’s for a few years now. Recently picked up a 2007 E70 3.0 we really like.
I have a Snap-on scanner with 2018 software and a laptop with ISTA/D and other basic BMW software.
Had to replace a bad coil today and when I went In to clear codes, I was checking out some other modules and made the mistake of clearing the DME (engine) adaptions. Big mistake. On the E70 up through August of 2007, there was an issue that if you cleared the DME adaptions, the tranny would be put in limp mode with CF33 showing as an unclearable code. Service Bulletin SI B 24 10 07 outlines my issue and the solution...but the final step is to shut off the car and lock the doors and after the car is in sleep mode, to clear the code in the TCU....how? It’s a sleep and neither my laptop programs nor my snap on will communicate with the module once it’s asleep.
I would love any ideas. Here is the text from the SB:

“Using DIS 49.0 and higher run a "Short test" and Perform the following test module:
Reset learning functions / S2460_GSLFR_TU - available using the following diagnostic path:
Service Functions / Transmission Control / Calibrations / Reset leaning functions
Afterwards turn the ignition off / lock vehicle / let vehicle enter sleep mode
It is now possible to clear the fault.“

I appreciate any help. Thanks!

[Gmangione]

Well, It’s fixed!
I put a battery charger on the car before I started this time in case low battery voltage was part of the issue.
Used my snap on scanner.
Followed the steps by
1. Resetting tranny adaptions.
2. Shutting the car off and locking the doors with the FOB
3. Waited the 5 ish minutes for the light on the shift handle to go out all the while sitting in the car with the scanner in my lap ready on the “clear codes” button.
4. Hit clear codes.
The car started making noise like it was waking up.
I put the key in and started it (not just turning on the ignition) and voila.
I tried this so many times. But the charger was new, and maybe I waiting too short or too long last time?
I’m leaving this here in case anyone else has the issue. The only other posts I’ve found on this were never resolved. Hope it helps.

[dudeman7684]

Well, It’s fixed!
I put a battery charger on the car before I started this time in case low battery voltage was part of the issue.
Used my snap on scanner.
Followed the steps by
1. Resetting tranny adaptions.
2. Shutting the car off and locking the doors with the FOB
3. Waited the 5 ish minutes for the light on the shift handle to go out all the while sitting in the car with the scanner in my lap ready on the “clear codes” button.
4. Hit clear codes.
The car started making noise like it was waking up.
I put the key in and started it (not just turning on the ignition) and voila.
I tried this so many times. But the charger was new, and maybe I waiting too short or too long last time?
I’m leaving this here in case anyone else has the issue. The only other posts I’ve found on this were never resolved. Hope it helps.

Hey Man, I Have run into the same problem and I wonder what all can clear this fault. My car has been stuck in 3rd for over a month. need to figure a fix and I have a Autophix 5900 scanner but its not a snap-on. I'm gonna try to do what u did with the tool i have. Thanks for posting how to fix this cause I've been looking for a while.

[JChartowich]

Though this thread is quite old, I had a hard time finding any documentation on this problem. Thanks very much to Gmangione, indeed this was the best write-up I found, even when professional sources were vague and incomplete. Having said that, I'd like to complete the post a bit as I had to follow a slightly different path. Here's the sequence that worked in this case, a 2008 E70 X5 (N52 engine). I was using a Snap-On Modis. Some of these details I copied from the OP. Do this at your own risk, as resetting adaptations can be dicey and if you perform the wrong relearn procedure it's possible to damage the module. If the transmission has any mechanical problems, DO NOT reset adaptations.

First, clear all vehicle codes. With KOEO, access the TCM. Erase all adaptations (two different functions) and perform the "tech-in" function for gearbox replacement. This is a total of three separate menu functions. Exit the adaptations menu and hover the cursor over the "clear codes" selection.

With scanner still on and connected, turn key off and lock the car. If you don't want to sit inside, use a screwdriver to manually lock the door latch with the door open. Once the light on the shifter goes out (two minutes at the longest, key is STILL removed) clear the codes in the TCM. Now, immediately after clearing, BEFORE inserting the key again, relearn all adaptations a second time, as described above, now that the code is cleared. This last step seems to be the missing link, as now after starting the engine the TCM fault is gone.

Contrary to other sources, I did not have to disconnect the battery or drain module capacitors before doing any of this. Hope this helps, cheers to the OP.

[Jakemellor2021]

Though this thread is quite old, I had a hard time finding any documentation on this problem. Thanks very much to Gmangione, indeed this was the best write-up I found, even when professional sources were vague and incomplete. Having said that, I'd like to complete the post a bit as I had to follow a slightly different path. Here's the sequence that worked in this case, a 2008 E70 X5 (N52 engine). I was using a Snap-On Modis. Some of these details I copied from the OP. Do this at your own risk, as resetting adaptations can be dicey and if you perform the wrong relearn procedure it's possible to damage the module. If the transmission has any mechanical problems, DO NOT reset adaptations.

First, clear all vehicle codes. With KOEO, access the TCM. Erase all adaptations (two different functions) and perform the "tech-in" function for gearbox replacement. This is a total of three separate menu functions. Exit the adaptations menu and hover the cursor over the "clear codes" selection.

With scanner still on and connected, turn key off and lock the car. If you don't want to sit inside, use a screwdriver to manually lock the door latch with the door open. Once the light on the shifter goes out (two minutes at the longest, key is STILL removed) clear the codes in the TCM. Now, immediately after clearing, BEFORE inserting the key again, relearn all adaptations a second time, as described above, now that the code is cleared. This last step seems to be the missing link, as now after starting the engine the TCM fault is gone.

Contrary to other sources, I did not have to disconnect the battery or drain module capacitors before doing any of this. Hope this helps, cheers to the OP.

Hi what tool are you using as iv tried insta+ and inpa and both won't clear codes when keys not in ignition thanks