540i tranny/shifting issue

[BruceP]

Recently tried to fire up my 540i (auto) would power up but not crank/start, shifted into neutral and fired immediately. I let car warm up and proceeded to shift into R and nothing....shift into D and nothing. I went back and forth and finally it found a gear so i was able to move forward and reverse but it seemed like it was having trouble finding a detent during process. Are these two things related or does focusing on one (starting in park) take care of the other? Neutral safety switches are not cheap, solenoids can be replaced and then there's that small rectangular piece above (within) above solenoids which might be the culprit. It's 16 degrees here right now so i won't be crawling under car but would like some opinions on how to proceed....forgot the fact that it might be just low on tranny fluid, is that a possibility as well?
Thanks, Bruce

[Jaaap]

Sounds like a faulty gear position switch sensor thing.
Did you scan for faultcodes?
Do you get the trans failsafe mode when you drive?

[CPHES]

if you are sure that the switch needs service - see this - https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...Switch-Rebuild

[BruceP]

Thanks for replies...i'm leaning toward gear selector switch under console due to fact that i also don't have any illumination of gear selection in dash plus not being able to start in park.

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Thanks for replies...i'm leaning toward gear selector switch under console due to fact that i also don't have any illumination of gear selection in dash plus not being able to start in park.

[300kplus]

I have a new to me 01 M62 automatic. I have almost the same symptoms but my trans failsafe warning comes on intermittently. This is the second time I’ve heard something about a switch in or on the transmission that may need to be replaced.
Crazy thing about it is it never goes into limp mode like my E 70 did from a faulty coil.
Needless to say I am subscribed to this post and please please report back. This one is the nicest of my 2 E39 M62’s and I’ve never had this problem before.


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[Chedley]

Well, do not jump to the conclusion of a faulty gear selector switch.
First, get the error codes from the EGS transmission module. That will confirm or not the gear selector switch thing.

I suspect you have an electric connection/connectivity problem, not the bad switch. You did check test the battery/alternator, yes ?!

[CPHES]

The switch is the selector switch - all automatics have it. - any car with an automatic……. If it acts super flakey after it goes thru puddles, look at what I sent. The switch for the 5hp24 is in a tight spot down there.

[BruceP]

I will put my code reader on car today, as soon as it warms up a bit and report my findings. If it is switch i did see a video of how to clean up if it's been introduced to moisture but in long run it might be time to find another one (they are expensive but i have found them from 300-600 dollars and if it will solve issue i might just bite the bullet).

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Battery an alternator are fine.....fired right up in neutral, but yes i did test both to be sure. Have 525i that would get trans message from time to time and it was the battery failing....not the case this time.

[Chedley]

If it is the gear selector switch, a fault code will be logged in the transmission module. Try to access it, dry it and test it, before resolving to replace it. It is a pretty expensive part.

[BruceP]

If it is the gear selector switch, a fault code will be logged in the transmission module. Try to access it, dry it and test it, before resolving to replace it. It is a pretty expensive part.

I seen the cost for this part from 300-600 dollars,since i'm not using car right now we will think hard about replacing before taking switch apart first, thanks for reply.

[BruceP]

Fired car up other day to move around so i would have some space near garage.....started in park without issue and shifted fine (didn't move that far but did use D an R) Warmer this wkend so i will see what codes might be stored.