Perform a visual inspection of the drivetrain components for any visible signs of damage or wear. Driving is not recommended if the engine is shaking and there is reduced power or limp mode. How To Fix The BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Message? It will prevent your engine from working efficiently. My 2014 i3 BEV just threw this warning at me on the way home from an appointment. Towed back to the dealer who replaced the rest of the fuel injectors and the coils. Privacy Policy Tristan is a software developer who is passionate about eco-friendly lifestyles - and products, such as green cars! 3 What Steps Should You Take to Fix it? In fact, the engine of a vehicle generates power and transmits such power through the drivetrain to the vehicles wheel to enable it to move. Valvoline Vs. Mobil 1: Differences and Which Oil Is Better? I am concerned that the mechanic may have forgotten to connect something or knocked a sensor out of place. Once youve read the codes, you can go back to the manufacturers manual to find out what they mean and take the corresponding action to fix the issues immediately. Then similar stuff happened. Yes, this vehicle shows drivetrain malfunction Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW. I have learned that most of the drive train on the I3 are often malfunction and is expensive to repair. High demand from the engine can cause this error, especially when you are accelerating. Common reasons why BMW triggers drivetrain malfunction drive moderately on the dash include a weak 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced or an engine misfire, typically caused by a bad spark plug or ignition coil. Can You Drive a Long Distance With a Plugged Tire. What is this error? Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023, iDrive screen display drivetrain error message. Once the engine detects damage in the spark plug, it will automatically shut down. Wait for at least five minutes, then restart the car. The cost of repairing a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW328i is projected to be between $2,068 and $2,108. The BMW Drivetrain malfunction is an error caused due to a potential malfunction of the engine or transmission. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Yesterday afternoon I get in and I have the drivetrain malfunction lights on. Read more. Some of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction include: A BMW drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes. Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The bill to fix was around 12,000 This error NEVER happened prior to getting the oil leak fixed. There are some messages that come up that dont need to cause major alarm. This is whats particularly frustrating to some owners. Do not keep the engine running if it overheats or the oil light is on. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. Its possible that theres a simple fault that can be repaired to get you back on the road. You wouldnt normally replace the ignition coils at regular intervals. BMW i3 repair cost distribution o It is recommended to have the car checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue. It is often also confused with driveline and powertrain, which are both different components. The leftovers of the exhaust gases will prevent the catalytic converter from doing its job. Drivetrain light display is common with automatic transmission cars (and not applicable to vehicles with manual transmission). Lets say you get cylinder one misfire. Step 1: Park safely and turn off the BMWs ignition. BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME. Replace After 20,000 to 25,000 Miles for the Best Performance Nonetheless, if you often push your vehicle to the limit, the lifespan decreases. It cools and lubricates your vehicles transmission. As you know driving 75mph at times requires both the REX and the battery. Two weeks later got car back. Catalytic converter failureis more likely to happen in high-mileage vehicles where the catalytic converter clogs and restricts the exhaust gases. The injectors push the fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine. BMW Drivetrain Malfunction - Continue the journey at moderate speed - F30 HandymanCanCook 1.23K subscribers Subscribe 235 Share 277K views 5 years ago BMW Drivetrain Malfunction -. Do not start the engine. A BMW 1 Series drivetrain is the component that transfers the cars engine power to the wheels to enable the car to move. The differential is a mechanical component that allows the wheels on a car to rotate at different speeds, which is necessary when turning corners.A drivetrain malfunction can occur when there is a problem with any of these components. Return to BMW i3 Rex Specific Discussions. It uses ignition and pressure to perform its functions. My BMW x1 has 83000km on the clock, I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards. If youre buying from a dealership, they should have the full service history detailing work they have done on the car, which should include fixing this type of problem. I only had 9650 miles on the car and I complained about the failure and the dealer got BMW to pay for it. You can be more confident that they will address the root cause. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. A quick look at the dashboard will give you insights into what is wrong, including a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning. At the same time, the fail-safe driving mode, otherwise known as limp mode, might be activated. Drive Modertaley Maximum drivetrain output not available. Got it back and in less than 12 hours, I was stranded again, same problem. It is also good to inform the technician about the recent oil change, as this information may be relevant to diagnosing and repairing the drivetrain malfunction.Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. In the following video, we show you how to use the YOUCANIC full system scanner to find out why a BMW is showing a Drivetrain Malfunction error. When there is an issue, reset the drivetrain immediately. Should any of the following steps prove fruitless in removing the error message, then your best course of action must be to take the car to a BMW service center and have it checked there. on the way home the error went away again. The effects are more evident when you are in challenging environments. After the oil leak was fixed I got an error message: DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY. For those experiencing a drivetrain malfunction, endeavor to contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you cant fix the problem yourself. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Here are the steps to reset the drivetrain malfunction message: If the drivetrain malfunction message persists after attempting to reset it, it is possible that the issue has not been properly addressed. The future's here, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride! Drive moderately. At this point, if you cannot still identify the root cause of the problem, use an OBD II scanner. Various issues, such as low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission control module, or a problem with the differential, can cause BMW drivetrain malfunction. So, whether it is a drivetrain malfunction on BMW 528i or any other BMW series, take any perceived drivetrain issue with seriousness until you have resolved the issue. Why Does it Emerge? You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. Step 5: Read the codes displayed from the cars engine and transmission. Over time, the catalytic converter becomes clogged, and this is when it shows signs of damage. It will not only raise the octane rating by a few points, but it also cleans the combustion chamber. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0e7653b00c5b5af6bbaec9052053dc8" );document.getElementById("f9c35d78d0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. [Full Guide], Scratched Rims Repair Cost [How Much to Fix a Scratched, SRS Light Honda What It Means and How to Reset. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? [Volvo Repair Costs], Malfunction Indicator Lamp [What Does It Mean? The main function of the constant velocity joint allows the movement of the axle upon turning the drive wheels. Thats a Rex-compatible air temperature sensor at least. I immediately drove to and dropped the car at the dealer. As the name suggests, brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid typically used in a hydraulic braking system to supply pressure to the car wheels. This problem can lead to a major accident and possible injury. If you're seeing a drivetrain malfunction warning message on your BMW, don't worry! If this error pops up while accelerating, the most likely problem lies in the high-pressure fuel pumps. CONSULT SERVICE CENTER. When such happens, the Drivetrain Malfunction message will appear on your dashboard. Either of these things among others can cause the drivetrain (or any of the drivetrain components) to malfunction. Here is a list of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW cluster. Step 1: Identify the OBD II Scanner port beneath your BMWs dashboard. - All You Need To Know, link to Mobil Vs. Turn the key in the ignition to the On position. If the problem persists, you need to look under the hood. Once it encounters a problem, the link between the two important parts breaks. You may need to find a specialized BMW mechanic, as these luxury cars arent meant to be worked on by just anyone. With the codes in hand, you should have a better idea about what should be fixed. The dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires (about 5-minutes of work to register it). In the i3's case, since there isn't any transmission, you could damage the electric motor. The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. If you are looking for the causes ofthe BMW F30 drivetrain malfunction, another thing that is worth looking at is the transmission fluid. Could have bought 2 Subarus. If faulty spark plugs cause your drivetrain issue on a BMW, you should change all of them, not regarding which one looks good or bad. A professional repair can cost $2,068 to $2,108, depending on the extent of the problem. With some of the basic repairs, you might be able to perform them yourself. All Rights Reserved. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyers guides, and car and tools comparisons. Does anyone have experience with this? If its your powertrain control module that is on the fritz, then youre looking at potential bills of $2,000 to replace it if youre not covered by any warranty. Rough idling is also common. Did they figure out what the problem was? Disconnect the diagnostic tool and start the vehicle to see if the drivetrain malfunction message has been reset. BMW drivetrain malfunction repair cost is relatively cheaper than fixing both the drivetrain problem and any other issues that come along with neglecting the drivetrain for too long. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. To determine if it is serious, you must first diagnose the problem. I am now told that the error was caused by a failed battery. Have the problem checked by service. But here are some common causes of the BMW powertrain error message: A misfiring engine is sure to lead to a Drivetrain Malfunction error. It typically goes something like this: Drivetrain Malfunction: Drive moderately. Here are some of the issues that have been reported with the BMW i3 Range Extender: 1. Review your warranty paperwork or call BMW to determine if your vehicle is still covered by their warranty. If the message doesnt clear, test the battery. Thanks for that information its good to be aware of that. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. )due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. Act immediately when there is a drivetrain malfunction. In most cases, it will require regular cleaning. Worn-out spark plugs result in different malfunctions in cars, including engine misfire, rough idling, engine refusal to start, etc. This can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and strange noises coming from the transmission. Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. It is also common to find metal shaving in oil. The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics DME, or Engine Control Unit ECU. When you change the spark plugs, replace all of them simultaneously. If your mechanic determines that the fuel injectors are faulty, it is recommended (but not required) to replace them simultaneously. In old BMWs that display the Drivetrain Malfunction message, one of the most common causes is an aging spark plug. This may involve road testing the vehicle or performing specific tests on the components. The drivetrain system of a BMW consists of the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials.Repairs to the drivetrain can vary widely in cost. Most causes of drivetrain malfunction are based on aging and the clogging of certain parts. It turns CO, NO2 and NO into carbon dioxide and water vapor. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. Getting Stuck in Parks. The timing chain requires proper lubrication to maintain its peak performance. Building on the success of the Nissan Leaf Forum started in 2009, the My Electric Car Forums group of websites aims to be your premier destination for EV forums, community, and information. So, it would be best to fix a vehicles malfunctioning drivetrain immediately after the problem is identified. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. You dont want to guess about what the problem is. BMW 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain components. Many people often misunderstand it. The exact wording of the statement can vary between models. If the Drivetrain Malfunction warning message appears on your BMWs dashboard, the first thing you should do is read the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner and continue troubleshooting from there. The issue is usually dealt with by connecting an OBD-II scanning tool and getting the error codes to guide a professional technician to what needs repairing. Ask your mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do all of the other expensive repairs. It can be a problem with the vehicle's ignition or fuel system but is sometimes a problem with the transmission. Here are some steps that a mechanic may take to diagnose and repair a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW: Following the manufacturers recommendations and guidelines is important when repairing a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW. 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