The process of BMW transmission reset is highly significant to understand because, in the automatic gearbox system of BMW cars, the transmission control module (TCM) plays a crucial role. It regulates gearbox and engine communication as well as gear changing and torque converter lock-up.
Inaccuracies in sensors, software bugs, and low transmission fluid levels are just a few causes of TCM malfunctions that can develop over time. To address some of the most frequent transmission issues, we’ll walk you through the process of resetting the BMW gearbox control module in this step-by-step guide.
How to Reset a BMW Transmission Control Module
To reset a BMW transmission control module, you have to turn off the vehicle and remove the key, turn the key to the second position without starting the car, press and hold the gas pedal for 30 seconds, release the gas pedal, and turn off the ignition.
1. Turn off the Vehicle and Remove the Key
The BMW gearbox control module must first be reset by turning off the engine and removing the key. This step is essential for protecting the resetter’s safety and avoiding any electrical system harm to the car.
The driver must make sure that the parking brake is applied and that the gear selector is in the “Park” position before turning the ignition off. The key should then be turned off and removed from the ignition by the driver.
By removing the key from the ignition, you can make sure that the car’s engine is off and that none of its parts are receiving electricity. This crucial step guard against any unintended activation of the engine or gearbox during the reset procedure, which might harm the car or injure the person doing it.
The use of a push-button start/stop mechanism instead of a conventional key ignition may be found in select BMW automobiles, it is crucial to mention. In this situation, the driver must make sure the engine is off and the gear selector is in “Park” before pushing the stop button and taking the key fob out of the ignition.
2. Turn the Key to the Second Position Without Starting the Car
The driver should place the key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” position, which is one click away from the “Off” position, to turn the key to the second position. The electrical system of the car will be turned on and the dashboard lights will come on in this position.
It is crucial to remember that during this phase, the key shouldn’t be turned to the “Start” position since doing so will start the engine and prevent the automatic transmission control module reset procedure from being started.
To activate the electrical system if the BMW car has a push-button start/stop system, the driver should press the start/stop button rather than the brake pedal. The driver should wait a few seconds after turning the key to the second position or pressing the start/stop button to give the push-button start/stop system a chance to initialize before moving on to the next stage.
3. Press and Hold the Gas Pedal for 30 Seconds
The torque converter lockup points and shift points of an automatic gearbox are controlled by the transmission adaptive settings, which must be adjusted to operate properly. The next level requires the driver to fully depress the gas pedal and hold it there for 30 seconds.
The vehicle may shake or vibrate somewhat during this period as the engine may be revving. There is no need to be alarmed because this is typical. The driver must maintain a firm foot on the gas pedal for the full 30 seconds, and must not let go of the pedal until the time has passed.
The driver should let off the throttle pedal after 30 seconds and go on to the next action. It is crucial to remember that this action should only be taken with the car in “Park” or “Neutral” and the parking brake on. While keeping their foot firmly on the accelerator pedal, the driver should also make sure there is enough room around the car to avoid any collisions.
4. Release Gas Pedal and Turn Off the Ignition
The gas pedal must be released after 30 seconds of depressing it, and the ignition must be turned off, as the fourth stage in resetting the BMW gearbox control module. To complete the reset transmission control module and make sure the new settings are kept in the module, this step is required.
It also gets the car ready for the process’s last phase by enabling the systems to shut down completely. It’s crucial to remember that during this period, the driver shouldn’t start the car again or turn the key. The transmission engine control module reset procedure could be interrupted if this happens, and the new settings might not be properly recorded as a result.
5. Open and Close Driver’s Door
To complete the reset procedure and make sure that the new values are completely incorporated into the car’s systems, the driver’s door must be opened and shut. The driver should get out of the car and unlock the driver’s door after turning off the ignition.
After completely opening, the door should be shut securely. To make sure that the transmission control module is completely reset, you need to perform this step two or three times. The driver’s door opening and shutting informs the car’s systems that the reset procedure is over and that the new settings should be saved.
It should not be skipped because it is the process’ crucial last phase. The reset procedure is finished once the driver has repeatedly opened and shut the door. Now that the reset procedure has been completed, the new values that were programmed will be used by the vehicle’s transmission control module.
It is crucial to remember that the driver should get the car checked out by a skilled mechanic right away if the check engine light or any other warning lights turn on after resetting the gearbox control module. This is especially crucial if the car enters limp mode, a condition in which the transmission’s capabilities are severely constrained.
Conclusion
Not all transmission issues may, however, be resolved by resetting the TCM but you can fix many things now that you have learned how to reset a BMW transmission control module.
In summary, we’ve explored several important points, including:
- To enhance the performance of the car and resolve some transmission problems, the BMW transmission control module can be reset.
- To reset the system, you must first switch off the ignition, turn the key to the second position, press and release the gas pedal for 30 seconds, release the pedal and turn off the ignition, and open and close the driver’s door.
- The gearbox control module can recalibrate and adapt to new driving circumstances through the reset procedure.
- The transmission control module reset procedure should only be carried out by a certified mechanic or a seasoned BMW owner who has the required equipment and training.
- After resetting the gearbox control module, the vehicle should be checked out by a skilled mechanic if the check engine light or any other warning lights start to illuminate.
All in all, It is advised that you take your BMW to a qualified mechanic for an accurate diagnostic and repair if you continue to have gearbox problems.
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