You will need to scan both modules to get all of the error codes. She turned the car off, and back on. As you check the engine, look for anything unusual. There are many different causes of the BMW drivetrain malfunction message, and the best way to determine what is wrong is to read the trouble codes. Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Run the car until the check engine light comes back on. Not only should a specialized scanner be used, but some of the repairs go beyond whats ordinary. 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. Be sure to exercise caution while driving, as the malfunction may recur or cause additional issues. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Ensure to swap the coils in that particular cylinder with another to see if the problem persists. 119K subscribers So my F12 640i cabrio experienced the dreaded "DING" in BMWs and then the message cam up on iDrive 'Drivetrain Malfunction' with visuals indicating that the engine is almost. All Rights Reserved. Drivetrain and powertrain are two terms that many people use interchangeably. The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics - DME, or Engine Control Unit - ECU. A failed ignition coil can cause engine misfireand BMW error message drivetrain malfunction on iDrive. I am wondering if this is most likely because of the downpipe installed or if I need to upgrade my spark plugs for the higher power the engine is now making? Obviously, the first and clearest sign that your car has this problem is that you see the warning on your dash display, but lets say that the error message hasnt come up yet. 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. To fix the BMW drivetrain malfunction message, you need to read the error codes from the engine and transmission control modules with an OBD2 scanner to determine what is causing the problem. Return to BMW i3 Rex Specific Discussions. Ive only owned BMWs since 1991 but will trade this lemon in this year for something else. These core questions and more form the focus of todays blog. How much does it cost to fix drivetrain malfunction BMW? Every now and then do a longer trip.last week drove 200mile R/T from Brooksville to Sanford to pick up an '04 Jag Vanden Plas.or like tomorrow I'm driving to St Pete.when the battery gets to less than 75% I turn on the range extender. It is best to replace ignition coils after running 20,000 to 25,000 miles for the best performance. Troubleshooting BMW drivetrain malfunction, Most Common Problems that Trigger BMW Drivetrain Malfunctions, 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced. Sadly, the Drivetrain Malfunction message isnt one of these. Turn the ignition on, but you should not start the engine. Once the pump fails completely, it can be impossible to start the engine. Two weeks ago my parents' 2018 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. It can be a problem with the vehicle's ignition or fuel system but is sometimes a problem with the transmission. Therefore, it is a no-no! To temporarily reset a drivetrain malfunction error in a BMW, park in a safe spot, turn off the engine, and wait for five minutes with the ignition turned off. If the pump has failed, you will notice this warning, along with several performance issues. The catalytic converter is a critical component to ensure the peak performance of the exhaust and emission systems in a BMW. I had intended to buy an extended warranty but never had the spare cash. They can diagnose the specific issue and provide a detailed quote for the repair. Step 1: Identify the OBD II Scanner port beneath your BMWs dashboard. Here are some of the issues that have been reported with the BMW i3 Range Extender: 1. To add, it prevents engine ping and knocks. Generic OBD2 scanners wont help much, as they cant read manufacturer fault codes. Torque Converters. If the car is "on" while towing, you will start regenerating. Turn your vehicles ignition and take the key out. There are some messages that come up that dont need to cause major alarm. Drivetrain malfunction on BMW328i can be fixed with an estimated cost of $2,068 to $2,108. Step 3: Observe the cars engine temperature. Car will not start and dealer is fully booked for the rest of the week. Do not start the engine. Turn on the ignition but dont start the engine. To clear the Drivetrain Malfunction error message on a BMW, you will need to address the issue causing the malfunction and then clear the error code from the vehicles computer. Pull the hood release lever, which you will find under the dashboard. I am very interested in eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and from heat pumps to you guessed it green cars! Ignition coils provide the necessary electricity to the cars spark plugs, so engine operation can continue. If this occurs, there would be no need for the cars computerized systems designed to update the driver about any recent developments in the cars operations system. On the other hand, a reckless driving style with a random maintenance style cannot guarantee the possibility of a cars drivetrain reaching its expected lifespan. In this case, its best to simply get the car where it needs to be because it might not start again once you shut down the engine. Im Planning on Buying a Used BMW i3 Should I Be Worried? 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. Is it my programming light indicator charging is ok but still getting the drivetrain malfunction. If you want to do things like top up the oil or other fluids, this is where you add them from. When the coils go bad, power cant be distributed to the spark plugs. The cost to fix a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW will depend on the specific issue causing the malfunction and the extent of the repairs needed. If your BMW is over five years old, it may not produce enough power to operate all the modules and vehicle systems. The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE. So, it would be best to fix a vehicles malfunctioning drivetrain immediately after the problem is identified. Step 2: Turn off the cars ignition and remove the car key. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. If your BMWs catalytic converter is clogged, it will cause the cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction signal. The BMW scanner is best because it can recognize all of the manufacturer-specific codes. Hello, I recently installed a high flow catted down pipe (200 cell), a charge pipe, an intercooler, and a jb4 tune . Find more information in our list of all car dashboard symbols. And they take necessary and immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected. Never try to drive your BMW with a drivetrain malfunction. This will prevent more serious and expensive damage. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. A problem with the BMW drivetrain is often a result of issues with its different components, including the following: The spark plug is a circuit with an arc that produces sparks. A BMW uses different fluids to ensure its peak performance. I have a 2014. No error codes detected! We are an automotive mechanic blog that helps mechanics and car users to find the most recent and accurate technical and repair information for their cars. Testimonials I found that the I3 has suction on the bottom and from time to time it will Pick up trash. BMW drivetrain malfunction can also be caused by a fuel pump that does not generate the required fuel pressure, especially if the error message is coming up when accelerating. Step 3: Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine), Step 4: Turn on the OBD II Scanner and select the BMW code. Long story short, the car started normally about an hour later. With the codes in hand, you should have a better idea about what should be fixed. The best solution is to replace the differential fluid regularly, depending on the manufacturers recommendations, to prevent this problem. This handy tool will show various error codes to determine what is wrong with the BMW drivetrain. The drivetrain malfunction light means that there is a fault in one or more engine management systems. Research, browse, save, and share from 1,081 BMW models in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Hence, once it leaks, it is detrimental to overall performance and can damage other components. Restart the engine when the BMW Drivetrain Malfunction error message comes up. However, you want to skip this step if the car message comes on and the drivetrain goes into limp mode. It is also common to find metal shaving in oil. At an official or recognized BMW service center, theyre likely to use a BMW scanner, which will deliver the faults specific to the BMW vehicle both from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) module and the transmission module. Many can be scanned by a technician and dealt with with minimum fuss and minimum labor. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. This problem can be caused if you recently filled the car with low-octane gasoline. This can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and strange noises coming from the transmission. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. If you do it yourself, you might make the issue worse. Even if the drivetrain error disappears, you should still have your BMW diagnosed, as it is highly likely to return. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. And so the fix requires immediate action. Other causes along this line include; mass airflow sensor, blown head gasket, or defective turbo. Since most of the error messages are caused by fairly minor problems, you shouldnt expect skyrocketing auto shop bills when dealing with this problem. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023. link to Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? How to Reset Drivetrain Malfunction on a BMW? Among others, one of the most important is differential fluid. A professional repair can cost $2,068 to $2,108, depending on the extent of the problem. It connects the transmission to the drive wheels. The goal is to prevent any further damage while you get the car to a BMW service center. Parts Catalog Clear any error codes from the vehicles computer and road test the vehicle to ensure that the repair has been successful. It took them 3 months to untangle it. There are a few steps you can take to examine issues, and one or two things you might try that dont necessarily require the expert hand of a mechanic or BMW technician. The future's here, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride! A quick look at the dashboard will give you insights into what is wrong, including a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Most likely, your issue will be due to one of the issues below. Platinum Spark Plugs: Which is Better for Your Engine? I can drive it electric but the Rex shuts off once it heats up . Your problem could be one plug or multiple. Otherwise, you will end up compromising its performance. My 2014 i3 BEV just threw this warning at me on the way home from an appointment. Electrify America and Trip Planning: How To Travel Effectively. BMWs are known for being premium vehicles. You wouldnt normally replace the ignition coils at regular intervals. Without proper timing, your BMW will experience a cylinder misfire. Two weeks later got car back. Recalls and one on Monday, now back in shop today waiting for Drive Train message diag. The main function of the constant velocity joint allows the movement of the axle upon turning the drive wheels. Rough idling is also common. It has 35 miles left on the batteries, but when plugged in it will not charge. The fuel pump condition can deteriorate over time, contributing to its failure. BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction issue, Why Are BMWs Called Beamers or Bimmers? Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Read the code and consult the manual to know what it means. Restart the engine. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME. 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. Engine light comes back on this line include ; mass airflow sensor, blown gasket... 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