Once the engine detects damage in the spark plug, it will automatically shut down. Hey there- what was the fix for this? Most of the time I drive within or close to electric range. Two weeks ago my parents' 2018 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. This time I took it to my BMW mechanic (not the dealer), and he tested and replaced the battery because it failed all tests seriously in a 4 year old car Got it back and the drivetrain malfunction came on again, this time as I was going out of town on a long road trip. 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. Two weeks later got car back. I wish you luck in your complaint, thats really frustrating. BMWs are known for being premium vehicles. Step 5: Read the codes displayed from the cars engine and transmission. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Have the problem checked by service. I have experienced the same complication as a user. When the drivetrain light illuminates on the dashboard, it is a sign that the cars computerized system has detected a problem in the cars transaxle or automatic transmission. The cost will vary based on what needs to be repaired and if you need help from a professional or not. Team BMW Drivetrain Malfunction error message indicates the Engine Control Module (sometimes referred to as DDE, ECU, ECM, or DME) detects a problem with the engine or transmission. You can also try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine quickly. Please advise me on your thoughts. 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. When the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it indicates that there is a problem with an engine or transmission component. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? About a week later, I got the "Drivetrain Malfunction - Contact Service" message after a stop mid-commute. What other signs are there that your i3 might be experiencing this problem, or that the error message could be imminent? The YOUCANIC scanner can diagnose the problem, allowing you to read the fault codes from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and transmission (EGS) modules. A BMW 1 Series drivetrain is the component that transfers the cars engine power to the wheels to enable the car to move. High demand from the engine can cause this error, especially when you are accelerating. Something is very wrong at BMW. It connects the transmission to the drive wheels. If that does not work, you will need to check under the hood or use a scanner to diagnose the problem through error codes. You should always take the BMW drivetrain malfunction message seriously, to the stage of critical importance. Turn on the OBD II scanner and choose BMW code. Other causes along this line include; mass airflow sensor, blown head gasket, or defective turbo. Hello, Im Tristan Perry, the person behind Green Car Future. About 3 months after I drove it off lot, it went into limp mode while driving from Wa to Ca. Can You Drive a Long Distance With a Plugged Tire. Some common drivetrain problems, such as faulty transmission, can be expensive to repair, often costing thousands of dollars. Sat Nov 02, 2019 11:55 pm. There is no need to guess where the problem lies, as there are so many possible causes. Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Green Car Future 2018-2023. I have learned that most of the drive train on the I3 are often malfunction and is expensive to repair. The part itself can be as much as $1,913. If the Drivetrain Malfunction error message appears on your BMW after an oil change, there may be a problem with the vehicles drivetrain system. So, it is vital to subscribe to a careful driving style, as well as regular maintenance for your car and all its components. It raises the voltage, causing the electricity to jump. As you check the engine, look for anything unusual. How serious is the BMW drivetrain malfunction? Then when ti was 9 months out of warranty it came on again and stayed on, i took it to the dealer and after having the car a day . If you have an extended warranty, it can also help depending on which warranty you have. If you are experiencing aBMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating or driving, do not continue. If you notice anything obvious, you have a better idea of what needs to happen next. 3.1 Step 1: Pull Over and Restart 3.2 Step 2: Inspect the Engine 3.3 Step 3: Scan with a BMW Scanner 3.4 Step 4: Take the Car to a Service Center 3.5 Cost of Repairs Various issues, such as low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission control module, or a problem with the differential, can cause BMW drivetrain malfunction. Unfortunately, its a fairly wide spectrum that makes it hard to pin it automatically down to one particular problem. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. If you want to do things like top up the oil or other fluids, this is where you add them from. Now every time I drive the car for more than 5 minutes I get the Drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately. While most fuel injectors can last as long as the vehicle, you must change it after 50,000 to 100,000 miles in real-world situations. The drivetrain malfunctioned while trying to pass on the highway. The fuel injectors are also a vital part of the fuel system. VIN Decoder. BMW i3 repair cost distribution o Whether it is a BMW 1 Series or any other car, it is important to pay close attention to symptoms of a defective drivetrain, diagnose the problem and get it fixed immediately. It is crucial for the proper engine combustion timing. In that case, stopping the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible is important so as not to continue driving. Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. Drivetrain malfunction after getting the out of temp range . To keep the differential of your BMW running at its peak, change the differential fluid after running 20,000 to 50,000 miles. How much does it cost to fix drivetrain malfunction BMW? Long story short, the car started normally about an hour later. If you are not comfortable or experienced with working on vehicles, it is recommended to have a mechanic diagnose and repair the issue. Read more. One of the most common is rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate. 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. Hence, they deserve the best-quality fuel. I find it odd that this is happening pretty close to the major recall work. A cars drivetrain malfunction is quite problematic and must not be taken lightly or with levity. Clear the error codes from the vehicles computer using the diagnostic tool.4. Fault Code Lookup The engines computer determines the fault and alerts you to the problem with the message. It will result in better consistency. The accumulation of dirt and debris can put too much strain on the moving components. This warning message may appear in the dashboard display. 1. Act immediately when there is a drivetrain malfunction. A BMW drivetrain malfunction is a problem with one or more elements of the drivetrain system, which is responsible for transferring power from an engine to the wheels of a vehicle. With a clog in the converter, the combustion chamber flow can slow down as well, causing a stalling situation and a Drivetrain Malfunctioning message. Contact Us Let the engine rest for at least five minutes. A common cause ofBMW x3 drivetrain malfunction is that the ignition coil starts failing due to exposure to extreme heat and vibration. Other possible causes of BMW drivetrain malfunction include a blown head gasket, mass airflow sensor, turbo issue, and fuel injectors. Turn on the ignition but dont start the engine. If you are getting a cylinder misfire for one particular cylinder, there is a chance that the ignition coil to that cylinder is defective. On the contrary, you now know what to do if a similar challenge occurs to your BMW car. 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. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. If the problem persists, you need to look under the hood. If it is brownish, it needs a replacement. There will also be noticeable performance issues while idling. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. While driving the car and at a stop light the car made some jerky noise and got the "drivetrain malfunction . I have a 650I w/53700 miles on it. As the plugs become older, they can no longer provide the spark required to keep the engine running right. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023. If you were to continue driving like this, you could cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter and engine. On average, the cost is anywhere from $2,068 to $2,108. To fix a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW, it is necessary to diagnose the specific issue causing the malfunction. Discussion Forum for the BMW i3 EV and Rex. Lets say you get cylinder one misfire. In many cases, this will temporarily reset the BMW drivetrain malfunction and allow you to continue your journey. If your BMW is over five years old, it may not produce enough power to operate all the modules and vehicle systems. This mode ensures that no further damage occurs to the engine or transmission, giving you the time needed to get your car to a safe location for repair. I hope it gets fixed soon. What is the Drivetrain Malfunction Error? No other stops should be made and you should turn on your hazard lights just in case the vehicle stops suddenly. For those experiencing a drivetrain malfunction, endeavor to contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you cant fix the problem yourself. I think it might be part number #13627812741? In most instances, this will lead toa BMW drivetrain malfunction reset. Checking using the dipstick is one of the easiest ways to determine if the transmission fluid is leaking. Platinum Spark Plugs: Which is Better for Your Engine? The only thing you can do is take care of your BMW and hope this situation never occurs to you. Worn spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction in BMW vehicles. 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Drivetrain Malfunction message on BMWs may appear: Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately can show any time but is more likely to pop up during cold weather if you have an old battery or come on under extreme driving conditions. Again, what are the BMW Drivetrain malfunction causes? Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. The bill to fix was around 12,000 And its not the 1st time. If youve seen this message or a variant of it, then youre actually in a club of many BMW i3 and other BMW owners who have experienced the same. Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately Maximum Drivetrain Output not available. In old BMWs that display the Drivetrain Malfunction message, one of the most common causes is an aging spark plug. When the catalytic converter fails, the exhaust emission rate slows down, leading to a build-up of pressure. Check the service history, and if youre buying from a private seller with gaps in the service history, then have an independent inspection done on the car to determine if the vehicle has any signs of experiencing or potential to experience the same problem. The BMW drivetrain malfunction message should be taken seriously because there are so many different things that can cause this error message to appear. Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? Ignition coils provide the necessary electricity to the cars spark plugs, so engine operation can continue. Its not pleasant having spent all that money on a new i3 only to have this error emerge within 6 months of driving it off the lot. If this error pops up while accelerating, the most likely problem lies in the high-pressure fuel pumps. 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. Damage to the port, what are the BMW drivetrain malfunction causes I! 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