Auto gearbox warning light

[Ianam]

Hi all. I recently bought a 2.5 auto, on which I've put 1500 miles in a few weeks without issue. However, I'm getting a warning light re the auto transmission occasionally when starting up. Restating the engine sees the light disappear. Would this be a sensor acting up, or might it be more serious? Thanks for any input.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Trade or private sale?

 

[Ianam]

Bought from a trader, mid June.

 

[GreyZed]

If it only ever happens at start up and putting back into park and re-starting the engine always clears it then it's most likely the gear selector position switch.

If it becomes more regular than a few times a year and starts to get on your tits then you can replace the switch which is on the outside of the gearbox with just a single cable and connector iirc.

 

[Johnbmwz4]

Hi mine does this every now and then too but turn engine off and back on again everything fine. It defo the selector switch but doesn't do it often enough to bother me

 

[cj10jeeper]

Don't trust to luck it's a sensor. You purchased trade so you have a warranty either supplied with it or under sale of goods act.

Just take it back and ask for it to be fixed. Don't waste your time worrying or finding in 3 months the gearbox has issues.

 

[SonnyA85]

mine did this.

i had the transmission fluid changed and a new powerful bosch s5 battery fitted.

not happened since. reason why i had the battery changed is because it was a cheap crappy one which i suspected was low on power. being low on power causes this problem, it also causes alarm to go off randomly too. i had both issues. change of battery has solved both transmission and alarm.

it's worth getting the transmission fluid changed every 4 years. if yours is a 2003 i would get it changed ASAP it's likely never been done as bmw state it never needs changing but it does.

 

[Ianam]

Thanks for all feedback. Have messaged trader (Hi-torq in Enfield; no reply as yet!) and have asked HJ for advice re claiming for repair, as I'm in NE Scotland. Did I say I had to replace the front wishbones too...? I think the car is basically reliable as I drove it back up, but it certainly needs fettling and I suspect the chappie may be a bit of a chancer.

 

[Chunky]

Mine does this when starting in Park, I can start in Neutral and no warning light. The code reader suggests the position sensor. Where can this be purchased from other than the dealers please.