Help, Transmission Malfunction & Start-off assistance inactive can't start up car...

2k328ci · 05-17-2019, 06:56 PM

Hi all,

I back up on my driveway so there's a bit of an incline. I turned off my engine to run in to get something, when I came back out to restart my car to back up the drive way, the engine turned over shortly but didn't catch and I got these two warnings. Now I can't start my car's engine at all. Everytime I press the button, all I get are these messages. I see that my P probably wasn't engaged, I have my E-Brake pulled up all the way to prevent the car from sliding back down into the road. Should I let it down onto the flat road before starting (in case the incline sensor is wreaking havoc with the Start-off assist?). Its in the driveway now, I just don't want it stuck in the middle of the roadway if it doesn't start up.

Has anyone experience this before, most of the searches I've found people were still able to start the engine and limp home or to a service centre. There is was one person that had to replace their TCU. Any clues, comments or suggestions? I'm waiting overnight in hopes that it might start up tomorrow (it does say in the message that; "Engine start may be possible with a delay" but I tried that an hour later with no luck).

Please help.

Scrippy · 05-17-2019, 09:50 PM

Only time I got a transmission warning it came along with start off assistant and like 4 others related to traction control and drivetrain it was my alternator dying and causing a low battery. The next time I received a start off assistant error it also came with traction control errors but was due to failed throttle actuator bank 2. Your case sounds like a low battery kinda. What's the battery age?

ItsGary · 05-17-2019, 09:52 PM

Check negative terminal on the battery to get manufacturing date.

2k328ci · 05-17-2019, 10:00 PM

It's probably from when I got the car in 2009. How long do they last? Do you think it would start up if I charged the battery? I've got a trickle charger. Funny it isn't very cold and I just drove it for 30mins on the highway home so you'd think the charge should be ok. It last a very cold winter this season fine.

M43S7RO · 05-17-2019, 10:43 PM

Did you leave it in reverse? Dont know for certain but I'd imagine this might cause an issue when trying to turn it back on.

ItsGary · 05-17-2019, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k328ci

It's probably from when I got the car in 2009. How long do they last? Do you think it would start up if I charged the battery? I've got a trickle charger. Funny it isn't very cold and I just drove it for 30mins on the highway home so you'd think the charge should be ok. It last a very cold winter this season fine.

You can see the battery age by checking the negative terminal like I said. The battery will charge fine but its still gonna struggle. I believe my battery starting to go out too. The cars been struggling to start regardless of being hooked to a trickle charger overnight

2k328ci · 05-18-2019, 10:44 AM

I don't trickle charge it at night, I just meant to say I have one that will allow me to also boost and start the car - should I try to plug it in or jump it with my other car to see if that starts? Its not like its turning over weakly and not catching, I just get that error message when I push the button and nothing happens at all.

Yes, the car was turned off when the gear was left in reverse (I've done that all the time as I always back up my driveway on the incline). Is it bad for the DCT transmission to be turned off in reverse? It usually goes into P automatically. I think its when I tried to restart it, it turned over but didn't catch properly, I could see the transmission disengaging the P but since the engine didn't start, I think the transmission doesn't know what to do now, its being held on my driveway incline with the e-brake now. I've turned the car on while the transmission was in R and it just goes to N regardless of what position the knob was left at.

2k328ci · 05-18-2019, 01:28 PM

Well I tried to jump start it with my other car and I still get the Transmission Malfunction error and when I press the button, just nothing. Won't start.

Called CAA for a tow off my driveway to my mechanics to leave there over the weekend maybe they might be able to do something. If I towed it to BMW Toronto, they won't look at it for 2 weeks - their service appointment wait times are crazy!

Scrippy · 05-18-2019, 04:14 PM

Let us know. I have $20 on battery problems. Several peeps have told you how to find the age of the battery. Rechargeable batteries have a lifespan. Outside of the lifespan they don't charge up fully and what they have stored will drain fast which will stress your alternator. If your battery is older than 4 years just replace it dude.

dparm · 05-18-2019, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k328ci

It's probably from when I got the car in 2009. How long do they last? Do you think it would start up if I charged the battery? I've got a trickle charger. Funny it isn't very cold and I just drove it for 30mins on the highway home so you'd think the charge should be ok. It last a very cold winter this season fine.

There is no real lifespan for a battery. Too many different factors will shorten its life.

10 years is pretty damn old for any battery.

ItsGary · 05-18-2019, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

There is no real lifespan for a battery. Too many different factors will shorten its life.

10 years is pretty damn old for any battery.

My cars current battery was manufactured on the 49th week of 2012, so first week of December. I think I'm due for a change soon also.

2k328ci · 05-19-2019, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the replies,

Does this say its the 3rd week of 2009? (Couldn't really make heads or tails of all the codes/numbers)

I did try to boost the car with my wife's car and it still didn't start. The tow truck driver also hooked up one of those small battery pack boosters and the car still didn't start.

Got it towed and dropped off at my mechanics (long weekend here) so hopefully they'll look at it on Tuesday. One of the message did briefly flash "Battery - Low Voltage", but it didn't stay, the only that stayed is the Transmission Malfunction. You'd think that if it was the battery, it would start with the jump or battery pack?

If I do get the battery replaced, should I go with OEM or is there a better AGM battery you would recommend?

ItsGary · 05-20-2019, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k328ci

Thanks for the replies,

Does this say its the 3rd week of 2009? (Couldn't really make heads or tails of all the codes/numbers)

I did try to boost the car with my wife's car and it still didn't start. The tow truck driver also hooked up one of those small battery pack boosters and the car still didn't start.

Got it towed and dropped off at my mechanics (long weekend here) so hopefully they'll look at it on Tuesday. One of the message did briefly flash "Battery - Low Voltage", but it didn't stay, the only that stayed is the Transmission Malfunction. You'd think that if it was the battery, it would start with the jump or battery pack?

If I do get the battery replaced, should I go with OEM or is there a better AGM battery you would recommend?

top number is week
bottom number is year

for example

49
12

that was mine, any AGM thats 90Ah is fine, just make sure you get the right size, group 49 I believe. Get one from Costco if you have a membership cause they have a great return policy.

Solo_M_Tech · 05-20-2019, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k328ci

Thanks for the replies,

Does this say its the 3rd week of 2009? (Couldn't really make heads or tails of all the codes/numbers)

I did try to boost the car with my wife's car and it still didn't start. The tow truck driver also hooked up one of those small battery pack boosters and the car still didn't start.

Got it towed and dropped off at my mechanics (long weekend here) so hopefully they'll look at it on Tuesday. One of the message did briefly flash "Battery - Low Voltage", but it didn't stay, the only that stayed is the Transmission Malfunction. You'd think that if it was the battery, it would start with the jump or battery pack?

If I do get the battery replaced, should I go with OEM or is there a better AGM battery you would recommend?

Post a pic of the battery, and each battery post separately.

2k328ci · 05-22-2019, 07:05 PM

It's at the stealership now

My mechanic couldn't figure it out.

2k328ci · 05-25-2019, 10:52 AM

Here's the update, it was the battery after all!

That's the good news, funny how my old trusted mechanic couldn't diagnose and sent me to the dealership.

You'd think with all those warnings on the screen, one of them should have said something about batteries. The dealership was pretty good at seeing me right away (not like BMW Toronto where its a 2-3wks waiting period to make an appointment!). But they couldn't diagnose the problem in the original $185 diagnostics fee, they needed me to authorize another $175 in diagnostics to find the problem. $862 later I have a new battery and grounding strip and a soreness in my backside that I can't walk straight. But at least I have my car back after a week and its running fine. Thanks for all the help, glad it wasn't a transmission problem or TCU replacement.

05-17-2019, 06:56 PM	#1
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	Help, Transmission Malfunction & Start-off assistance inactive can't start up car... Hi all, I back up on my driveway so there's a bit of an incline. I turned off my engine to run in to get something, when I came back out to restart my car to back up the drive way, the engine turned over shortly but didn't catch and I got these two warnings. Now I can't start my car's engine at all. Everytime I press the button, all I get are these messages. I see that my P probably wasn't engaged, I have my E-Brake pulled up all the way to prevent the car from sliding back down into the road. Should I let it down onto the flat road before starting (in case the incline sensor is wreaking havoc with the Start-off assist?). Its in the driveway now, I just don't want it stuck in the middle of the roadway if it doesn't start up. Has anyone experience this before, most of the searches I've found people were still able to start the engine and limp home or to a service centre. There is was one person that had to replace their TCU. Any clues, comments or suggestions? I'm waiting overnight in hopes that it might start up tomorrow (it does say in the message that; "Engine start may be possible with a delay" but I tried that an hour later with no luck). Please help.
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05-17-2019, 09:50 PM	#2
Scrippy Lord Scrip 1815 Rep 3,013 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: LA,Ca iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Only time I got a transmission warning it came along with start off assistant and like 4 others related to traction control and drivetrain it was my alternator dying and causing a low battery. The next time I received a start off assistant error it also came with traction control errors but was due to failed throttle actuator bank 2. Your case sounds like a low battery kinda. What's the battery age? __________________
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05-17-2019, 09:52 PM	#3
ItsGary Colonel 1458 Rep 2,336 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Check negative terminal on the battery to get manufacturing date. __________________ '09 ///M3 Sedan - Jerez Black/Fox Red Ext. '09 335i Coupe - Alpine White/Black - SOLD
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05-17-2019, 10:00 PM	#4
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	It's probably from when I got the car in 2009. How long do they last? Do you think it would start up if I charged the battery? I've got a trickle charger. Funny it isn't very cold and I just drove it for 30mins on the highway home so you'd think the charge should be ok. It last a very cold winter this season fine.
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05-17-2019, 10:43 PM	#5
M43S7RO Major 503 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Peoria, AZ iTrader: (13)	Did you leave it in reverse? Dont know for certain but I'd imagine this might cause an issue when trying to turn it back on. Last edited by M43S7RO; 05-17-2019 at 10:57 PM..
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05-18-2019, 10:44 AM	#7
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	I don't trickle charge it at night, I just meant to say I have one that will allow me to also boost and start the car - should I try to plug it in or jump it with my other car to see if that starts? Its not like its turning over weakly and not catching, I just get that error message when I push the button and nothing happens at all. Yes, the car was turned off when the gear was left in reverse (I've done that all the time as I always back up my driveway on the incline). Is it bad for the DCT transmission to be turned off in reverse? It usually goes into P automatically. I think its when I tried to restart it, it turned over but didn't catch properly, I could see the transmission disengaging the P but since the engine didn't start, I think the transmission doesn't know what to do now, its being held on my driveway incline with the e-brake now. I've turned the car on while the transmission was in R and it just goes to N regardless of what position the knob was left at.
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05-18-2019, 01:28 PM	#8
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	Well I tried to jump start it with my other car and I still get the Transmission Malfunction error and when I press the button, just nothing. Won't start. Called CAA for a tow off my driveway to my mechanics to leave there over the weekend maybe they might be able to do something. If I towed it to BMW Toronto, they won't look at it for 2 weeks - their service appointment wait times are crazy!
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05-18-2019, 04:14 PM	#9
Scrippy Lord Scrip 1815 Rep 3,013 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: LA,Ca iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Let us know. I have $20 on battery problems. Several peeps have told you how to find the age of the battery. Rechargeable batteries have a lifespan. Outside of the lifespan they don't charge up fully and what they have stored will drain fast which will stress your alternator. If your battery is older than 4 years just replace it dude. __________________
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05-19-2019, 09:49 AM	#12
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the replies, Does this say its the 3rd week of 2009? (Couldn't really make heads or tails of all the codes/numbers) I did try to boost the car with my wife's car and it still didn't start. The tow truck driver also hooked up one of those small battery pack boosters and the car still didn't start. Got it towed and dropped off at my mechanics (long weekend here) so hopefully they'll look at it on Tuesday. One of the message did briefly flash "Battery - Low Voltage", but it didn't stay, the only that stayed is the Transmission Malfunction. You'd think that if it was the battery, it would start with the jump or battery pack? If I do get the battery replaced, should I go with OEM or is there a better AGM battery you would recommend? Attached Images Last edited by 2k328ci; 05-20-2019 at 02:30 PM..
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05-22-2019, 07:05 PM	#15
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	It's at the stealership now My mechanic couldn't figure it out.
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05-25-2019, 10:52 AM	#16
2k328ci Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 M-DCT / 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (1)	Here's the update, it was the battery after all! That's the good news, funny how my old trusted mechanic couldn't diagnose and sent me to the dealership. You'd think with all those warnings on the screen, one of them should have said something about batteries. The dealership was pretty good at seeing me right away (not like BMW Toronto where its a 2-3wks waiting period to make an appointment!). But they couldn't diagnose the problem in the original $185 diagnostics fee, they needed me to authorize another $175 in diagnostics to find the problem. $862 later I have a new battery and grounding strip and a soreness in my backside that I can't walk straight. But at least I have my car back after a week and its running fine. Thanks for all the help, glad it wasn't a transmission problem or TCU replacement.
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