DCT Overheat

BLuRRYM3 · 04-15-2021, 10:57 AM

DCT Overheat - Yellow Cog

Hi All, I haven't found too much info on this, so I wanted to share my issue and journey on fixing it. I have a 2011 e92 M3 with 101k Miles

I'll get the yellow cog just driving normally, shifting at 5k with the padles, on street driving. iDrive screen says temperature is high, avoid starts and stops or driving at walking speed, but can still drive

Codes are:

5A53 Gearbox Overheating: Phase Red
5A54 Gearbox Overheating: Phase Black

DCT and Coolant Fluid levels are good

Mechanic also tried doing the clutch and transmission adaptation that I read about in another thread. No change.

If I hadn't just purchased Bilstein B16 Coilovers, refreshed suspension components, complete brake job, and removed and replaced the oil pan (stripped oil plug). . . I would have most likely dumped the car.

So now if this journey doesn't cost too much more, hopefully I'll be able to keep the M3 going for a couple more years.

If this is something you've experienced and were successfully able to resolve it. I would value your input.

My Indy mechanic reported it to BMW and is waiting for the report on next steps.

BLuRRYM3 · 04-15-2021, 12:53 PM

Next steps recommended by BMW to my Indy:

- Trans service (Fluid, Filters, etc)
- Update Software (sadly that means my Dinan DCT coding will go bye bye)
- Clutch/Trans adaptation

I'll keep you updated if that fixed it.

amrazM · 04-15-2021, 12:54 PM

dct overheat codes usually pertain to the mechatronics, proceed cautiously with how you spend it may need a trans.

Helmsman · 04-15-2021, 01:30 PM

Same thread story just below this, may be a good idea to align into one.

noremaC · 04-16-2021, 08:59 AM

Go through those three steps first. If you end up in the same place, consider this:

Had the same thing happen. Ended up buying a lower mileage DCT, swapping my original DCT out and had the new one programmed to my car.

It could be clutch packs, mechatronics, a sensor etc. I would recommend not going on a wild goose chase ($$$$$) and end up having to buy a new (used) unit.

If you go the new (used) DCT route, do a trans fluid service (including a new pan: OEM or aftermarket i.e. SLON), change the mechatronics gasket and o-ring while you have it out.

For DCT's, check out Jobe Auto on eBay. He's great. Had the DCT to my shops door in 2 days via freight

BLuRRYM3 · 04-16-2021, 08:21 PM

So I did the fluid, filter, new pan, etc. Also did the software update and adaptation. I was reading on bimmerworld that sometimes the DCT thermostat is the culprit. Since it was a cheap part around $100, decided might as well change that out too since it's fairly easy to swap out.

Drove it home from the shop about 20 mi away. Did a couple of hard pulls, also hit some stop and go traffic. Got home okay, with no codes popping up.

I'll keep driving it this weekend and keep everyone updated. I'm hoping it's as easy as a bad thermostat, but only time will tell.

Helmsman · 04-17-2021, 01:39 AM

Sounds good so far, keep us updated. I also had the fluid/filter/pan - nice but not really needed - and the thermostat, code/limp mode still coming up (can be weeks/month in between though). Tryed to have the dealership to do the adaptations which they didnt.

kyrix1st · 04-19-2021, 10:03 PM

I remember reading somewhere resetting adaptation can lead to further issues, but I guess it needs that if mechatronics solenoids have also been replaced. Maybe do a flush in the transmission oil cooler as well?

BLuRRYM3 · 04-21-2021, 11:34 AM

Been on 4 drives now (about 35 miles each) so far so good.

Miss the Dinan tune, but I can live without it if this solved my issues. I'll update again after a month or if any codes pop up.

Helmsman · 04-21-2021, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLuRRYM3

Been on 4 drives now (about 35 miles each) so far so good.

Miss the Dinan tune, but I can live without it if this solved my issues. I'll update again after a month or if any codes pop up.

Thanks. Clearly something improved in your case. Keep us posted.

waynebanga · 10-18-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLuRRYM3

Been on 4 drives now (about 35 miles each) so far so good.

Miss the Dinan tune, but I can live without it if this solved my issues. I'll update again after a month or if any codes pop up.

Any updates?

04-15-2021, 10:57 AM	#1
BLuRRYM3 Private First Class 29 Rep 130 Posts Drives: Jerez Black e92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	DCT Overheat - Yellow Cog 5A53 5A54 DCT Overheat - Yellow Cog Hi All, I haven't found too much info on this, so I wanted to share my issue and journey on fixing it. I have a 2011 e92 M3 with 101k Miles I'll get the yellow cog just driving normally, shifting at 5k with the padles, on street driving. iDrive screen says temperature is high, avoid starts and stops or driving at walking speed, but can still drive Codes are: 5A53 Gearbox Overheating: Phase Red 5A54 Gearbox Overheating: Phase Black DCT and Coolant Fluid levels are good Mechanic also tried doing the clutch and transmission adaptation that I read about in another thread. No change. If I hadn't just purchased Bilstein B16 Coilovers, refreshed suspension components, complete brake job, and removed and replaced the oil pan (stripped oil plug). . . I would have most likely dumped the car. So now if this journey doesn't cost too much more, hopefully I'll be able to keep the M3 going for a couple more years. If this is something you've experienced and were successfully able to resolve it. I would value your input. My Indy mechanic reported it to BMW and is waiting for the report on next steps.
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04-15-2021, 12:53 PM	#2
BLuRRYM3 Private First Class 29 Rep 130 Posts Drives: Jerez Black e92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Next steps recommended by BMW to my Indy: - Trans service (Fluid, Filters, etc) - Update Software (sadly that means my Dinan DCT coding will go bye bye) - Clutch/Trans adaptation I'll keep you updated if that fixed it.
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04-15-2021, 12:54 PM	#3
amrazM mTekMods 2142 Rep 2,902 Posts Drives: like a granny. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manhatan iTrader: (1)	dct overheat codes usually pertain to the mechatronics, proceed cautiously with how you spend it may need a trans. __________________ 2011 Frozen Black/Fox Red E90 M3 650+WHP G-Power Supercharged First DCT to Manual Conversion Worldwide KW CS, BBS RI-A, BW Headers, Snow 2.5
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04-15-2021, 01:30 PM	#4
Helmsman Major General 4465 Rep 7,110 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Same thread story just below this, may be a good idea to align into one.
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04-16-2021, 08:59 AM	#5
noremaC . 242 Rep 714 Posts Drives: e90M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	Go through those three steps first. If you end up in the same place, consider this: Had the same thing happen. Ended up buying a lower mileage DCT, swapping my original DCT out and had the new one programmed to my car. It could be clutch packs, mechatronics, a sensor etc. I would recommend not going on a wild goose chase ($$$$$) and end up having to buy a new (used) unit. If you go the new (used) DCT route, do a trans fluid service (including a new pan: OEM or aftermarket i.e. SLON), change the mechatronics gasket and o-ring while you have it out. For DCT's, check out Jobe Auto on eBay. He's great. Had the DCT to my shops door in 2 days via freight __________________ Current: 2009 Alpine White/Black e90 m3 Past: 2008 Interlagos/Black e92 m3
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04-16-2021, 08:21 PM	#6
BLuRRYM3 Private First Class 29 Rep 130 Posts Drives: Jerez Black e92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	So I did the fluid, filter, new pan, etc. Also did the software update and adaptation. I was reading on bimmerworld that sometimes the DCT thermostat is the culprit. Since it was a cheap part around $100, decided might as well change that out too since it's fairly easy to swap out. Drove it home from the shop about 20 mi away. Did a couple of hard pulls, also hit some stop and go traffic. Got home okay, with no codes popping up. I'll keep driving it this weekend and keep everyone updated. I'm hoping it's as easy as a bad thermostat, but only time will tell.
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04-17-2021, 01:39 AM	#7
Helmsman Major General 4465 Rep 7,110 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Sounds good so far, keep us updated. I also had the fluid/filter/pan - nice but not really needed - and the thermostat, code/limp mode still coming up (can be weeks/month in between though). Tryed to have the dealership to do the adaptations which they didnt.
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04-19-2021, 10:03 PM	#8
kyrix1st Colonel 2362 Rep 2,362 Posts Drives: G87 M2; E92M3 MT&DCT; M3 euro Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: nyc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 BMW Z4 [0.00]	I remember reading somewhere resetting adaptation can lead to further issues, but I guess it needs that if mechatronics solenoids have also been replaced. Maybe do a flush in the transmission oil cooler as well? __________________ Pass me if you can.
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04-21-2021, 11:34 AM	#9
BLuRRYM3 Private First Class 29 Rep 130 Posts Drives: Jerez Black e92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Been on 4 drives now (about 35 miles each) so far so good. Miss the Dinan tune, but I can live without it if this solved my issues. I'll update again after a month or if any codes pop up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote