BMW E36 E39 4l30e Transmission Not Shifting DIY Solenoid replacement and Band Adjustment

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BMW E36 E39 4l30e Transmission Not Shifting DIY Solenoid replacement and Band Adjustment,
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[@davemon8130]

I just want to say thank you so much I’m very grateful man you saved me so much Time, money and headache I can’t thank you enough!

[@rdf1238]

I was just about to button up my trans until I saw your video regarding the shift solenoids. I decided to replace the two. I'm thinking that's why my 99' E39 sometimes won't shift into second gear after high revs. Doesn't hurt to change them since I'm doing a fluid change. In other words THANKS!

[@philipoien7562]

I came to this video from a Google search on 4L30E band adjustment, and indeed you present sufficient information on the subject. I have two of these transmissions on the bench in my shop right now. One out of a '92 525i and the other out of a 2002 325i. I read all the comments, but didn't find anyone clarifying the torque value that you muddled in your conversation, nor anyone commenting on the tools (correct tools) you mention as necessary, which are different from what I had to use... First the torque: The published turn down torque is 40 in-lbs. A simple Google search gives the metric conversion to 4.5194 newton-meters. The Standard 40 in-lbs is converted to ft-lbs by dividing the 40 by 12, since there are 12 inches in one foot, which equates to 3.3333 ft-lbs. The two standard torque wrenches are either 3/8" or 1/2" drive, and have corresponding short (3/8') or long (1/2") handles to cover the torque range from 25 in-lbs to 150 ft-lbs. The low number on my 3/8" drive torque wrench is 25 in-lbs, and on my 1/2" drive torque wrench is 20 ft-lbs. Clearly the 1/2" drive wrench can NOT be used. You can not accurately set torque by counting backwards from 20 on the big wrench. You will back off the pressure spring inside the handle. You must use a 3/8" drive short handled torque wrench that has in-lbs readings on the handle to set the turn down torque. You muddled something about 30 something when talking about torque values. There is nothing related to 30 something in the turn down torque. The torque is either 40 in-lbs, or 4.51~4.52 N-M. Low ft-lb torque settings below the lowest ft-lb setting on a ft-lb long handled torque wrench SHOULD be converted to in-lbs by multiplying by 12 to get inch-pounds and then using an inch-pound short handled torque wrench... As for the tools: I looked at the adjusting screws on both the transmissions I have on my bench, and could see that they are both hex key/Allen wrench drive. I figure that possibly the transmission you were working on in this video does indeed use a T-30 Torx bit. Since the T-30 Torx bit didn't fit, and because I believe in using the correct driver on hex/Torx drive screws to avoid damaging either the fastener or my tools, I had to figure out what hex bit was necessary. Needless to say, here begins the contradictory details of these BMW (actually GM) transmissions. I noticed that the bolts that attach the filter to the valve body had 3 lines on them indicating Grade 5 SAE instead of the 10.9 or 8.8 like metric fasteners have, like the pan bolts. German car with French made American GM transmission. Ah the confusion. I tried a 5 mm hex key, it didn't fit; a 4 mm was too small, and a 4.5 mm was sloppy loose. A 3/16" hex key was the perfect snug fit...As for the lock nut and shaft with the two flat sides, the shafts on both the transmissions I have had the best snug fit with Standard 1/2" wrenches (slightly smaller than 13 mm). The lock nuts were. as you stated 9/16". Bottom line: these transmissions appear to use metric fasteners on the outside, but Standard on the inside. Thanks for the video. Hopefully my comments will help others and avoid some confusion.

[@omegapolat]

3/8 wrench starts 3nm and 1/2 wrench starts 5nm in my country. accually i buy 3/8 wrench from england and shipped to my country. its rare in here. this f.cking transmission so beatiful but its frankenstein. there is metric and inch screws and nuts. band adjustment not a mess but have rules. i torque 4,5nm and back 4 times. remember GM says 4,5nm and 5 times back. i make it 4 because a man from usa says 4 is better, sometimes i feel 5 not ok. so 4 is ok. but some my friends not have 3/8 wrench, use 1/2 and torque 5nm and 5 times back, you can also make it 4,5 or 4 times back, there wont be problem. in all my band adjustments: the low band drum is 136,5mm, i use new LUK brand band, and the adjustment screw long from 14mm locker nut is 7,5mm (4,5nm torque 4 times back) but GM makes 10mm long from locker nut in brand new transmission. if band too tight, wheels move foward at neutral in the air and reverse have a little sluggish. if band too lose, car shaking/vibration in 1st shift drive. and feels sluggish when you put D mode.

[@curtisbeesmith]

Yeah he definitely muddled the numbers, thankyou

[@aimansahaja5981]

is it necessary to do the band adjustment?

[@betohatch1]

Hi Nathan, thank you for all your videos, I find them helpful. Question on this one - when replacing a Soleniod, do I still need to adjust the band; or was that something else you wanted to do yourself. Excuse the ignorance! Thanks you - Robert

[@2Beigatti]

Roberto Hatch I have this same question!

[@maestrotyper]

Hello greetings from indonesia....would like to drop u a question... is measuring resistance of the solenoid valve (Mv1 2 and 3) a right way to decide whether or not to replace the valves?

[@HandyTim]

So did the solenoids that you put in fix the problem?

[@bendy1808]

Thanks Nathan I watched you change pvc breather valve 318 ti changed mine bummer broke the plastic coolant pipe hose connecter on side of block no worries ordered another one changing its that difficult just remove manifold lower intake , fuel rail remove altinater change coolant pipe connecter its getting old so needs new one any way doing trans soliniod band tightening watched your youtube have to order parts cheers

[@bendy1808]

by the way changed coolant pipe successfully the just after that the radiator cap went then just after that the radiator ordering new radiator in few days got old one out to be replaced look after your coolant system they all need this when getting up there in years

[@wholmes12383]

My problem is I put it in drive and when I drive it it doesn’t shut gears automatically I don’t know what’s wrong

[@bendy1808]

Nathan was doing some checking and you might be right about torqing the trans bands to 34 lbs with T30 torq example a dodge ram band spec is 72 lbs torq with T 40 so you are right about torq spec

[@bendy1808]

NOO its 40 inch pounds and 4.5 nm

[@phahadwire4422]

What makes a solenoid to come out temporary then it goes back even though the car is in ignition on BMW e36 and my diagnostic is DTC 40 pressure regulator

[@canadiandriftergolfer8264]

Nathen you have been a master help with my 97 e39, one question boss, if and when my trans gets wet (Auto) it’s goes into safe mode gears 2 and sometimes 3 . Do I have a bridge or faulty sensor or exposed wires

[@jakubmikulski6373]

Have you completed your task nor is it shifting as it should in regards let the commentary know.

[@jeffgilbert147]

My ATSG manual for the 4L30E says to back off 5 turns on the low band servo. Just curious where the 4 turns came from.

[@omegapolat]

4 is better, some cars not fell good if i back 5 times. just make a long explain above in another answer

[@lucidbarrier]

My dad has a 93 BMW 318is that takes off in 3rd gear. It's dangerous, the limp mode gear indicator is lit up on the dash. I told him there is a problem with it but he doesn't believe me. So how do I determine if it's the solenoids or something else? I'm going to buy the solenoids and change them both. I noticed that people have error code suggestions but how do you pull the transmission codes on those early E36 models?

[@poorman77222]

Hi Nathan ... how are you dear? I have my BMW 525/1991, sealed strait engine (not vanos). The gearbox cannot shift from 2 to 3 when coldness (early morning and dark night). But, when it goes worm it works normally. I gonna replace the hydraulic oil. So, would you please advice me what should I do or test as well? What about the TPS resistance test? Can I disassemble it to clean and adjust its contacts? I appreciate your fast reply. Thank you so much for your nice and great videos. Eng. Wissam Saleem, Iraq.

[@Shas4Ever]

Hi Nathan, I have a question BMW 1997 540i only drive in reverse, can't drive forward! What is your best guess for this problem? Wait for your answer and it will be highly appreciated. Thanks

[@joecruz269]

Do you have to ajust the band??

[@generationchurch7233]

Nathan, I have an 2003 E39 540i with a p0970 and EDS 3 code. Pointing to a solenoid. Problem is intermittent with safe mode , but what difinitive test can I do to be sure its a solenoid before removing tranny pan and getting into the valve body?

[@KIQUE-vh4yj]

I have a e39 540i I put trans fluid in and it shifts hard or it’ll kick going into second and then into trans fail safe mode I tried to add some more in the reservoir and it didn’t go down at all do I let it idle like you said in your other videos and then add more?

[@jamiebridges8668]

hi Nathan i like how well your videos are composed but i have to ask if you have ever torn down the transmission farther then just the solenoid i am currently doing a job and have the pin at a point of which i cant pull it out so i have to remove the next part of the transmission in order to remove the pin however one of the bearings fell out of place and i am not sure exactly where it goes. id greatly appreciate any help you could offer in this matter.

[@andrewchin7010]

What the Job of Band unit and doing the Adjustment what the symptoms can it fixed

[@donaldflowers9518]

When the battery died electrical components began to fail. Now that I have a new battery nothing happening with electronic s coming back on, please help!!!

[@LuvFORTUNEs]

Did it fix the not shifting in 3rd or 4th gear? Thanks in advanced

[@miniduels1240]

i have a 99 323i no crank, i beleive it is the NSS issue. How do i don a quick bypass to check it. I dont want to purchase the part if it is not the problem as i like to use factory BMW parts.

[@haithammohammed4407]

Sir I hv e32 and the transmission not shifting like stuck on gear 2!! I replaced the transmission but the issue still there.. pls assist

[@yellowlight4777]

I can't shift in my e39 and I'm using screw driver to start my key isn't working can this video help me

[@makgstefan]

hi Nathan. I have a big problem and i don't have any idea what i have to do. My car is a bmw e39 00' 2.2 litres 170hp. I live in Germany and my car has 219.000 kilometres. When the car is cold the automatic transmition moves really well but when the car is hot you need to press hard the shifter from P to D, from D to R and from R to N. Sometimes it doesn't even moves to D and i have to press hard to move it to manual because that's the only way to move my car. I went in my mechanical and he just spray some wd40 in the cable underneath the car but that didn't helped at all. I changed the fluid and the filter of the transmition and that also didn't helped at all. Otherwise my car shifts great all the gears the only problem is the shift stick. What is gonna be the problem in my situation?

[@HandyTim]

What solenoid has to be replaced when not shifting from 1rst to 2nd

[@pissedoff689]

Solenoid A, but you should replace both A&B while you have the pan off.

[@omegapolat]

the gearbox speed sensor makes same issue. but you must see error code too.

[@donaldflowers9518]

I need help with the electrical computer link in my 2000bmw 740il. Please help!

[@Rtario]

Thank you for your reply. My Automatic Transmission is ZF5HP24 So what could be the problem?

[@mrtee3477]

WTF? what is your car doing?

[@Sroor2023]

Hi Nathan you are the best Want you a favor can you show us a video of rack steering rebuild of e39 rack steering i6 I can't get seal carrier out of the rack it's not easy as e36 rack steering

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I usually just replace the whole rack instead of rebuilding them

[@Sroor2023]

+Nathan's DIY Garage thanks just done it now after hard work Ok I've done it It's not only clip C ring there is many thing have to be done Removing adjuster of rack steering removing plastic for rack steering for steering column also remove steering snap ring and 22 bolt and 13 mm bolt and you can remove the seal carrier it's only 2 seals you have to challenge with one and other one is so simple And you have o ring that it's not damaged usually cause it's like vanos seal o ring also you have to change the bearing from local market and that's it It's really worth that I've changed mine on workshop and that one leaked a little used atp205 so it's just leaking little per week so I think about rebuilding my old rack steering and I think that Iam successed changing the main seals but how can I test it before fixing it on my car is there a way ?

[@Sroor2023]

+Nathan's DIY Garage I hope I can see in details how do you change it cause it's coastly labor charge to do it on a workshop garage

[@bjenks2]

having a issue with my E38. I bought it needing a camshaft position sensor and it also had the P0340 code, in which I'm doing the plug fowler trick that I saw you do, but here's the issue; I drove the car 100 miles from where I purchased it and it drove fine and averaged 16 mpg. Well when I got home, before getting it inspected I noticed the passenger taillight was out so I disconnected the battery, replaced the bulb and hooked the battery back up. Well the codes are gone but when I left to go register the car it felt like it was in a high gear taking off. I noticed the mpg shot down to 7.8. When I pulled into the dmv the trans fail safe mode popped up but no CEL. I registered the car, got back in and it drove fine. Would the Camshaft sensor cause it to go into limp mode? Should I change the transmission fluid and filter with castol synthetic, because I'm no where near a bmw dealer. lastly I noticed there water in my battery tray, I guess I didn't put the light back on tight enough when I fixed it. Voltage is at 12 when the car is off and 14.2 when the car is running. Thanks for any suggestion. Sorry I'm new to the bimmer scene, I've driven Honda's all my life.

[@49495lwbrmoxybe]

97 e36 will only be in Gear ⚙️ for a couple seconds

[@camaroiowaguy23]

did the solenoid fix your problem? ive had my 97 528 for 3 years now and this whole time i thought it was in limp mode.. but i changed a solenoid and no change. perhaps i changed the wrong solenoid? my car starts off in 2nd or 3rd.. so i have to manually shift it into lower gears to get it to take off faster instead of starting off in D (its a 4 speed automatic) and it does go highway speeds just fine. i had my car hooked up on the computer at an indy and it is NOT in limp mode. im just hoping to change out all the solenoids and that will fix it..

[@youguesseditentertainment8003]

camaroiowaguy23 same car; I have to rev my engine until rpms reach 3000 then the transmission gear light comes on then I could drive normal.

[@Centralcoastwraps831]

You Guessed It Entertainment same here mine starts off in 4th and won't kick in untill about 2000 rpms but my model is the 1995 750 I'll v12 can't get it out of trans fail safe mode any help ??

[@manguyrocks]

Did you just say 40 in/lbs is = to 34Ft/lbs?

[@Rtario]

Hey Nathan, I have 1997 e39 bmw 540i in the morning i noticed that it shift lil hard on second gear with high rpm. But once it warms up it it shift fine. also i noticed if im on uphill the code P0732 kicks in so i have turn it off and reset the computer and its back to normal.. So any suggestion it would help. And if u can what the parts number for the first and second solenoid. Please!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Is that the 4l30e I don't remember what the 97 540 had for a trans? could be a zf box that year also, does it have a small trans fluid pan infant of the big pan? if so its the gm

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Well all you can do is change the fluid and filter and hope for the best, the solenoids are crazy expensive for the zf

[@mrtee3477]

Is not GM is ZF5hp24

[@BilderbergCEO]

If you're getting error codes on multiple solenoids, how do determine whether it's the solenoids or the actual transmission that's failing?

[@omegapolat]

this selenoids are very tough. but cables and sockets not. first look at them. an example B selenoid fails and car not shift 3rd. you cant see B selenoid error code. you will see trans ratio true or false error code. A-B-C and TCC selenoids use same cable for negative in opel. dont know how them in bimmer. if this cable fails you will see 4 of them in error codes

[@TechTokOffical]

What does doing this adjustment do? I know it "adjusts the band" but what that mean

[@omegapolat]

better milage, better run at 1st and 2nd gear. and not burn band in near future.

[@bendy1808]

Nathan thats right 40lbs 4 turns back it off with t30 off thats right I herd from a second trans specialist good job nathan

[@jmchavez001]

question? ?? i have a 2001 530i. and i need to change the. exhaust manifolds. both bank 1 and bank 2. do you think if can fit. the exhaust manifolds from a 2002 330ci to my 530i. ??? looks the same manifolds

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I do not know, but why are you changing the manifolds?

[@jmchavez001]

+Nathan's DIY Garage. im not sure but i think one of the catalytic converter is not working properly because when press the gas pedal sounds like racing car. that sound. is like when you add a air intake

[@DoubleAA-eq5vp]

I need help with my 03 bmw 530i. My sport mode won't work, and my acceleration is very weak. I go 0-60 in 60seconds..haha it's bad. And it won't shift, I think it's stuck in 3rd or 4th gear. Limp mode. I've changed, mass airflow sensor twice. The boot, spark plugs, coils, valve cover and gasket, serpentine belts, transmission fluid and gasket..idk what the hell is going on!!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

what is the trans codes, and did you fill the fluid with it running? Should take almost 7 quarts

[@DoubleAA-eq5vp]

Codes are P0430 Catalyst system efficiency bellow threshold bank 2 P0420 Catalyst system efficiency bellow threshold bank 1 P2763 torque converter clutch pressure control solenoid control circuit high I'm not a car genius, so I don't know exactly what these mean lol. And yes I filled whole car was on, not sure it took enough tho. My car is too low and I had it on a light slope so I could get under and fill haha. So I know I didn't top it off to the max. But the issue was there wayy before that too.

[@minddiversity2260]

Have you checked out abs module that also causes problems to transmission. Also try to reset ecu and trottlebody, or just empty your computer with battery (-) terminal. Bmw is a space ship and everyting relates to everything.

[@yarpos]

on the adjustment 40 inch pounds is 34 ft lbs????? seriously

[@jonathanclark6489]

those rocks look painful!

[@carlrice6989]

thanks for "Updating" to "T30" Torx instead of an unheard of "T80" ,, if they make T80 it would be close to a 5/8" Hex,,,

[@robt7548]

3.3 ft lbs not 33

[@bendy1808]

Thanks Robert T thats very important to Torq the right spec 3.3 ft lbsTrans band E36 E39

[@josephflores6510]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@drdouglas1000]

3.3 ft lbs = 40 in. lbs

[@samanthaalfaro2532]

Hello I have a 97 e39 it’s not shifting in D or 3rd could this be the reason ? It’s just showing a S and my car don’t have sport shift ? Could it be the neutral safety switch ?

[@JoseMorales-ru8vc]

Where is the video removing them????????

[@rnr5445]

I changed my fluid in my 540i 1998 got it for $400 thats what the guy owed me has 230,000. Its auto transmission which was working just fine. Used valvoline max. The only thing that looked like a fill plug was in front of the pan. Took it out and a spring and a funny looking fitting came out and I knew that wasn’t a fill plug put it back in. Found your vid found the correct fill plug, filled as you did. But now it will not go into any gear. What did I do wrong? It has to be that little spring loaded plug I removed. Any suggestions? Please.

[@MarsRonin]

Would this fix the problem of it sticking in gear in auto and not shifting up or down until I flick to tiptronic and back several times in my '02 520i?

[@harrisonoklenorhanson6421]

Where do you fix the two balls when fixing the transmission solenoid valve body on 4l30e transmission

[@apoloedsonarinaitwe8531]

I am having a Trans. FailSafe Prog. that switches off radio and all dashboard and even the horn can not work. How can I solve this?

[@esperanzaesperanza7222]

Thank you for your videos I had a quick question about my BMW X5 2005 my transmission will stay in first gear it will not change I reset my computer and that transmission started to work it will change all the gears but it will go back on safety mode and it will start doing the same thing it will not change from first gear for nothing what you recommend me to do and can you give me an idea what it well cost me to fix it because I went to a mechanic shop and they're charging me 550 to change two solenoids the filter and new oil

[@fanagama2665]

I moved engine with gearbox still attached to a fresher body. It is a E36. Problem is now only reverse gear and gear number three angages. what could be the problem

[@jannogibbs7551]

sir i have a problem in my 4g63 transmission...there is no forward and reverse when tires and brake calipers where attaced.,but when i remove them there is forward and reverse.,what is the problem can you help me

[@minddiversity2260]

ABS module, or brakebad failure causes problems to transmission

[@Focus_mx15]

did it fix it ?

[@dainisfreivalds3321]

I have a problem with my E39. Automatic gearbox, the Gears panel switches but my BMW does not move. Pleas help With advice.

[@CruzingYT]

Did You ever get this situated?

[@minddiversity2260]

Transmission fluid level low? Abs module failure? Abs bads failure? Speedometer failure? Transmission on a failure-mode?

[@garrettlucas1080]

My 528i has the same issue. Where did you the solynoids?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Ebay, if yours is a 1998 or earlier its the gm 4L30E just search ebay for that

[@garrettlucas1080]

Nathan's DIY Garage thank you :)