One of the problems a BMW owner will always encounter is the Drivetrain Malfunction error on their dashboard.
The drivetrain combines all the vehicle components responsible for moving the vehicle. They work hand in hand to help the engine propel the wheels. Examples are the Transmission, axles, driveshaft, and wheels.
Also, in-built monitoring computer systems are put in place to help notify car owners of any malfunction in the drivetrain. These issues are relayed to the driver by displaying a warning light on the dashboard, and if these warnings aren’t attended to, they could result in severe damage.
However, in the case of a BMW drivetrain Malfunction – it’s mostly a case of engine or transmission trouble stored by the ECM.
A drivetrain Malfunction doesn’t necessarily shut down your car system, but it simply notifies you that the engine is experiencing difficulty moving your wheels.
Also, remember I said a drivetrain is a combination of several car systems, so let’s look at some of the Causes and symptoms of a drivetrain Malfunction on BMW.
Symptoms of a Drivetrain Malfunction
Once the ECM on your BMW car notices a malfunction on the car’s drivetrain, it’ll store a code, and those codes will be backed up with specific signs.
If you ignore how your car operates, you might not notice some until it crashes.
Here are a few symptoms of a drivetrain Malfunction on a BMW.
- Check Engine Light will illuminate
- Engine Hard Starting
- Rough Idling
- Car vibration
- Drivetrain warning message
- The Transmission gets stuck in the gear
- Difficulty in engaging gear
Causes of Drivetrain Malfunction on BMW
Unlike other car faults, a malfunctioning drivetrain warning doesn’t necessarily require the attention of a mechanic. The warning light comes on while driving under certain conditions and goes off afterward.
Below is a list of factors that cause the drivetrain Malfunction warning to ignite on a BMW car.
- A clogged catalytic converter
- Climbing uphill with your BMW car (temporarily)
- A sudden increase in acceleration
- A faulty spark plug(s)
- Use of Low-quality fuel
- Problematic ignition coil
- Faulty fuel injectors
- Faulty fuel pump
While there are times when you don’t have to worry when the drivetrain Malfunction light comes ON, there are also times you should.
If you’re climbing an uphill or accelerating too fast as usual and the warning light comes On, you shouldn’t worry much because the warning will clear off once you start driving moderately.
However, if the warning light doesn’t clear off or starts blinking, you must address it immediately.
A clogged catalytic converter on its end will prevent the exhaust gases from exiting the system properly, which will proceed to turn on the drivetrain warning light.
Also, be careful not to fill your gas tank with gasoline with low octane content as this would cause a drop in engine power, stalling, and further ignite the malfunctioning drivetrain light.
In addition, defects to components such as the fuel injectors, spark plugs, ignition coil, and fuel pump, which make up the drivetrain, will cause the drivetrain Malfunction error.
In most cases, the drivetrain fault warning light might be accompanied by other error codes.
How to Diagnose a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction
Since issues related to the drivetrain are complicated to sort because of their relation to a complex system, it’s essential to decipher the correct cause of the warning light before initiating repairs.
An OBD-II scanner is the right tool you can use to sort out the specific causes of the issue and know what to do in terms of repair.
Connect the OBD-II scanner to the port, turn the ignition On without starting, and read the codes from the scanner.
How to Repair a Drivetrain Malfunction BMW
After you’ve determined the specific cause of the malfunction, you can now check your manual guide for tailored fixes.
You can also search for the code on Google Search or check out our error codes page and apply the individual fixes if it’s doable.
If the code seems complex, then it’s recommended that you take your car to an experienced mechanic.
FAQs
How serious is a drivetrain malfunction?
Drivetrain malfunctions are problematic, especially when they’re not noticed on time. Although some warning lights clear off quickly, it’s advised not to take any chances.
What does a drivetrain warning mean?
A drivetrain warning implies that the engine control module has noticed an engine transmission issue that needs fixing ASAP.
Conclusion
Drivetrain malfunctions on BMWs can occur for most reasons; if it’s a case of driving on a hill or overspending, it should be resolved in no time.
However, you must visit a mechanic if the warning light remains after driving moderately.
We’ve also discussed some of the symptoms associated with a malfunctioning drivetrain.
RESOURCEFUL LINKS
— Drivetrain Damage from Mismatched Tires: Cons
— ATC Drivetrain – Overview and Job Opportunities
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