LOSS OF 3RD/4TH AND DTC 46 WHEN HOT

Feb. 4, 2014
1998 and up, Audi or BMW vehicles, equipped with the ZF5HP-19/ FL/FLA  may exhibit a condition of a 2-3 upshift flair, or a loss of 3rd and/or 4th gear.

Complaint:
1998 and up, Audi or BMW vehicles, equipped with the ZF5HP-19/ FL/FLA  may exhibit a condition of a 2-3 upshift flair, or a loss of 3rd and/or 4th gear as well as a two digit diagnostic trouble code of 46 Gear Monitoring (BMW DTC). Note: extreme cases have also caused a complaint of a no move forward when the code 46 sets, as limp home mode is 4th gear.  

FIGURES 1-3

Cause:
The cause may be, a loss of apply pressure to the F Clutch, as the sleeve in the drum is mis-positioned allowing the sealing ring closest to the bearing to leak (Figures 1, 2 and 3). Refer to Figure 4 for a drawing of the F Clutch drum and the sleeve to verify if the sleeve is in the right place. A small amount of movement of the sleeve can cause a leak in the “F” Clutch. Refer to Figure 5 and note that the F clutch is applied in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Note: 4th gear is limp mode and the application chart shows that if the F clutch is not functional, this could cause it to stop moving.

Correction:
Replace the F Clutch drum with the part number listed below in Service information.

Service Information:
F DRUM ASSEMBLY (ZF part no. ALL): 1060277010

FIGURES 4-5

About the Author

Wayne Colonna | POWERTRAIN PRO Publisher

Wayne Colonna is president of the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) in Cutler Bay, Fla., and a frequent speaker/instructor for transmission training around the globe.

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