Are you baffled about the maximum drivetrain output not available BMW issue?
When there is a drivetrain malfunction with your vehicle, this means that there are problems happening with your power transfer system. Several components are linked to this system such as the differentials, driveshaft, and the transmission.
You may notice a drivetrain malfunction problem once a warning message shows up in your dashboard display. Among the issues include a problem with your transmission control module, or even a low level of transmission fluid. These can result in a BMW drivetrain problem.
With that being said, it helps to use a scanner that diagnoses the actual malfunction cause sooner than later. Keep in mind that if you continue to drive your vehicle when you encounter a maximum drivetrain output not available problem, this may lead to further damages to your vehicle.
Find out what exactly is this maximum drivetrain output not available problem is with your BMW and what can be done about it.
Maximum Drivetrain Output Not Available BMW
The drivetrain malfunctioning message in your BMW vehicle simply means that there is an issue detected by your ECM. These can be problems with either your engine or your transmission. If you want to reset the drivetrain malfunction error, you can do so by parking your vehicle in a secure spot and turning the engine off.
Be sure to wait for about five minutes with your ignition in the off position. At this point, turn off other accessories such as the radio, cooling fan, and lights. In some instances, this can clear such an error. Then, you should be able to drive your vehicle once more.
Once you have restarted your engine and your transmission has switched to the limp mode, you may be able to drive your vehicle carefully either to go home or to the mechanic. However, the maximum speed of your vehicle cannot exceed 40 MPH. So, you should be very cautious as you drive as the malfunction can recur and lead to further problems.
In a nutshell, there are many reasons why the drivetrain malfunction occurs. It could be due to a weak charge on your 12-volt battery, and engine misfire, or a bad ignition coil.
You may notice the drivetrain malfunction error message will show up on your BMW when you go up a very steep incline, passing another vehicle, accelerating heavily and taking off after a stop.
When the ECM detects an issue with your transmission or engine, the drivetrain malfunction error may then appear. The ECU limits how much torque output is created as this helps to prevent further damage.
When there is a drivetrain malfunction issue because of an engine concern, there are some symptoms to observe. These include the car starting to shake, your check engine light turning on, rough idling, your transmission cannot move to another gear, and smoke coming out of the exhaust.
It is common for the vehicle to start losing power when the maximum drivetrain output problem shows up. Furthermore, you may suddenly observe the engine dying or shaking, and then finally you may be unable to shift gears as the transmission gets into a limp mode.
A reset, as mentioned above, can help to fix the issue in some cases. However, if the problem persists even after a reset, there may be further problems involved. Thus, you need to carry out more diagnostic tests to fully determine the best course of action to take.
First, you need to do a visual check of the different components of the drivetrain. Inspect certain parts that may be damaged or have signs of wear.
Using a diagnostic tool, check for error codes in the system. You can use the codes as clues to the potential cause of this malfunction.
Test your driveshaft, differentials and transmission. Observe if these components are still functioning correctly. Road testing your vehicle needs to be done or you can also perform some specific tests on these parts.
Clear error codes from your car’s computer. Test drive the vehicle to check if the repair is complete and has solved the issue.
But if you are uncertain about performing these steps, it is always good to seek the professional assistance of a mechanic. Have an expert perform the diagnosis and troubleshooting to achieve the best results you want.
Additional Points To Keep In Mind
We also recommend that you inspect your engine for leaks. If a restart of the engine fails to resolve the drivetrain malfunction error, then you will need to inspect for signs of leaks. Check for some unusual smells that may point into the direction of a coolant leak, oil leak, or a damage to the serpentine belt.
Inspect the engine oil level and temperature. Be sure that your engine is not running when you have the oil light switched on or if it is overheated.
Using a BMW scanner, test for error codes. There are codes in your DME or EMC that provide information on the cause of the drivetrain malfunction error. Unfortunately, a generic OBD2 scanner is not effective, so you need a special BMW scanner for reading manufacturer fault codes.
Other possible causes of the problem with drivetrain malfunctions include worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, issue with your high pressure fuel pump, catalytic converter failing, and using a low quality fuel.
Read More: BMW No Source Available – Common Causes And Solutions
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you may encounter a maximum drivetrain output not available BMW problem.
Depending on the actual cause of the issue, you will need to have the issue addressed accordingly. So, a more thorough inspection of your vehicle and the different components impacting the drivetrain is essential.
When in doubt, never hesitate to contact a mechanic to help you out. This is a more efficient way to address the problem and get to the bottom of things for quicker and more satisfactory results.