[MiRhodes]

Very strange error message after rewiring the steptronic wires.

I was unable to go into DS Mode in my steptronic. I found a broken wire as many has done before. I repaired it and now the DS works, but when getting in my car before even starting it, I get the error

Before leaving the vehicle, select P position. Possible fault in ignition or transmission/selector lever. Have the system checked by nearest BMW shop.



if anyone has seen this, please help!!

[dawhiz]

I'd go back in and check out the wiring. Does it ever go in park if you move out and back in? Pull any codes?

[Navy Doc]

Check the wiring like dawhiz said. I did this diy and had the same code. When I went back in to check the wires I found one that was stopping the selector from getting into the "park" setting all the way.

[MiRhodes]

no codes, and I tried to take out and back in and no luck. I will check the wiring again.

[cuttybuddyox]

I have the same exact problem after getting my wires fixed so i could go back into sport mode. Next time I get work done he's going to take a look at what we did

[Frediesel]

I am in the same situation after doing this job. I'm going to see if anything is stopping the selector. Would this be possible even though the indicator lights up as if it's in the park position?

[JustDriveIt]

I had this same exact thing, I was also getting intermittent lighting on the selected gear, then it went out completely. I pulled off the gear selector cover to find ALL the wires going to one side (the white plug on the right side) had been cut. I redid the wiring and it's worked ever since.

[MiRhodes]

rewire worked!

[Frediesel]

Got it! I found a small metal flap that was not making contact with a red and white cone-shaped sensor. The flap was off to the side. The light went away as soon as I straightened it out. Hope the attachments work...

[MiRhodes]

Nailed it! Thank you!!

[E30_Crazy]

I know this is a thread revival, but this is the only thread I could find on this that actually had replies/info. Thought I would add my experience.

Basically the same as most others. Had the DS and M modes not working. Pulled center trims off to get to selector. Found a few wires cut/broken. After repairing them, every time the car "woke up" (open door, unlock, etc) or the engine was shut off, I got the "Possible ignition/transmission selector fault".

Another, less obvious, symptom I haven't read here, is the ability to cycle the gear lever with the ignition off and no brake applied. Maybe this is where the "ignition" part of the fault come from; the missing communication/signal from the ignition/power system usually required before the selector can be moved.

I haven't been able to get back into it (-35F right now) bit I will be looking for that metal tab posted above.