Expert: Josh Fields - 10/3/2006

Question
Hi

I have a BMW 525I automatic. My battery died and i got it jumped. It drove fine for about 10 minutes, then it felt different. My car wouldnt shift. I floored it and it would not pick up speed right away. The dash board read " TRANSFAILUREPRO"  and the battery light and ABS light kept flashing.  I got home and it died again. The battery is brand new. But its not a BMW battery. Can you give me some advise on what could be the problem.

Answer
Martin,
 Transmission problems can be a nightmare.  I would advise you to take it to a trusted mechanic, or the dealership and have a scan tool put on the car.  There could be several possibilities to your problem, and based on the information given I cannot make any judgements.

 The battery should not matter whether it's a cheap one from Walmart, or a top-of-the-line Optima.  The only thing that could have happened is that someone hooked it up incorrectly (positive battery terminal on negative lead).

 Good luck,
 Josh