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2013 BMW M3 E90

4.0L V8 S65RWDDCTgas
Repairs0Labor499Torque3925Fluid7DTC909Battery0Maintenance0Recalls0
P1747high severityPowertrain

Transmission Failsafe Relay Fault

on 2013 BMW M3 E90 4.0L V8 S65 · RWD

What this code means

The DME or EGS (Electronic Gearbox Control) detected a fault in the transmission failsafe relay circuit. This relay controls power to the transmission solenoids and its failure can leave the transmission in a default safe mode.

Symptoms

  • Transmission stuck in one gear
  • Transmission failsafe mode activated
  • Check Engine Light
  • Harsh or no shifting
  • Transmission warning light

Common causes

  • Faulty transmission failsafe relay
  • Relay connector corrosion
  • Wiring fault to relay
  • EGS module failure
  • Blown relay fuse

Diagnostic steps

  1. Test relay operation with multimeter
  2. Check relay fuse
  3. Inspect relay connector for corrosion
  4. Test power supply to relay
  5. Swap relay with known-good unit

Repair notes

Replace the transmission failsafe relay and inspect associated wiring.

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