Delayed Downshifting in Auto Transmission

[CosmosBlack]

Lately I have noticed that sometimes my car would have a delay in downshifting.
When I am slowing down to a stop, say at the lights...normally, the gears would downshift gradually and smoothly. Sometimes, though, there would be a delay in the downshift, meaning that only when the car is almost at a complete stop, it abruptly downshifts and you can feel a slight jerk as a result of that. When this happens, it reoccurs several times during the same driving session whenever I come to a stop, usually at the lights. If I stop the car and switch the engine off, then the next time I start and drive, the problem would be gone (until when it decides to haunt me again).

This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's annoying and makes me wonder if the gearbox or transmission is about to breakdown on me! Could this be a possible software or electronics issue? Or is it an early warning sign of a bigger problem to come?

Anyone has any ideas on this one? Thanks!

[EXtech]

could be a possible software glitch. I think maybe there's a trans problem. There used to be a problem with one of the fluid pressure switches inside the trans. There were also some valve body recalls but mostly in the 3 series. Do you have a CPO or extended warranty on it? There's probably a fault stored in the EGS module for whatever is causing your problem. Unfortunately the dealer will be the best place for the diagnosis to be done. Their diagnostic equipment is far superior to anywhere elses in this instance. Maybe you could have TECH run a service bulletin search on the problem. I think the software update will cure the problem but while they are in there they can check the faults.

[CosmosBlack]

Thanks ExTech,

Unfortunately, I do not have any kind of warranty on the car now. It's a scary thought to have the dealer inspect the problem...they are sure to recommend to replace something! Sometimes (from past experiences) unnecessary replacements! But if it's the only way to solve the problem, I guess I have to let the dealer rip me off this time.

Do you think it will hurt anything if I keep driving with this occasional problem?

Yeah, and it woudl be great if TECH would run a service bulletin search on the problem.

[EXtech]

It may or it may not hurt anything. That depends on what exactly the problem is. I would suggest tracking down TECH and have him run an SIB search and then you may be able to have the dealership do it under the bulletin and possibly not pay for it.

[TECH]

I replied to your email..........

Bulletin numbers 24 03 00, or 24 04 00 should fix you up. They are both software updates for harsh downshifts....

[CosmosBlack]

Thanks Tech!!! I will post after I get this update done,