Z4 Died. FN? Gas cap? - BMW Forum

rusty2592 · 07-31-2011, 03:14 PM

My wife called me from Costco. Z4 died. She had just fueled it. The dash display (where the gear is displayed) shows FN (usually just N for neutral) and the car won't crank. I suspect the gas cap, but can't get a replacement on sunday. Anybody else have this issue? I can't find any other error code, not sure where it would be displayed. Help appreciated!

brettski · 08-01-2011, 06:51 AM

Welcome to the Werkz.

If its not cranking I don't think its going to be a fuel cap issue. More likely to be an issue with the gear selection mechanism (if its an auto). I'd try starting it in Park or Neutral, may be check it is registering the position correctly as you move through the various positions. Try applying some pressure (don't try breaking it) to in either direction for the park position to see if that helps.

jimmythepie · 08-01-2011, 07:01 AM

if its in Park, and won't turn over it seems to be a problem with the electrics. Has it ever displayed any types of problem before? I.e. reluctance to start

rusty2592 · 08-01-2011, 12:53 PM

Seems the shift selector shows the transmission is in N, but when i try to roll the car it is clearly in gear. Found this out because I called a flatbed to haul the car to the shop but can't roll the car. Now waiting for a regular tow with dollies. A friend mentioned a "neutral safety switch" failure, but I suspect a linkage or computer problem. Ideas anyone?

rusty2592 · 08-01-2011, 04:32 PM

Problem Identified. Defective SHIFT TRAVEL SENSOR. Around $170, needs to be shipped in from L.A. (I am in seattle). Bad news is that the sensor is on top of the tranny, and the only way to replace it is to pull the tranny. Which ups the $$$ to around $850. Plus I have to take my wife to work for the rest of the week.

jimmythepie · 08-01-2011, 05:22 PM

make her walk,its only fair.

brettski · 08-02-2011, 05:32 AM

Well i guess it better than a whole new transmission. Get them to service the transmission whilst its out. New fluids and filter.

04z4_3.0 · 08-07-2011, 09:19 PM

ok i think this just happend to me2004 Z4 smg . went to the store,came back home, then went out for dinner. but the SMG was acting like it was looking for the right gear. it showed 1st but when i applied gas it was actually in reverse.( knocked over trash can ). now the little gear light is on, i can semi shift around got it in all gears but when i go in D1 (auto mode) it pops into N and we i can shift out of it. . . .