I've got a 2006 MCS Cabrio R52 w 116K, currently stuck in 3rd gear / EP Mode. I'm looking for guidance. Engine runs well, Drive, Park, and Reverse, even puts it into sport mode (SD) mode, but although the steptronic shifting registers on my Foxwell 510 elite scan tool, it doesn't shift it out of 3rd gear.

Current Situation:
I recently replaced all the solenoids, ATF (transmission oil) and filter in my Aisin steptronic transmission after going into limp mode with a p0700, p2901codes and sometimes a 1477 code (see desc below). I reset my transmission adaptations and engine electronics a couple of times. Which takes it out of EP Mode, but still doesn't get out of 3rd gear. After a short drive (1-2 miles) it goes back into EP Mode again.

I re-checked the ATF, but
Otherwise the car runs well, no more misfire codes (see below).
I think my options are:
1) Have I reset the transmission adaptations correctly (are there more steps that I missed)? I have done it with my Foxwell 510 elite Maybe I need to do it on ISTA+?
2) maybe I didn't reconnect the transmission wiring properly when replacing the solenoids. This would suck to go back in there, but it does drive, reverse...
I justed ordered a rebuilt valve body and will try that next. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Background:
In 2022, after not working on a car since the Tegan Administration, I decided to put an M7 performance kit on: 16% pulley, CAI, aluminum water tank, aluminum oil catch can, engine heat shield, 1+ colder plugs and coil pack, Alta belt tensioner and new belt. Also put on a larger intercooler, 2% ATI harmonic damper and 380cc JCW.

At some point I checked the ECU and it was throwing 0300, 0304 misfire codes.

In an attempt to fix my car I decided to do a 100K maintenance (thank you ModMini):
supercharger maintenance, new PCV valve, new water pump, new thermostat, new by-pass valve, new radiator hoses, replaced a cracked valve cover & gasket, replaced my oil pan & gasket and replaced a few sensors to stop oil leaks (Cam shaft, crank sensor )

It was still throwing the P0304 misfire code, so after taking it to TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS, the 2nd one said it might be the head gasket, I took the plunge and replaced the head gasket. Then the engine ran well. And I felt like a real mechanic:-)

I also damaged my vacuum and scavenger lines while replacing the head gasket. repaired my lines using clear, flexible PVC line, but still throwing code 1477 code. still waiting for those parts to come in.

So I took it out for my first proper test drive, and everything went great: revs well, no CEL. So I took it up the parkway, put it into sport mode (SD) and revved up past 5,000 (not quite redlining). After a short period of bliss enjoying my little red car in all its upgraded glory, it loses power, goes into limp mode, won't rev over 3,000 and eventually stalled out on the parkway. I let the car cool down, was able to start it and got a few miles closer to home. Stalled again, Rinse repeat, got it into my garage.

throwing the following codes after this:
0304 DME Misfire detected - cylinder 4
0336 DME Camshaft sensor - measuring range or power output
0700 DME AISN TCU CED relevant fault
1321 DME flywheel adaptation misfire detected
1477 DME LDP Reed switch does not open
1681 DME Electronic Throttle monitoring level 2/3 engine speed
2901 EGS Electronic pressure control valve SLT
3020 EGS CAN Message engine speed

Now just throwing: 0700, 1477 and 2901.

Checked the forums and found out it's probably the solenoids (maybe I should have replaced my whole valve body?), So I found a YouTube video and got to work. Now you're up to date.

If you made it this far thank you. Even if no one replies I'll update in hopes that it helps others.

 

Update: I replaced the entire valve body with a remanufactured one and new set of ATF. Reset adaptations and it's running well.

I'm about 70 miles since I reset the adaptations and the shifting is getting much better, it really does learn. I read somewhere it takes 50-100 miles to learn so I'm well on my way. And I answered my own question, my scan tool does work for this:-)

I bought the Aisin book for my rebuild. it was helpful. I'm posting a few pages here relative to the valve body to help anyone who might stumble on this page in the future. One thing it doesn't show is the wire connections to the solenoids, which is what I wanted. But I took enough pic before my original disassembly.


Also my 304 misfire error went away after I reset the engine adaptations (see above). I never saw this in any thread. If you have a scan tool, it's relatively easy to do. I have the Foxwell 510 elite.

Now to fix my 1477, 0172 and 0128 errors. Think it's the vacuum and scavenger lines I melted when trying to free a cylinder head bolt. Stay tuned.







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