[96vette]

2006 E90 325i

Can a faulty crankshaft sensor cause the transmission to go into limp mode?

I'm getting the following codes:

2A94 - crankshaft sensor

event 1: volts @ Terminal 87 = 14.12 engine speed 0
event 2: volts @ Terminal 87 = 12.90 engine speed 0

51A7 - gearbox control unit

A116 - gear lever (GWS)


Both times this occured while driving at highway speeds I could feel a shutter then the car would enter limp mode with a Transmission malfunction message "Gear lever not engaged". stopping and restarting will return everything back to normal.


Has anyone had experience with this issue?

[96vette]

FYI... it was indeed the Crankshaft sensor. Not easy to replace but it solved the problem.

[hillhucker]

^ thanks for the info. My wife's '07 328 just threw the 2a94 code. I figured it was the sensor

[TheTal0n]

Did you have any other codes? My transmission is going into limp mode, and sometimes its followed by electronics malfunction with about 3 other malfunctions.

[BoogeyMan'sBMW]

Originally Posted by TheTal0n

Did you have any other codes? My transmission is going into limp mode, and sometimes its followed by electronics malfunction with about 3 other malfunctions.

What was the result of your issue?

I had a similar problem as this OP and it went away after changing the crankshaft sensor but now its back. Same codes thrown originally 2a94 crankshaft sensor, gearbox control unit and reverse gear not engaged.

The codes on idrive are transmission malfunction, dsc inactive, trms inactive and the tranny is running in limp mode.

I have a feeling now its an electric issue I just don't know where to start

[TheTal0n]

Originally Posted by BoogeyMan'sBMW

What was the result of your issue?

I had a similar problem as this OP and it went away after changing the crankshaft sensor but now its back. Same codes thrown originally 2a94 crankshaft sensor, gearbox control unit and reverse gear not engaged.

The codes on idrive are transmission malfunction, dsc inactive, trms inactive and the tranny is running in limp mode.

I have a feeling now its an electric issue I just don't know where to start

Mine was a handful of exposed wires that had partially broken located in the DME box, I just wrapped them with electric tape as best as I could. The wires were fragile feeling, so I dont dare repair them more "cleaner". Maybe give yours a look! been solid ever since!!


The mechanic at the bmw dealer gave me the glorious idea to check the DME wires.

[BoogeyMan'sBMW]

Originally Posted by TheTal0n

Mine was a handful of exposed wires that had partially broken located in the DME box, I just wrapped them with electric tape as best as I could. The wires were fragile feeling, so I dont dare repair them more "cleaner". Maybe give yours a look! been solid ever since!!


The mechanic at the bmw dealer gave me the glorious idea to check the DME wires.

One of the pins from my pbx came loose, which is what caused it for me.

The white wire bundle from the pbx goes to the crankshaft sensor if anyone has this issue.