I know some of you have seen this before but as long as the E34s are popular, and they run pretty much forever, I’m sure this won’t be the last post on this subject.

About a week ago I pushed my babied 525i a bit harder then I usually do, a jerk cut me off and nearly caused me to get run over, anyway the Trans Program light came on although the car did not go into limp mode and there was no noise or other apparent problems. The light continued to come on solid ever time I drove it thereafter but the car drove and shifted fine, just that pesky light was on.

Pretty weekend and I decided to see if I couldn't get to the cause of the lught. Gas pedal stop code test was done on the car, by another E34 owner, and there were no apparent malfunctions and he reset the system showing a code 1444, this is the only part I didn't physically see myself as I was gathering tools. Opened up the ECU cover box and removed all the relays and both connectors, cleaned and reseated all properly. Then I removed the shift mechanism cleaned and reinstalled. Hoping that the light would now be off I turned the key and nothing!!! The car will not even attempt to turn over! I cleaned the battery terminals, rechecked the connectors and relays and still nothing! I have now had the battery tested and have electrically tested every accessible relay in the engine compartment and checked all the fuses I can see. I tried to crank it both in park and neutral and no difference. The only lights that come on now are the mileage, trip indicator and a faint flashing ABS, no other panel indicator lights. Headlights, radio, fan, dome lights all work and do not dim when attempting to start the car. The only other thing I can add is that the power windows will not work in any key position.

What have I done?? What am I missing???