SMGII Gearbox problem...

[the eldest boy]

Hey guys, i wonder if anyone can help me (before i head off to AGMC) with a problem i'm having with my SMGII system, specifically the paddle shift levers. Basically, the + paddle doesn't work on, roughly, 10% of gear changes. It can be fine for a while, then not let you change from 2nd to 3rd, or 5th to 6th. So when this happens, i change it using the stick and after that the paddle will work fine again. It seems to have most of it's problems changing form 1st to 2nd and 4th to 5th, but like i say it's only some of the time. The rest of the system (the stick shift, the - paddle and fully-automatic) work fine. Does this sound like a dodgy conection or is my car doomed!?!?

Has anyone had a similar problem?

Thanks,

Phil

[Wazif]

sounds to me like a dodgy connection only...check the levers.. as long as shifting is fine wen using the stick and auto mode....u got nothin to worry bout
________
Caribbean Recipes

[Bruno]

you should replace the SMG paddle switch



Here is a rough procedure breakdown.

1. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY - Do NOT forget because you will be taking the airbag out. Not yelling but no need to eat airbag.

2. Locate the two holes on either side of the steering wheel backside ( L and R )

3. Push a flathead screwdriver into these holes straight on, you will feel a tab (Spring inside holding the airbag on either side), push the tab while pulling on that same side of the airbag in the front. Repeat for other side. There is a very good writeup of this on Mad Russian.

4. Lift out airbag and unclip the two clips for the hor and airbag wiring. Set airbag aside.

4. Take a Torx bit and unscrew two screws on back of steering wheel, lower part.

5. Take a Torx bit and unscrew the two screws inside the wheel holding the front panel controls onto the wheel. The front upper and lower piece should now come off as one piece. unhook electrical for switches and put piece aside.

6. It may be necessary to undo the paddle to replace the switch. In this case undo the torx holding the paddle to the steering wheel and lift off being careful not to loose the spring for the paddle.

7. unplug and unscrew micro chip, replace with new one.

8. Install is reverse.

Hope that helps a little. It is not that hard at all. You may find that the key just slipped off the switch. The key looks exactly like a key on a computer keyboard and mine simply came off when I installed my new paddles so I had to take apart the wheel to fix it.

ayham you have the same problem on the left paddle when you were fixing the extended ones.:nono:

for pics look in this thread
http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthrea...ghlight=Paddle

[Haissam]

hope it works :)

[LSB_M3]

I agree, if ur stick shifter and automatic mode work fine, then ur SMG is ok!
Its the connection to ur paddels, could be that something is loose in there!
Update us please. would like to know the outcome.

[Ayham]

My (-) paddle shifter quitted working 2 months ago while replacing it with a longer aluminum shifter...Although it's the easiest DIY, when I reverted back to the OE shifter, it quitted on me. Ordered a new switch...