Lighting System Malfunction after Battery Change

[dohnelley]

I just changed the battery in my 2011 X5, and after resetting the date, time and X Drive (that was a malfunction too, but used the lock to lock trick and that went away), I am left with a lighting system malfunction. None of the interior lights work, the blinkers don't work, the angel eyes aren't on, and I can't switch off the headlights or taillights. Auto mode wont work either. Has anyone experienced this? I really want to avoid the stealership. This is a CPO car, but I am not sure this is something that would cover. Help

[smyles]

The FRM module is kaput. Some say you may be able to reset it, but most likely it will require replacement. If you're familiar with coding and have the tools, you can DIY.

[dohnelley]

I was afraid of that answer.

Do you know if this module would be covered under the CPO warranty?

[smyles]

I imagine it is covered, however a dealer may argue that you caused it to fail by improperly whatever.

[blue dragon]

Oh boy, not another faulty FRM....
See if Okee can revive it for you (codemycar@gmail.com)

[dohnelley]

I took it to the dealer after first confirming that if it was an FRM module it would be covered. We'll see if they try to make excuses for not covering it, or if it's something else.

[butch1021]

its 100 percent the FRM module.. I disconnected the battery to change my steering wheel and when i put the battery back I had the same problems you did... cost me 950.00

[mweisdorfer]

I am in this boat right now. I hope the dealer can just flash the FRM module and be done with it. I can't imagine that changing a battery out would cause a module to short circuit and fry like that. If that is the case, it's piss poor engineering on the part of BMW.

I will be writing a nasty letter to BMW USA if I have to pay any fees above and beyond flashing the FRM module.

A person should be able to change their own battery for crying out loud without having to worry about blowing out modules and the like.

[smyles]

The ironic part is in many cases you're supposed to disconnect battery for safety reasons.

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by butch1021

its 100 percent the FRM module.. I disconnected the battery to change my steering wheel and when i put the battery back I had the same problems you did... cost me 950.00

Why? I had to swap to the FRM3 to support the LED corona ring headlights I retrofitted. The part was $260 from Morristown BMW, and I programmed it myself. Why was yours so expensive?

[butch1021]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Why? I had to swap to the FRM3 to support the LED corona ring headlights I retrofitted. The part was $260 from Morristown BMW, and I programmed it myself. Why was yours so expensive?

They charged me 490.00 for the part... and then to program it. And 184.00 bucks to fix a leaking coolant sensor

[fbuzila]

Originally Posted by dohnelley

I just changed the battery in my 2011 X5, and after resetting the date, time and X Drive (that was a malfunction too, but used the lock to lock trick and that went away), I am left with a lighting system malfunction. None of the interior lights work, the blinkers don't work, the angel eyes aren't on, and I can't switch off the headlights or taillights. Auto mode wont work either. Has anyone experienced this? I really want to avoid the stealership. This is a CPO car, but I am not sure this is something that would cover. Help

I have the same issue now; I'm hoping I can reset the FRM module...

[blue dragon]

Tool32 and winkfp are your friends, learn to use it

[X5ist]

Replaced my Electronic Junction Box the other day due to unstoppable rear wiper. Bought a used one for $100 and exact year from a 2007 4.8i too, so no coding needed everything work fine

[toicy4ya]

Originally Posted by dohnelley

I just changed the battery in my 2011 X5, and after resetting the date, time and X Drive (that was a malfunction too, but used the lock to lock trick and that went away), I am left with a lighting system malfunction. None of the interior lights work, the blinkers don't work, the angel eyes aren't on, and I can't switch off the headlights or taillights. Auto mode wont work either. Has anyone experienced this? I really want to avoid the stealership. This is a CPO car, but I am not sure this is something that would cover. Help

Hi,

Did you get this problem fixed? I am having the exact same problem. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[JoeyBimX5din]

BMW has extended coverage on the FRM module, 10 year 120k, may want to call them and confirm, if you have symptoms of a fail module

[bmwx5er]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

BMW has extended coverage on the FRM module, 10 year 120k, may want to call them and confirm, if you have symptoms of a fail module

I think the coverage is for 8yrs/125K miles.

[mitch808]

Is there a proper replacement guide, to prevent a damaged FRM? It would seem like just the act of disconnecting the (-) lead and re-attaching could damage your FRM, as tempramental as these things are.

I am in need of changing my battery soon and will use mycarly to do the registration, but the last thing I need is a damaged FRM. My wife will be pissed.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by mitch808

Is there a proper replacement guide, to prevent a damaged FRM? It would seem like just the act of disconnecting the (-) lead and re-attaching could damage your FRM, as tempramental as these things are.

I am in need of changing my battery soon and will use mycarly to do the registration, but the last thing I need is a damaged FRM. My wife will be pissed.

So from what I hear theirs a design flaw in the memory of the chip and when accessed or software upgraded it overloads and fries.


The dealers basically replace these like potato chips. They say they usually blow when updating the software. The act of disconnection of the battery probably shocks it somehow and causing the chip to fail as well.

Touchy little bastards.

Luckily their warrantied to 125k miles.

[serge1]

Originally Posted by butch1021

They charged me 490.00 for the part... and then to program it. And 184.00 bucks to fix a leaking coolant sensor

You were likely ripped off (knowingly or not). FRM is covered to 120K miles.
1. Go here: http://www.bmw-rp.com/production/isg...nsf/submit.xsp
2. Enter VIN
3. Pick "BMW EWL Footwell Module"
4. Go through process to get your money back. All of it.

Had exact same failure after disconnecting battery (this also happens when clearing fault codes). FRM replaced and vehicle reprogrammed at no charge. A loaner was offered, too.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by mitch808

Is there a proper replacement guide, to prevent a damaged FRM? It would seem like just the act of disconnecting the (-) lead and re-attaching could damage your FRM, as tempramental as these things are.

I am in need of changing my battery soon and will use mycarly to do the registration, but the last thing I need is a damaged FRM. My wife will be pissed.

dealing with all the modules I have dealt with over the years for work, I think that if an FRM module goes bad from disconnecting a battery, it was probably on its last leg to begin with. It was probably not damaged exclusively by disconnecting the battery

[smyles]

Just want to say thanks to folks who posted re reimbursement; even though the whole process took quite a while and involved few calls to BMW, got the $$ spent on fried FRM back.