[osdecar]

Hi guys,

Apologies, if this is not the correct section to post this. But I assume there will be a lot of knowledgeable people here.

I have recently purchased a '07 E91 which I think has a faulty FRM, but I don't know much about this module, and don't know how to be sure before spending any money.

Surely don't want to change any parts blindly and start a hit and miss money pit.

So, my problem is that ALL the lights around the car (except for dash and radio) are constantly flickering as soon as I turn the ignition ON. Interior lights are OK if the ignition is OFF.

However, I don't have the usual problems. Headlight switch still works and I can turn off the lights, indicators and reverse light work too.

I checked using my OBD reader, and when I tried to connect to the FRM2 it didn't allow me to access the module and only showed this message:

"SW - V5.6
Please Send the Data to Customer Service!
SS83 08 03"

Normally when it cannot communicate with the module it gives you a message saying "can't communicate", otherwise, you can access the module normally and read the codes. It's the first time I've seen this message.

Any ideas?



UPDATE 1: Bought a K+DCAN cable and read the FRM error codes. See Post #6


UPDATE 2: Using a multimeter, I have found the voltage goes wrong after FRM module. See Post #7



Here you can see some videos of the issue:

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by osdecar

Hi guys,

Apologies, if this is not the correct section to post this. But I assume there will be a lot of knowledgeable people here.

I have recently purchased a '07 E91 which I think has a faulty FRM, but I don't know much about this module, and don't know how to be sure before spending any money.

Surely don't want to change any parts blindly and start a hit and miss money pit.

So, my problem is that ALL the lights around the car (except for dash and radio) are constantly flickering as soon as I turn the ignition ON. Interior lights are OK if the ignition is OFF.

However, I don't have the usual problems. Headlight switch still works and I can turn off the lights, indicators and reverse light work too.

I checked using my OBD reader, and when I tried to connect to the FRM2 it didn't allow me to access the module and only showed this message:

"SW - V5.6
Please Send the Data to Customer Service!
SS83 08 03"

Normally when it cannot communicate with the module it gives you a message saying "can't communicate", otherwise, you can access the module normally and read the codes. It's the first time I've seen this message.

Any ideas?

I would start with getting a KDCAN cable, and install the BMW software to see if it will communicate with the FRM. Sometimes OBD readers don't work too well on BMWs. It could also be your alternator or battery. Just don't know until it can be determined if you can communicate with your FRM.

[osdecar]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your answer. Can you point me to a good starter guide for the correct software?

When I started reading about FRM, I saw there are so many different software for many different applications and I was a bit overwhelmed.


On the other hand, I am very mechanical-oriented person, and looks like the FRM module is quite accessible. Do you think is acceptable to just buy another FRM module on eBay, to check if swapping them will solve the issue? If not, I can always return it.

If that's the case, will it need re-coding?

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by osdecar

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your answer. Can you point me to a good starter guide for the correct software?

When I started reading about FRM, I saw there are so many different software for many different applications and I was a bit overwhelmed.


On the other hand, I am very mechanical-oriented person, and looks like the FRM module is quite accessible. Do you think is acceptable to just buy another FRM module on eBay, to check if swapping them will solve the issue? If not, I can always return it.

If that's the case, will it need re-coding?

Honestly, I'd start with troubleshooting first before moving on to swapping parts. You can get the software from my thread below. If you were in the US, I'd send you a cable. Since you're in the UK, I recommend https://www.cable-shack.co.uk/.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1204192

[opjose]

Are those lights all LED's?

If so they will flicker when first started and during bulb checks.

[osdecar]

Hi all,

I have followed your advice and I have purchased a K+Dcan cable. I have installed INPA and run a few error reads to see what might be happening.


1st thing to notice is that in my INPA appear 2 different lines for 2 different FRM, I can only communicate with one of the 2.

-Footwell Module Driver FRM_87 >> NO COMMUNICATION
-Footwell Module Driver II FRM_70 >> COMMUNICATION OK

Once I enter in FRM_70, if I read the "status button" seems like all the buttons are working correctly.

When I read the error memory, the following errors are stored:

           E R R O R   M E M O R Y
           ---------------------------------------
Date:      02.08.2020 18:54:53
ECU:       FRM_70
JobStatus: OKAY
Variant:   FRM_70
-------------------------------------------------------------
RESULT:    14 error in error memory !
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8C3  Break-Force-Display links, E92/E93 oder US: 2.Bremslicht links defekt, E84: Schlusslicht links defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 243680     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.26  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              2.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 C3 24 01 76 FC CA 01
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8BC  Schlusslicht rechts 2, R56: Seitenmarkierungsleuchte rechts vorne, links hinten defekt, E84: Schlusslicht/Bremslicht rec
Error counter:    4
   Mileage                                 251856     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.05  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 BC 24 04 7A FA C7 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8BB  Schlusslicht links 2, R56: Seitenmarkierungsleuchte links vorne, rechts hinten defekt, E84: Schlusslicht/Bremslicht links
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 243680     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.26  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan vorhanden und bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 BB 64 01 76 FC CA 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
9CB2  LWR-Poti defekt
Error counter:    123
   Mileage                                 243112     km
   Batteriespannung                            12.56  Volt 
   Sensorspannung                               0.00  Volt
   Signal oder Wert unterhalb Schwelle
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: 9C B2 22 7B 76 B5 B2 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
9CBA  Kommunikation mit LIN-Bedienteil gestoert
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 236552     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.05  Volt 
   Sensorspannung                               0.00  Volt
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: 9C BA 24 01 73 81 C7 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8C2  Rueckfahrlicht rechts defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 229024     km
   Batteriespannung                            12.07  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                            106.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 C2 24 01 6F D4 AB 35
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8C1  Rueckfahrlicht links defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 229024     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.12  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                            106.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 C1 24 01 6F D4 C8 35
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8AC  Begrenzungslicht links defekt
Error counter:    2
   Mileage                                 228904     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.12  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen Error code: A8 AC 24 02 6F C5 C8 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8BF  Nebelschlusslicht, US: Break-Force-Display links defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 226848     km
   Batteriespannung                            11.72  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              2.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 BF 24 01 6E C4 A6 01
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8BA  Schlusslicht rechts 1 defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 226848     km
   Batteriespannung                            11.72  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 BA 24 01 6E C4 A6 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8B2  Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger links hinten defekt
Error counter:    2
   Mileage                                 243688     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.26  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                            116.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 B2 24 02 76 FD CA 3A
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8B1  Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger rechts vorne defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 226848     km
   Batteriespannung                            11.72  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                            130.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 B1 24 01 6E C4 A6 41
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8AB  Abblendlicht rechts defekt
Error counter:    1
   Mileage                                 225216     km
   Batteriespannung                            14.05  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 AB 24 01 6D F8 C7 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
A8AA  Abblendlicht links defekt
Error counter:    2
   Mileage                                 249752     km
   Batteriespannung                            12.92  Volt 
   Betriebsstunden                              0.00  h
   kein Signal oder Wert 
   Testbedingungen erfüllt
   Fehler momentan nicht vorhanden, aber bereits gespeichert
   Fehler würde kein Aufleuchten einer Warnlampe verursachen
Error code: A8 AA 24 02 79 F3 B7 00
=============================================================

All errors seem just bulbs gone, except for the one called:

9CB2 - LWR-Poti defekt


and the one called:

9CBA Kommunikation mit LIN-Bedienteil goestoert



Also I've noticed some of these readings are showing a low voltage on the battery. I have checked my battery and it seems OK at the moment, showing a consistent voltage between 14.3 to 14.5V


If I run a general error memory on the whole car, the following list of error appears:

           E R R O R   M E M O R Y
           -----------------------
Date:      02.08.2020 19:09:29
Model:     E89X
Scope:     all control module
JobStatus: OKAY
Quantity:  17
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ADR Gen. name  JobStatus
92  VIRTSG92   ERROR_ECU_SERVICE_NOT_SUPPORTED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ADR Gen. name  JobStatus Number of errors
              Error code   Kind of error

00 JBBF       OKAY      1 Error stored
             A 6CD         28
01 MRS        OKAY      1 Error stored
              C944         20
12  DME/DDE    OKAY      2 Error stored
              4222         24
              4262         24
17  EKP        OKAY      No Error stored
29  DSC        OKAY      2 Error stored
              5DF4         20
              5DE1         20
36 TEL/MULF   OKAY      No Error stored
40 CAS        OKAY      1 Error stored
              D904         20
40 DWA        OKAY      No Error stored
50  SINE       OKAY      6 Error stored
              9D16         01
              9D44         11
              9D44         11
              9D44         11
              9D44         11
              9D44         11
56  FZD        OKAY      1 Error stored
               DE84         20
60  KOMBI      OKAY      2 Error stored
              9314         20
              E104         20
62 MOSTGW     OKAY      1 Error stored
              E184         20
63 MASK/CCC   OKAY      No Error stored
64 PDC        OKAY      No Error stored
72  FRM        OKAY      14 Error stored
             A 8C3         24
             A 8BC         24
             A 8BB         64
              9CB2         22
              9CBA         24
             A 8C2         24
             A 8C1         24
             A 8AC         24
             A 8BF         24
             A 8BA         24
             A 8B2         24
             A 8B1         24
             A 8AB         24
             A 8AA         24
78  KLIMA      OKAY      1 Error stored
               E704         20
=================================================================

Does this make any sense to you guys??


Maybe is a bad earth connection to the FRM??? how can I check this??

[osdecar]

Hi all,

I bump the post again after few more investigation/findings.

After what I found using the scan tool, I decided to start checking the voltage at different points using a multimeter. I started from the battery and went all the way to the lights.

• 1st step, battery: Voltage at the battery is constantly 12.5V with engine OFF, and 14.5V with engine running.

Then with a wiring diagram, I started following the cables around the car. All following checks were done with engine OFF, as it doesn't make any difference to the problem.

• All the power cables coming off the battery read constant 12.5V.

• Followed this cables to the Junction box, and all 4 fuses related with FRM read constant 12.5V.

• Then I disassembled the FRM, and tested the voltage at the connector's pins, and still read constant 12.5V.

• In the last step, I read the voltage at the lamps, and then it fluctuates between 12.5V to 6V. I measure from the lamp connector pins, and could check the ground pin at the lamps connector is fine, but the current coming from the live cable (fed by the FRM) is the one that changes.

• I also checked other lamps in the car which are not connected to the FRM (glove box and bootlid, for some reason they go straight from the Junction box to the lamps) and these two WORK FINE.

• I checked the wiring diagram, and all the lights that are flickering are, in some way fed by the FRM module.

In my mind, with all this information, I am pretty sure the problem is the FRM. But I don't know how to check if any of the other modules connected to the FRM might be causing this issue, rather than the FRM itself. But I really doubt it.


So, final question, what is the best option in this case? Try to fix the FRM? Replace it and code the new one?

If I buy another one, second hand, will it work without encoding?? I think I have seen some messages in the forum of people explaining they didn't encode their's and they're fine.

[lowrydr310]

Somebody already asked but I didn't see an answer. Are any of the flickering bulbs LEDs?

Most of the original bulbs on the pre-LCI models are halogen (turn signals, angel eye bulbs, tail lights, brake lights, interior lights). Many people prefer LEDs and swap them without coding out the bulb checks so they flicker when the key is inserted or of the ignition is turned on. Hopefully it's just this simple. I ran into this with an E90 I just purchased. I noticed the angel eyes were flickering when I put the key in the ignition. It turns out the previous owner replaced the AE bulbs with LEDs. They even had the error cancellers (inline resistors) so no bulb warnings were triggered however they still flickered. I coded out the bulb checks and no more flickering.

If it is a bad FRM you're looking at, a replacement may work without coding as long as it's sourced from a car with a similar configuration as yours (same FRM version, halogen vs xenon, adaptive or non-adaptive, etc. ) however I would recommend properly coding it. I recently converted my 325i from halogen to xenon headlights and had to install a new FRM since the original one in my car didn't support the xenon high beam shutter function. Coding was relatively easy.

[John100798]

I have different case couldnt find any answer... No turn signal lights and high beam but works sometimes and sometimes not. I already checked the fuses for frm and also tried a different FRM but still no luck... does anyone experienced this?
Note: Everything works fine except for the turn and highbeam lights

My car is 2005 Bmw e90 2005 320i