[JamesO93]

Hi guys,

TLDR; can I use WinKFP and NcsExpert to “reprogram” my existing FRM Module? Like a factory restore.

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Detailed report:

Had an issue with the lights on my car, thought it was FRM Related, turned out it was water in the ballast.

Regardless I sent my FRM off to be repaired and since it’s come back the car was acting strange

What I have noticed is that all my old coding preferences are wrong. Indicators were on double flash, the mirrors now fold holding the lock button where they didn’t before etc. the FRM was also in Transport mode (which I have now disabled on BMW Standard Tools)

However the real issue is here. The windows will roll down however the only way to roll them back up again is by putting them all the way down

The indicators (despite being set to single) flash 5 or so times normally, then will go to double speed. This continues until I remove the key and restart the vehicle.

The rear inner tail lights when switched on are displaying the fog lights only. (Instead of the two strips of LED light)

The headlight adjusters when ignition is off are constantly trying to adjust down. Only way to stop this is by unplugging the FRM.

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Now this is my question, can I use WinKFP and NCSExpert to “reprogramme” the FRM as if it’s a used/new FRM and that will possibly reset the FRM back to its factory state?

I’m convinced the guy who repaired it has done something wrong along the line which is causing these issues. I’m not sure on the process of repairing the FRM but has he used the incorrect software for my model vehicle or something?

Car in question is E92 335d LCI 2011.

Thanks in advance!

[ptpending]

yes, you need to recode the module to your car options list
this is done using ncs-expert

[JamesO93]

Originally Posted by ptpending

yes, you need to recode the module to your car options list
this is done using ncs-expert

So essentially I can revert whatever changes he has made and do a factory reset almost?

Sorry to be a pain, don’t suppose you know of a guide for this do you?

[e90yyc]

It’s been a really long time but IIRC you can basically write a blank trace file to the module using NCS Expert. Definitely double check that but I’ve always factory-coded modules using NCS Expert.

I would just search for “factory coding NCS Expert” and you should be able to find some guides .

[gbalthrop]

Nobody (including the 'Expert' you sent your FRM to), suggested that YOU use NCS (Expert & Dummy) to save a "TRC" or 'Trace' file, showing the Options selected in the FRM Programming? BEFORE the 'Expert' incorrectly coded your FRM?

Have you checked with the 'Expert' to see if he saved a 'TRC' file (either FSW_PSW.TRC or NETTODAT.TRC) that shows which options were originally selected? If so, can he send you a copy of that TRC file?

Has the 'Expert' listed, in writing, exactly WHAT he did?

Any "Expert" out there who can tell OP a quicker way to code his FRM properly?
Beware the BS-Artists who throw around words like "Program" or "Coding", as if they were the same thing, or as if they knew what they were talking about. If they can't explain in layman's language how coding works, call BS.
George

[JamesO93]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

Nobody (including the 'Expert' you sent your FRM to), suggested that YOU use NCS (Expert & Dummy) to save a "TRC" or 'Trace' file, showing the Options selected in the FRM Programming? BEFORE the 'Expert' incorrectly coded your FRM?

Have you checked with the 'Expert' to see if he saved a 'TRC' file (either FSW_PSW.TRC or NETTODAT.TRC) that shows which options were originally selected? If so, can he send you a copy of that TRC file?

Has the 'Expert' listed, in writing, exactly WHAT he did?

Any "Expert" out there who can tell OP a quicker way to code his FRM properly?
Beware the BS-Artists who throw around words like "Program" or "Coding", as if they were the same thing, or as if they knew what they were talking about. If they can't explain in layman's language how coding works, call BS.
George

Hi George,

In all honesty no.

I looked up a company with good review who repaired said units, sent the FRM and received it back.

I’m guessing, (what it sounds like from what your saying) he’s ballsed it right up!

Like I said at the minute it’s doing all sorts of weird and wonderful things and the guy who repaired it isn’t too fond of replying to messages. Funny that.

That’s why I was wondering if there is a way through NCS that I can essentially flash the FRM back to Factory UK Settings and then code in my personal preferences later.

[JamesO93]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

It’s been a really long time but IIRC you can basically write a blank trace file to the module using NCS Expert. Definitely double check that but I’ve always factory-coded modules using NCS Expert.

I would just search for “factory coding NCS Expert” and you should be able to find some guides .

Thankyou mate.

I will be sure to look that up this evening see if I can find anything.

I did breifly look however all I could seem to find was people registering second hand or new units to their car opposed to factory flashing their own current unit.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by JamesO93

... I was wondering if there is a way through NCS that I can essentially flash the FRM back to Factory UK Settings and then code in my personal preferences later.

NCSExpert & NCS Dummy are for "CODING" as oppose to "Flashing" or "Programming". Coding is basically selecting available Options or Settings in the existing Program of that Module. Like making "Settings" selections on your computer, although a bit more involved due to the Interface.

I have never used WinKFP to Flash/Program a Module. I HAVE used NCS to view & Save TRC Files. There are MANY Options available in the FRM Module, so if yours is functioning correctly, but NOT Coded as it previously was, you want to find the quickest & easiest way to select the desired "Options" from the MANY choices available. Simply copying in (coding) the prior TRC file, if available, is the best way to do that, AFAIK. I am NOT a coding 'Expert', & I try NOT to be a BS-Artist.

So there MAY be an easier, quicker way if you don't have/ can't get the prior TRC File. I do NOT know any such 'trick'.
George

[JamesO93]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

NCSExpert & NCS Dummy are for "CODING" as oppose to "Flashing" or "Programming". Coding is basically selecting available Options or Settings in the existing Program of that Module. Like making "Settings" selections on your computer, although a bit more involved due to the Interface.

I have never used WinKFP to Flash/Program a Module. I HAVE used NCS to view & Save TRC Files. There are MANY Options available in the FRM Module, so if yours is functioning correctly, but NOT Coded as it previously was, you want to find the quickest & easiest way to select the desired "Options" from the MANY choices available. Simply copying in (coding) the prior TRC file, if available, is the best way to do that, AFAIK. I am NOT a coding 'Expert', & I try NOT to be a BS-Artist.

So there MAY be an easier, quicker way if you don't have/ can't get the prior TRC File. I do NOT know any such 'trick'.
George

It’s the situation with the indicators, windows and rear lights that is worrying me.

Indicators flash 5 or 6 times at normal pace, then flash at double pace (as if a bulb is out yet are all working)

The rear boot lid lights illuminate the fogs when the tail lights are on

The windows will go down however if I stop them they will not go up, unless I wind them all the way down then they will be able to come back up again.

I don’t feel like this is Coding at all, but more a potential software issue. That’s why I want to try and put the FRM back to Factory Settings. Everything “works” just not correctly. Not the usual FRM errors where everything simply stops working

Note: none of this happened until the FRM was repaired.

[e90yyc]

Sorry—I think I misunderstood your original post. I was thinking you were just looking to write default coding to your FRM (based on your VO).

I don’t have much confidence in my terminology here, but I think what you’re looking to do is flash factory firmware to your FRM. Depending on the SP-Daten files you have and whether your FRM has ever been updated, it’s possible you’d be updating firmware and software, or just re-writing the same version that was already on there. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong!

My understanding is that module updates could include both firmware/software, or just software. I believe there are a few ways to update/flash modules; I remember none of them…

As you rightly mention, what you’re experiencing doesn’t really sound like a simple software glitch. It sounds to me like something is knackered with your FRM, but that’s about as technical of a diagnosis as I can give .

I once had a very strange issue with my FRM where my windows would roll down a little bit when I’d hit the lock button on my remote. I must have flashed that slut 10 times and wrote default coding prob another 10 times too. I felt like Hugh Jackman in Swordfish. Despite all that, nothing worked. Had to replace the module.

Now, I’m definitely not saying your situation will be the same, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Hopefully the place that “repaired” your module will look after you if it turns out it’s taken a shit.

[JamesO93]

So I’m getting somewhere!

Managed to get the windows working 90% of how they should, the only thing not working is Auto Up, I have to hold the button up to get them to go all the way.

Rear parking sensors, weirdly they aren’t working. I’ve checked that PDC is switched on when coding, it is.

Indicators flashing and audible beep, also not working however the lights (front and tail) do come on when unlocked.

Indicators self cancelling when straightening not working also.

I managed to fix the other stuff by restoring my FRM backup (which I had saved onto Carly and didn’t realise!)

Headlight adjusters are all over the place, they are either full up or full down, and continue to adjust down when ignition is off until the car goes into sleep mode. Could be the little bar on the wishbone has popped off but it never did this before so I’m convinced it’s related with the FRM.

Rear inner fogs are on when lights are switched on however I’ve noticed one of the inner rear lights isn’t working so I’m wondering if the fogs come on when a bulb is out (a bit like the front indicators when a side light is out)

The other issues I’m also convinced is still related to the FRM, coding or an actual issue within who knows.

I’ve messaged the guy who repaired it who obviously isn’t being much help! I’m at the point of asking myself whether to get a second hand FRM3 and code it to the vehicle.

[JamesO93]

Update again

Parking sensors decided to ra dimly start working now. Not going to complain!!

Now all that is left to fix is the Indicators not self cancelling when bringing the wheel back straight and the windows not One Touch Up. Also the window doesn’t do the last half inch to seal into the door.

The indicators I’m sure I could calibrate the SAS and I’m hoping there something similar for the windows.

FRM guy ignoring my messages, who would of thought it?

[ptpending]

windows limit should be initialized, google the video about that

[JamesO93]

Just to update this thread for future reference for whoever it may help.


I bit the bullet and “reprogrammed” the FRM with WinKFP and NcsExpert as if it was a new FRM.

Surprise surprise the FRM had no VIN registered to it and therefore wasn’t programmed to the car correctly.

Run through the procedure of adding the VIN on WinKFP and FA_WRITE etc on NcsExpert and now works perfectly fine.

Problem solved! Obviously the guy that repaired the FRM completely wiped the unit or something.

Main thing is, it’s fixed!