[barrettroache92]

2009 e92 328i xdrive, To start from the beginning, I had an airbag and seatbelt light and wrongfully diagnosed it to be the seat belt receptacle, the real reason for the lights happens to be the clock spring however the clock spring I don’t think has anything to do with this as it failed months before what I’m about to explain started happening, while replacing the seat belt receptacle on the passenger front seat I had to remove the grey connectors with the wires from the yellow and black connector housing, when I put it back together I had the grey wires wrongfully placed (didn’t know at the time) I quickly realized after plugging it in and the clip nit fully latching, I caught my mistake and got the wire connectors in the right place, checked for any bent pins and put it back together, since doing this my i-drive screen has been completely dead, my seat bolstering adjustment won’t work, I have a sos and sunroof malfunction coming up on my cluster and my key fob won’t lock or unlock the car, also to mention in the midst of all this stuff my alternator failed and killed the battery, I recharged the battery and put a new alternator and the vehicle has been running and driving fine since but those functions haven’t worked since, any advice or ideas would be extremely appreciated.thank you

[StradaRedlands]

Welcome to E90 life!

I got nothing.

[doit659]

Originally Posted by barrettroache92

2009 e92 328i xdrive, To start from the beginning, I had an airbag and seatbelt light and wrongfully diagnosed it to be the seat belt receptacle, the real reason for the lights happens to be the clock spring however the clock spring I don’t think has anything to do with this as it failed months before what I’m about to explain started happening, while replacing the seat belt receptacle on the passenger front seat I had to remove the grey connectors with the wires from the yellow and black connector housing, when I put it back together I had the grey wires wrongfully placed (didn’t know at the time) I quickly realized after plugging it in and the clip nit fully latching, I caught my mistake and got the wire connectors in the right place, checked for any bent pins and put it back together, since doing this my i-drive screen has been completely dead, my seat bolstering adjustment won’t work, I have a sos and sunroof malfunction coming up on my cluster and my key fob won’t lock or unlock the car, also to mention in the midst of all this stuff my alternator failed and killed the battery, I recharged the battery and put a new alternator and the vehicle has been running and driving fine since but those functions haven’t worked since, any advice or ideas would be extremely appreciated.thank you

I have a 2011 E92 RWD Coupe and am running down an electrical issue myself, although not currently as severe as your situation.

1. What were the original BMW fault codes that were being registered on the vehicle?
2. What are the current BMW fault codes remaining on the vehicle?
3. Did you or a different person run through all that original troubleshooting to arrive at the conclusion that the "real reason for the lights was the clock spring...."? And why did you suspect the seat belt in the first place?

The symptoms you are describing suggest to me that you have one of 3 problems that are very common on the electrical systems of these cars after so many years:
- SIMPLE TO TEST AND FIX: A blown fuse in the glove box
- HARD TO PINTPOINT SOMETIMES and REQUIRES MODULE CODING: One of your modules is introducing a fault of some kind; and/or
- DOUBTFUL IN YOUR CASE: You have a short in a wiring harness somewhere on the circuit to which all those car functions share.

As you have already found out, the BMW electrical fault codes are often rather VAGUE and/or sometimes EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to trace a ground fault and sometimes even a faulty module.

The reason is that the K-CAN Bus network ties into so many different modules on the same circuit that a ground fault short-circuit or a faulty module can trigger a code pointing to a good module or bus line and hiding the actual cause of the code. Why this happens I do not know but have now read way to many examples in blog posts to deny it occurs.

Believe it or not, before checking modules or tracing wiring harnesses, I was advised more than once to CHECK FOR BLOWN FUSES IN THE GLOVE BOX.

Since you said you criss-crossed wires in the seat belt module, then fixed the error and THEN you began to have bigger problems, you might have blown a fuse. Rule out this issue with a multimeter and thank the BMW gods if this is the only issue.

IF IT'S NOT A FUSE.....

I am willing to guess when you look at the BWM fault codes, you are probably going to find fault codes for endpoint modules that run through two bigger modules, called the FRM (Footwell Module) and/or the CAS (Car Access System Module), if not actual faults on one of these two modules directly.

I had my FRM module replaced by a dealer who fried it during service to my car and now have CAS K-CAN Bus ground faults that is undoubtedly related to their work. That's my problem to figure out now and is probably a wiring issue that is going to be a PAIN to find.

Believe it or not, the FRM module is a known weak point on e90/92's and gets the EEPROM corrupted SUPER EASILY if the car is NOT in sleep mode, the alternator is not running, and the battery just dies. If the modules are writing data to the FRM module when the electricity is unexpected lost due the battery dead, then the FRM module can get corrupted EEPROM data and bricks.

Instead of recoding the EEPROM on the old module, this is often an extended warranty item and the dealer just replaces it instead of recoding it. That's why the did in my case but then introduced a CAS ground fault during the replacement. (I noticed in the wiring diagram that these modules are actually wired together, so that's where I am beginning my personal troubleshooting. I suspect there is a bad terminal connection or broken wire.)

Both the FRM and CAS module are under the steering column and about a foot away from each other.

Although your FRM module MIGHT be fried, I don't think that is suspect number one because that module controls primarily lighting systems inside and out of the car and door locks, as this article explains. And you are not apparently having any of those symptoms.
https://mca.electricmura.ro/en/blog-...-module-issue/

In your case, the loss of the key fob function points to your CAS module, based on this article outlining CAS fault code symptoms, and other sources I have read.
https://the-ecu-pro.com/blog/article...jIzpcJueX0PXPO

Then, when you fubarred the seat belt wiring, you had a cascade of issues leaning in my opinion point to either the FRM or CAS modules. Or could have occurred when you lost the battery entirely at one point. Losing the battery while the car is NOT entirely dormant is a classic cause for the FRM to corrupt.

I admit I am an amateur at BMW wiring and am learning myself. I am writing since no one else seemed to offer you even a beginning idea to troubleshoot.

I know this is long winded, but I would say in short:
- Check your fuses
- List out the BWM fault codes and begin to see if any of them begin to show a common pattern of running through either the FRM or CAS module.

I would be curious to know what eventually fixes your issue.

Robert

[jsunma]

Originally Posted by barrettroache92

2009 e92 328i xdrive, To start from the beginning, I had an airbag and seatbelt light and wrongfully diagnosed it to be the seat belt receptacle, the real reason for the lights happens to be the clock spring however the clock spring I don’t think has anything to do with this as it failed months before what I’m about to explain started happening, while replacing the seat belt receptacle on the passenger front seat I had to remove the grey connectors with the wires from the yellow and black connector housing, when I put it back together I had the grey wires wrongfully placed (didn’t know at the time) I quickly realized after plugging it in and the clip nit fully latching, I caught my mistake and got the wire connectors in the right place, checked for any bent pins and put it back together, since doing this my i-drive screen has been completely dead, my seat bolstering adjustment won’t work, I have a sos and sunroof malfunction coming up on my cluster and my key fob won’t lock or unlock the car, also to mention in the midst of all this stuff my alternator failed and killed the battery, I recharged the battery and put a new alternator and the vehicle has been running and driving fine since but those functions haven’t worked since, any advice or ideas would be extremely appreciated.thank you

With all due respect, and I'm really trying not to be a dick, but a 232 word post that is a single sentence is really not conducive to generating responses.

As best as I can figure, you may have shorted something out. Or not. I really cannot understand what you did since your post is nearly incomprehensible.

Please do try writing this again and if at all possible, please read codes and post those.

We really would like to help, but try to meet us at least half way.

[lookalikehuuh]

Man... what is going on here with new members not understanding the basics of grammar or anything. It makes it so difficult to follow what they are saying and nearly impossible to be able to give them any advice.

I for one, have had like 5 brain aneurysms just reading posts like the one here.

[NorthernDancer]

I known some very good BMW indies will not touch a car that has already been in another garage or had it's owner try to fix the problem. ESPECIALLY an electrical problem. Check fuses, check the ground wires.
NOW, go to a BMW indy and hope they will work on it. Dealers will be happy to do it for $180 per hour or more.
I don't know New York but Boston & area have lots of very good indies.

[barrettroache92]

Originally Posted by doit659

I have a 2011 E92 RWD Coupe and am running down an electrical issue myself, although not currently as severe as your situation.

1. What were the original BMW fault codes that were being registered on the vehicle?
2. What are the current BMW fault codes remaining on the vehicle?
3. Did you or a different person run through all that original troubleshooting to arrive at the conclusion that the "real reason for the lights was the clock spring...."? And why did you suspect the seat belt in the first place?

The symptoms you are describing suggest to me that you have one of 3 problems that are very common on the electrical systems of these cars after so many years:
- SIMPLE TO TEST AND FIX: A blown fuse in the glove box
- HARD TO PINTPOINT SOMETIMES and REQUIRES MODULE CODING: One of your modules is introducing a fault of some kind; and/or
- DOUBTFUL IN YOUR CASE: You have a short in a wiring harness somewhere on the circuit to which all those car functions share.

As you have already found out, the BMW electrical fault codes are often rather VAGUE and/or sometimes EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to trace a ground fault and sometimes even a faulty module.

The reason is that the K-CAN Bus network ties into so many different modules on the same circuit that a ground fault short-circuit or a faulty module can trigger a code pointing to a good module or bus line and hiding the actual cause of the code. Why this happens I do not know but have now read way to many examples in blog posts to deny it occurs.

Believe it or not, before checking modules or tracing wiring harnesses, I was [...]

Thank you so much Robert, I can’t describe how much I appreciate you. I’m 17 and this is my first bmw and that article cleared up a ton of confusion I’ve had on the whole wiring /electronic system. I’ve done just about everything possible mechanically and now I’m forced to learn wiring/electrical and I seriously appreciate people like you taking the time of your day to help strangers. I’m going to start troubleshooting with what you’ve given me and I’ll give some updates, thanks again.

[barrettroache92]

Originally Posted by jsunma

With all due respect, and I'm really trying not to be a dick, but a 232 word post that is a single sentence is really not conducive to generating responses.

As best as I can figure, you may have shorted something out. Or not. I really cannot understand what you did since your post is nearly incomprehensible.

Please do try writing this again and if at all possible, please read codes and post those.

We really would like to help, but try to meet us at least half way.

I apologize. This is my first bmw and I’m 17 with zero electrical or wiring experience, thanks.

[barrettroache92]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

I known some very good BMW indies will not touch a car that has already been in another garage or had it's owner try to fix the problem. ESPECIALLY an electrical problem. Check fuses, check the ground wires.
NOW, go to a BMW indy and hope they will work on it. Dealers will be happy to do it for $180 per hour or more.
I don't know New York but Boston & area have lots of very good indies.

I’m in upstate New York so it’s a little bit harder to find a good indy or even somebody that knows bmws well, I’m trying to avoid the dealership because I’ve had terrible experiences at both within 75 miles from me, the labor rate isn’t even the worst part of it.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by barrettroache92

I’m in upstate New York so it’s a little bit harder to find a good indy or even somebody that knows bmws well, I’m trying to avoid the dealership because I’ve had terrible experiences at both within 75 miles from me, the labor rate isn’t even the worst part of it.

In another thread, you said:
"I have a 2009 e92 328i xdrive and my idrive is completely dead... and when I “scan all modules” on my scan tool it freezes up and fails to communicate with the car communication computer,.."

I would begin by trying to get your Scan Tool to be able to read Fault Codes in the ~ 20 different Modules in your vehicle. If you will answer the questions below, I'll suggest Next Steps & provide ISTA wiring diagrams with component locations & Connector Views, so you can test, with a cheap $10 Multimeter from HFT or Amazon.

Questions:
1) What are Last-7 Characters of your VIN?
2) Make/Model of your Scan Tool or Diagnostic Software (INPA/ISTA)?
3) When you say "my idrive is completely dead", do you mean the screen never light or displays information? Please describe in detail.
4) What happens when you attach your Scan Tool to the OBD II Socket? Does the Tool Screen light up? Do you get SOME Tool Function, & if so, what appears on screen? Please describe what happens or appears on screen (error message?) when Tool "Freezes Up".
5) Do you have a Multimeter?

With Answers to those questions, we can suggest Next Steps.
George

[barrettroache92]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

In another thread, you said:
"I have a 2009 e92 328i xdrive and my idrive is completely dead... and when I “scan all modules” on my scan tool it freezes up and fails to communicate with the car communication computer,.."

I would begin by trying to get your Scan Tool to be able to read Fault Codes in the ~ 20 different Modules in your vehicle. If you will answer the questions below, I'll suggest Next Steps & provide ISTA wiring diagrams with component locations & Connector Views, so you can test, with a cheap $10 Multimeter from HFT or Amazon.

Questions:
1) What are Last-7 Characters of your VIN?
2) Make/Model of your Scan Tool or Diagnostic Software (INPA/ISTA)?
3) When you say "my idrive is completely dead", do you mean the screen never light or displays information? Please describe in detail.
4) What happens when you attach your Scan Tool to the OBD II Socket? Does the Tool Screen light up? Do you get SOME Tool Function, & if so, what appears on screen? Please describe what happens or appears on screen (error message?) when Tool "Freezes Up".
5) Do you have a Multimeter?

With Answers to those questions, we can suggest Next Steps.
George

The last 7 of my vin is “PF95690”. The scan tool is nothing special, innova sd35 from autozone and when I scan the vehicle the only codes it has are for cat efficiency on both banks which I believe to be a separate issue. When I use the scan tool to “scan all modules” it’s able to communicate with all modules until it gets to the “car communication computer module”, once there it freezes up and says “failure to communicate with ccc module” and also fails to scan any other modules left. And yes my idrive has zero light or function at all, however my idrive controller and radio controls etc still light up orange. Thanks George.

[barrettroache92]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

In another thread, you said:
"I have a 2009 e92 328i xdrive and my idrive is completely dead... and when I “scan all modules” on my scan tool it freezes up and fails to communicate with the car communication computer,.."

I would begin by trying to get your Scan Tool to be able to read Fault Codes in the ~ 20 different Modules in your vehicle. If you will answer the questions below, I'll suggest Next Steps & provide ISTA wiring diagrams with component locations & Connector Views, so you can test, with a cheap $10 Multimeter from HFT or Amazon.

Questions:
1) What are Last-7 Characters of your VIN?
2) Make/Model of your Scan Tool or Diagnostic Software (INPA/ISTA)?
3) When you say "my idrive is completely dead", do you mean the screen never light or displays information? Please describe in detail.
4) What happens when you attach your Scan Tool to the OBD II Socket? Does the Tool Screen light up? Do you get SOME Tool Function, & if so, what appears on screen? Please describe what happens or appears on screen (error message?) when Tool "Freezes Up".
5) Do you have a Multimeter?

With Answers to those questions, we can suggest Next Steps.
George

I do have a multimeter and my scan tool is working fine until I try to scan the modules and it gets to ccc, I’ve used the scan tool on other cars and mine for clearing codes and little stuff like that.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by barrettroache92

The last 7 of my vin is “PF95690”. The scan tool is innova sd35 autozone and when I scan the vehicle the
only codes it has are for cat efficiency on both banks which I believe to be a separate issue. When I use the scan tool to
“scan all modules” it’s able to communicate with all modules until it gets to the “car communication computer module”,
once there it freezes up and says “failure to communicate with ccc module”...

I'm NOT familiar with Innova SD35, but pdf manual can be downloaded at this link:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/02...f?v=1723045682

INPA or ISTA (BMW Diagnostic Software can either read codes in ALL modules, OR, you can connect to a single Module,
such as the DME Engine Control Module and read Fault Codes, Fault Details, Freeze Frame Data, Live Data, etc. I would
presume the Innova can do some of that.

Generally, when you cannot connect to one of your ~ 20 Modules, in this case the CCC Module, that indicates:
1) No Power supply (or ground) to that Module;
2) No Bus Connection to carry data to/from that Module.

I attach ISTA wiring diagrams, fuse location & Connector Views for Supply to CCC & the K-CAN Bus wires, Green &
Orange/Green. I would suggest checking for 12V+ Battery Voltage at F56. There should be voltage ONLY when Ignition
is ON. Also check for voltage at X13812/15, large Red/Green wire; also for continuity to Chassis Ground, Brown wire
at X13812/12.

The K-CAN wires are at X13812/9 & /11. There should be low voltage at those two sockets with ignition ON.

Check those items, let us know the results & if you have any questions, & we'll go from there.
George