[aquik92]

I posted another thread before but didnt include details and left it very vague but now im armed with more info, so here goes.

So I dont have reverse lights, no PDC (neither acoustic or visual via idrive) and no auto tilting of the passenger side mirror BUT I have no error codes, R is displayed in instrument cluster, displayed via LED on the shifter and transmission works flawlessly. The strange thing is that once in a blue moon, all those issues WORK for around a second and all disappear immediately, without continuity, without warning. All this without any codes of any kind. When I bought the car, i had codes for reverse light bulb failure but did an LCI taillight retrofit and coded those checks out.

I attempted INPA for any activations which might show me if the car is recognising R, checked the wiring on the gear lever, checked wiring in the trunk, no breaks and checked fuses but all are good.

In the link posted, the car was constantly in reverse, and if you notice, the idrive screen flickers, as if its got a bad ground or not enough power? Battery not even a month old.

I believe I can solve this, basically what i would like to know is how the R signal operates in an auto transmission because if its working, even if sporadically, all things are in place and its a question of something which isnt quite connected.

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

[gbalthrop]

If you will provide the Last 7 Characters of your VIN, I will provide TIS link for the correct wiring diagram for the Reversing Lights and Passenger mirror "dip" (both are activated from same source). Have you checked ALL FOUR fuses related to your FRM Module? If you have INPA, I can suggest tests you can use, either with INPA or a Multimeter, to try to identify/isolate the fault.

For instance, using INPA you can check for INPUTS to Modules such as FRM or EGS for Gear Display signal, and you can check for OUTPUTS from the FRM to the Reversing Lights, or use F6 Activations (Steuern) to test the OUTPUT wiring from the FRM to the Lamps, and FRM operation (separate from the INPUTS).

Please identify ANY equipment in the vehicle which is NOT "Original from the Factory", and if you have any wiring diagram of how/where that NON-factory equipment is connected, please provide.

George

[aquik92]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

If you will provide the Last 7 Characters of your VIN, I will provide TIS link for the correct wiring diagram for the Reversing Lights and Passenger mirror "dip" (both are activated from same source). Have you checked ALL FOUR fuses related to your FRM Module? If you have INPA, I can suggest tests you can use, either with INPA or a Multimeter, to try to identify/isolate the fault.

For instance, using INPA you can check for INPUTS to Modules such as FRM or EGS for Gear Display signal, and you can check for OUTPUTS from the FRM to the Reversing Lights, or use F6 Activations (Steuern) to test the OUTPUT wiring from the FRM to the Lamps, and FRM operation (separate from the INPUTS).

Please identify ANY equipment in the vehicle which is NOT "Original from the Factory", and if you have any wiring diagram of how/where that NON-factory equipment is connected, please provide.

George

I used this website and checked all fuses for FRM, some were not populated but the ones that where are all intact.
https://knigaproavto.ru/shemy/en/bmw...x-diagram.html

One question I have re the Gear Selector Display, INPA didnt let me view the controlunit, some error 0009. I googled and found out that the control unit might not be present, thats why its not responding. Please confirm that on auto trans that signal exists and i'll troubleshoot INPA.

I attempted activations via INPA to the FRM module but to my surprise there were no reverse lights listed, which I found odd. Could they be somewhere else or I completely missed them?

Lastly, I have no 'original from factory' equipment save the LCI tailights retrofit I mentioned and LUX angel eyes upfront.

Here the VIN no: PZ61998. If I can identify the 'source', as you put it, that'll be lovely cause I feel it in my gut theres a funny in that path.

Many thanks!

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by aquik92

... Here the VIN no: PZ61998. If I can identify the 'source', as you put it, that'll be lovely cause I feel it in my gut theres a funny in that path.

FIRST thing to check is Fuse F65 (and/or F63 on US models), but your 320i RHD is Euro according to RealOEM.com reading of that VIN.

Check that fuse & report back with findings, as there are a LOT of Details to sort per these TIS circuits if that does NOT solve the issue, OR you want to understand HOW the Mirror Dip, Reversing Lights, and Gear Indicator Lighting Module (E82) all work together via "X908":
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lities/vF68Viz
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...s-side/vBs9cBm
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lights/amVeUye

George

[aquik92]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

FIRST thing to check is Fuse F65 (and/or F63 on US models), but your 320i RHD is Euro according to RealOEM.com reading of that VIN.

Check that fuse & report back with findings, as there are a LOT of Details to sort per these TIS circuits if that does NOT solve the issue, OR you want to understand HOW the Mirror Dip, Reversing Lights, and Gear Indicator Lighting Module (E82) all work together via "X908":
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lities/vF68Viz
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...s-side/vBs9cBm
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lights/amVeUye

George

im so sorry man I gave you the VIN of my previous car, its PG15101

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by aquik92

im so sorry man I gave you the VIN of my previous car, its PG15101

No problem, the SAME 3 wiring diagrams & fuse F65 fuse designation apply to your 2008 (11/2007 build date) 330i E92 with N53 & AT, Euro RHD (Blue w/Black leather ;-). Check/ Replace that fuse & let us know result. If still issues, I can suggest some INPA screens to view for further diagnosis.

George

[aquik92]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

No problem, the SAME 3 wiring diagrams & fuse F65 fuse designation apply to your 2008 (11/2007 build date) 330i E92 with N53 & AT, Euro RHD (Blue w/Black leather ;-). Check/ Replace that fuse & let us know result. If still issues, I can suggest some INPA screens to view for further diagnosis.

George

Just checked F65, its not broken.

Now, I downloaded ProTools by bimmergeeks, and selected FRM live data for reverse lights, when putting it in reverse, no signal is detected. Then I went for EGS live data, and for the field 'selected gear', not even when in Park, it doesnt show anything!

so am I correct to assume that the break is between the gearbox sensor and the FRM, cause the first in the hierarchy is the EGS and the FRM would respond if a signal would be displayed

If you can suggest INPA screens for diagnosis that'll be swell. Thanks!

EDIT: i also found out the protool should display all available modules and for some reason, GWS (gear selector) is not even showing up. I know it should show up cause I say a youtube vid review of the app and the guy had it selected! Weird or what

[killerD]

did you find the issue?? im experiencing something similar but different at the same time

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by aquik92

Just checked F65, its not broken... I downloaded ProTools by bimmergeeks, and selected FRM live data for reverse lights, when putting it in reverse, no signal is detected. Then I went for EGS live data, and for the field 'selected gear', not even when in Park, it doesnt show anything! ...
If you can suggest INPA screens for diagnosis that'll be swell. Thanks!

EDIT: i also found out the protool should display all available modules and for some reason, GWS (gear selector) is not even showing up. I know it should show up cause I say a youtube vid review of the app and the guy had it selected! Weird or what

What I would like to know: "HOW exactly does the 'Selector Lever Position Switch' (S227 in schematic) communicate with FRM (which controls Reversing Lights & Mirror 'Dip') to indicate that 'R' has been selected"??? I would presume it is VIA the Powertrain CAN bus, but the TIS documentation of that is a bit obscure, at least to me. Here are the Transmission Control wiring diagram, Pin-Out, Powertrain CAN BUS, and FRM wiring diagram for YOUR 330i E92 (I presume with ZF AT):
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lities/vF68Viz
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...rol/1VnXlGCoPW
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...x10545/hAR8BYR
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...module/hoMdE3C

I'm a "dinosaur" who still has difficulty with "BUS" concepts. I thought at first that the "58G/X908" dimming circuit was the communication link between EGS & FRM, since THAT is shown in the circuits previously provided, but NOT the PT-CAN bus.

So if my current "CONCEPT" is correct, the Gear Indicator Light is getting communication from the "Switch" to which it is hard-wired, and the Light changes P-R-N-D, etc. as it should, and the EGS communicates with the KOMBI (Instrument Cluster) to display the Gear selected, AT ALL TIMES. Where the wheels come off (at least MOST of the time), is the FRM is NOT getting the memo.

I would first do some tests using INPA to confirm what is working & what is NOT, and then refer to the wiring diagrams above to check the appropriate PT-CAN bus connections. My SWAG at this point is that the PT-CAN bus connections to the FRM at Pins #43 & #44 of Connector X14260 should be checked for damage or corrosion (BUS connection to FRM). Here is the TIS "Connector View" of Connector X14260:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...00711/CTU7wiOn

Attached are Four INPA screens showing what I can test/view on my 3/14/2007 build date 328xi E91. My EGS is GS1912 (GM6), so at least the Menus and screens available may differ for that Module as compared to yours. FRM is FRM_70.

1) Working "backwards" by testing FRM OUTPUT: I would test the Backup Lights themselves by using INPA to Activate those lights (together with Rear Fogs). Select FRM > F6 Activations > F6 Lamps > F6 Rear Fog Lamps & Reversing Lamps. BOTH those lamps on Each Side should be lit for ~ 15 seconds and then go out. This tests the OUTPUT: wiring from FRM to Bulb Sockets, and all 4 bulbs. From your description, I would expect THAT to light all 4 bulbs unless you have a bulb-fail warning, as INPA is replacing normal "Reverse-selected" activation with its OWN input to FRM to activate the Reversing Lights (same for Fog light switch "Over-ride" for 15 seconds). The First screen attached is the Lamp Activation Menu from which you make the selection of which bulbs you want to turn ON/OFF.

2) I would then test normal backup light switching as follows: Select FRM > F5 Status > Shft+F4. This should bring up a screen with ALL blank circles representing EACH of the exterior lights on your vehicle (IF you have NO lights switched on, and foot NOT on Brake Pedal -- USE HANDBRAKE). The Second attached screen shows my vehicle with Handbrake applied, no lights lit, and then Reverse selected, which causes "Rückfahrlicht"/ RFL Links & Rechts or Reversing Lights, Left & Right to light, and the circles to fill/ darken. I presume you will get NO filling of RFL circles in that test, which means the lights will work if properly activated, but the FRM is NOT getting that input.

3) The third screen attached is an EGS screen, viewed by selecting EGS > F5 Status > F2 Gear Selection. If the top field changes as you select different gears with foot on brake, then all is "Swell" there. Since you indicate that BOTH the Gear Indicator Light and Instrument Cluster Gear Display function as they should, I would expect you WILL see proper Gear Selection in this screen.

4) The FOURTH attached screen is a CAS module screen. Its "Title" is "CAN Signals Motor Status" which suggests that data is received by the CAS Module via the PT-CAN bus, but I can't be SURE of that. IF it IS in fact a display of Gear selected as communicated via the PT-CAN bus, then if THAT top Value changes as you change gear selection, that indicates the Gear Indicator Light and EGS Module are correctly getting the signal ONTO the bus, which means the FRM is NOT Reading the signal that the CAS & KOMBI ARE reading. To view that last screen, select: CAS > F5 Status > F4 > F1 to view that screen.

Please let us know what you find,
George

[aquik92]

So, first of all thanks George for that detailed explanation you gave.

Tested screen 1 and 2, nothing was lighting up, EGS was not responding from my INPA and CAS did not yield any results.

I got frustrated and after going to the stealership and getting quoted 500 bucks plus labour to change the shift position sensor/lever (they were so vague about one of their own parts that I lost all credibility for them) I went to the only sort of specialist shop for bimmers in my country and all got solved!

Turns out the previous owner of the vehicle changed the FRM (probs got bricked by inadequate skill in coding), coded the VIN no but didnt code in the VO at all. Thus they left it to try and adjust/adapt on its own. The specialist reset everything to factory spec, updated some ECUs and went to town. Turns out the FRM was simply not deciphering what to do when R was engaged. Therefore there was no OUTPUT. They even checked wire continuity to see if there were any breaks from gearbox to FRM which was as I suspected but it wasnt the case. After updating, and coded the FRM to all the VO, all my headaches disappeared. Reverse, PDC, mirror tilt, everything works.

TL;DR - FRM was not coded appropriately and car was all over the place. Check that VO is encoded on module and get any available updates there are.

Thanks to all who contributed, esp you George. Appreciate your dedication!

[gbalthrop]

Glad your "BS Meter pegged" w/Dealer, as it was NOT a shifter hardware issue. If FRM Activation of the Reversing lights didn't get them to come on for 15 seconds, then that is consistent with a Software (or hardware) issue within the FRM Module itself. The history of previous FRM Module replacement puts an entirely different focus on the situation.

GLAD you got it sorted!!
George