[NE-e90]

Vehicle:
2011 BMW 328 Sedan (Manufactured 10-2011)

Original Issue/Symptoms:
Last summer I started getting a Tire Pressure warning light. I tried to reset the TPMS, but it responds with "INACTIVE" shortly after starting up the car. I had the valve sensors checked at a shop and all came back ok. From researching, it appears the issue is likely with either the "sensor receiver" or "RDC Control Unit".

Goal:
I was curious if I could tell which module was bad and pinpoint exactly which part needed to be replaced. At this point, I just want to disable the TPMS and get rid of the dashboard error (Tire pressures are manually checked frequently and are good)

Hardware:
I purchased a "Pro K+DCAN Cable" direct from BimmerGeeks. I tried installing software, different SP-Datens, etc a few times on my old laptop. I was unable to successfully read the "Chassis -> Tire Pressure Monitoring System" status from INPA. I gave up for a while. I have a new laptop, clean Windows 10 install, and wanted to give it a fresh chance again.

Current Status:
I've installed the BMW Standard Tools directly from links on BimmerGeeks download page. I followed instructions for the install, installed F232 drivers directly from the FTDIChip.com site, set the USB serial adapter to COM1 and Latency=1, etc. I did download the E89 and Base SP-Daten files (v.60.1_SP-Daten), but have not done anything with the files yet.

I tried INPA with the adapter's "K-Line support" button pushed in and out. Whenever I go to INPA->Chassis->Tire Pressure Monitoring System, I get an error:

Group file: D_RDC,D_0070.
IFH-0010: DATATRANSMISSION TO CONTROLUNIT DISTURBED.
Program will be stopped!

I've tried a few other options under Chassis and get similar IFH-0010 errors

Questions:
Should I be able to launch INPA and read the TMPS, without installing SP-Datens or creating a profile?

In INPA, I can go to other "info" sections and see data. Ex. "User Information Field" section shows "E89X", "Scope: all control module", "JobStatus: OKAY", "Quantity: 18", then lists a bunch of modules with VIN No. and Date info. Does this mean my cable and hardware is good? If hardware is good, does that mean software is missing something or bad?

Do I even need INPA? or am I safe to attempt to code out the TPMS and ignore the INPA IFH-0010 error?

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by NE-e90

Vehicle:
2011 BMW 328 Sedan (Manufactured 10-2011)
...started getting a Tire Pressure warning light. I tried to reset the TPMS, but it responds with "INACTIVE" shortly after starting up the car. I had the valve sensors checked at a shop and all came back ok. From researching, it appears the issue is likely with either the "sensor receiver" or "RDC Control Unit". [Whatever you "researched" failed to indicate the TPMS system changed on 2010 models forward. Your 2011 model has NO Transmitters in each wheel well or Antenna beneath vehicle. It ONLY has pressure sensor in each tire, mounted on metal valve stem (shop tested?) and the Module which is (on NEWER System) mounted behind right-rear wheel, instead of in trunk.]
Goal:
I was curious if I could tell which module was bad and pinpoint exactly which part needed to be replaced. At this point, I just want to disable the TPMS and get rid of the dashboard error (Tire pressures are manually checked frequently and are good)... In INPA, I can go to other "info" sections and see data. Ex. "User Information Field" section shows "E89X", "Scope: all control module", "JobStatus: OKAY", "Quantity: 18", then lists a bunch of modules with VIN No. and Date info. Does this mean my cable and hardware is good?

Simple 1st Step: Check fuse F27.

Since you have gone to the trouble of Downloading & Installing BG version of BMW Standard Tools (which includes INPA), I would ignore the TPMS warning light a little longer, and concentrate on learning how to use INPA. A "Tutorial" pdf is attached which contains example screens (from my 3/2007 build 328xi). That Tutorial also provides details on HOW to Save INPA ScreenPrints as jpg files for future reference, or to attach to posts here. You want to view, and SaveAs jpg file:

1) INPA > Functional Jobs > F2 Identification screen which should show the 18 different Modules in your vehicle, along with the "SGBD" or variant code of EACH Module. You SHOULD be able to connect to EACH of those Modules separately, as discussed below.

2) INPA > Functional Jobs > F4 Error Memory ALL Modules provides a screen that lists the Fault Code (Number ONLY, NO Definition, Freeze Frame Data, or other Fault Details) for any fault saved in Fault Memory of ANY Module in the vehicle, including TPMS Module.

I would suggest viewing and saving BOTH of those screens (TWO screens may be required for the F4 Fault Memory display), and attaching them to a post here, so we can suggest "next steps".

You do NOT have to "Connect" directly to the TPMS Module to see it displayed in those two screens. If it does NOT appear in either, then there is a Power Supply issue or a Bus Connection issue which we can address next.

Your INPA installation may NOT have the proper files listed in, or linked to, the Script Selection Box. My BG INPA install provides the TPMS Module Connection as follows:
1) Script Selection Box appears after selecting F3/ E90
2) Select "Chassis" in Left ListBox, and select "Tire Pressure Monitoring" in Right ListBox. You should NOW see the TPMS Main Menu.

If you do NOT see "Tire Pressure Monitoring" in the Right ListBox, OR you get an error message when clicking that Selection, please make a ScreenPrint of the screen where an unexpected result occurs, and post it here.

If trying to "Diagnose & Fix" the RDC gets to be "too much", you can always use NCS to make TPMS Inactive, and enable FTM in DSC Module (as used by vehicles WITHOUT TPMS). There are threads that explain HOW to do that.

George

[gbalthrop]

Since the 2010 & Later TPMS system (simplified) is rather poorly documented and/or understood,
I attach several ISTA ScreenPrints which should be self-explanatory to anyone who understands
Power Supply & K-CAN Bus Concepts. OP, after checking F27, I would remove Carbon Canister Cover
to access TPMS Module, remove its Connector (X18036) examine/clean pins & Sockets, and TEST for
12V+ with Ignition ON (KL 30G active) at Red/Violet wire, Pin#2 of X18036, AND
Continuity to Chassis Ground at Brown wire, Pin#4 of X18036

George