Corrupted FRM3 module (lights and windows)

Engine / equipment

FRM3 footwell module (lights, indicators and windows): 1 Series E81 to E88, 3 Series E90 to E93, X1 E84, Z4 E89, X5 E70, X6 E71 and E72 and MINI R55 to R61

Period mentioned

2004–2015

Symptoms

After a flat battery, a battery change or disconnection, or a jump start: lights, indicators or windows stop working, side or dipped lights stay on and diagnostics cannot communicate with the module (for example code 00A3C1).

Possible cause described

The module's EEPROM gets corrupted by low or unstable voltage: a flat battery, jump starting, overcharging from a faulty alternator or loose terminals. It is a module software fault, not a wiring fault.

Check for the garage

Check the battery and charging and try communicating with ISTA. If the module does not respond, it can be repaired by rewriting its EEPROM (specialist services or programmers) instead of being replaced, then coded. Use a voltage maintainer when working on the car.

Cost cited in the source

Repair by a specialist service: from about €20–60 plus postage; new module with dealer coding: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database