Experiencing a problem with electrical connectivity between some components. Seeking assistance.

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Hannah_Baker2000
Senior
Posts: 98
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:50 pm

I own a left-hand drive R53 model manufactured in the year 2002. Historical overview. The car's instrument cluster and BCU (which is labelled as 1.4) have been replaced, however the exact timeframe of the change is unknown. I have had the automobile for a duration of 3 months at now.
A few days ago, I noticed that the SRS light illuminated after I adjusted the front passenger seat to its maximum forward position while it was reclined in order to place my child in the back seat. Given that I had an R50 with a same issue, I examined the wiring behind the front right seat and determined that the wire responsible for the airbag had been disconnected. Upon arriving home, I meticulously reconnected both wires of the yellow plug by soldering them again.

The issue at hand is that when I attempted to use my iCarSoft ODB device to clear the code, it was unable to establish a connection with the SRS module. The device indicated that the module did not exist. Similar issues arise when attempting to access the DME. Furthermore, I am unable to interpret OBD generic codes since the automobile indicates that it does not meet the OBD2 compliance standards. No text provided. I must clarify that I have previously used the gadget on my automobile without any evident complications, therefore indicating that the device itself is not the source of the problem.

The modules that it reads correctly are: ZKE (which appears to have been retrofitted from version 1.4 and partially recoded, but the remote does not lock/unlock and the keys cannot be programmed using the pairing procedure), ABS, instrument cluster (which displays "vehicle identification in ZKE and instrumentation is different"), IHKA, and power steering...

Does anybody know what may be the cause of the issue?

I attempted each of the following:
1. Inspected the BC1 module - detached it from the vehicle, thoroughly cleaned the four connectors and ports (white, black, green, blue). The white port on BC1 had green oxidation on one or two pins, which was subsequently cleaned. I removed oxidation from the BC1 board, specifically a little amount of white salty residue found between the solder points for the white port. All other aspects seem to be satisfactory. There was a little amount of water in the footwell. I temporarily fixed the leak by replacing the A pillar foam gasket. - QUERY: Is it possible to clean the board from the other side while it is adhered to the alloy casing? If so, what are some safe methods to remove it? Any suggestions? Undoubtedly, despite my diligent efforts, no discernible alteration transpired.
I experimented by using my friend's BC1 instead of my own (same year, 1.6 cooper, not MCS). Unsuccessful.
3. Inspected the wiring of the OBD port and found no issues. The voltage measured at pins 8 and 16 was 12 volts, while pins 4 and 5 were properly grounded. Pin 7 seemed to be communicating, although this is subject to the presence of certain modules. Furthermore, pin 7 showed continuity with the DME plug (except pin 36, if my memory serves me well), as well as with the circular multijack located behind the left headlight.
The battery is recently replaced, but it is experiencing a decrease in voltage. I attempted to recharge it, and it seems to be functioning well.
I removed my aftermarket radio for inspection, but no changes occurred. In addition, the previously fitted IPOD adaptor, which was put by the dealer, has been removed, but there have been no additional developments.
6. Attempted to unplug the MRS/SRS module. There is no information or content.
7. Attempted to detach the ABS module, which is functioning well in terms of communication. There is no progress or result at the moment.
8. Attempted to replace the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) relay located under the hood. Unfortunately, there was no success in that regard, and no alteration occurred.
9. Disconnected the connections from the front headlights. No modification.
10. Inspected the wiring behind the door sills on both sides. Aside from a little moisture-related connection issue, everything seems to be in proper working condition. The grounds are also good. The wiring is very well-executed given the year of construction. The floor seems pristine, devoid of any signs of corrosion or residue from saltwater. This is due to the removal of the carpet in the rear after removing the front seats. The carpet, namely the rubbery foam, is moist on the right side behind the seat, perhaps due to the previous A-pillar gasket replacement, and somewhat wet on the left side. Left to air-dry.

This post is lengthy, I am aware. However, please be patient with me as I need assistance. In addition, the vehicle operates without any issues, save for the SRS light. There are no other warning lights, and all features, such as central locking (using the key in the door and central console knob, without remote capability), windows, temperature control, and interior lights (except for the one in the baggage compartment) work regularly. Prior to this, the only anomalous occurrence I saw was the occasional failure of the vehicle to start immediately after being parked for a little period of time. The engine would crank but fail to start. Subsequently, I would initiate the pump's cycling process once again, resulting in a successful start thereafter. Furthermore, during certain instances, the windows would partially descend and the danger lights would activate, but without any green indications on the instrument panel. If I activated the danger button, they would come to a halt. Next, activate the pump and begin the standard operation. Perhaps indicative of a deteriorating battery. The battery is relatively new, I charged it using a high-quality charger, it seems to retain its voltage, and it is being charged properly while the vehicle is in use.

What are your viewpoints? I conducted a thorough examination and did not discover any damaged wires, nor did I locate any instances of electrical shorts or voltage decreases.I am perplexed. I appreciate the time and intellectual effort you have dedicated.
Samantha_Jones83
Senior
Posts: 79
Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2019 2:30 pm

Have you verified the presence of an uninterrupted electrical connection on the k-bus feed wire leading into the OBD port?
Jul4ster
Moderator
Posts: 106
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2019 7:15 pm

Can you arrange for a mobile technician to inspect the CAN network using an oscilloscope, as mentioned earlier? is likely to display corrupted data packets - Require assistance in determining the root cause of the network's performance degradation.
Hannah_Baker2000
Senior
Posts: 98
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:50 pm

I attempted an other approach. I discovered an iPod adaptor securely connected to the radio harness, located at the rear of the radio. Discovered a discussion on the K-bus being shorted, hence proceeded to remove the problematic component. Please direct your attention to this URL: Is the problem due to low compression or a network issue? - Diagnostic Network

Despite severing the K-bus wire on the connection, there was no discernible improvement. The Ipod adaptor from BMW is an officially authorised accessory. However, it is now devoid of practical use. Therefore, I proceeded to sever all the cables connected to the black Ipod connector. My aftermarket radio continues to function flawlessly, just as it did before, without any problems. In addition, I decided to remove the radio in order to see the resulting consequences. There is no information or content. Examined the junction at the floor of the right door and found no abnormalities. The wires seem to be in excellent condition without any signs of cracking or damage. I must get an oscilloscope. It has become a personal challenge for me, amusingly enough.

The automobile starts and operates in a typical manner. There are no issues with the engine, and the starting process is proceeding as expected. However, there is still a lack of communication between the DME, EWS, and MRS. I am starting to question if the instrument cluster is responsible for the issue. Given that all things pass via its entrance. Perhaps I should attempt to exchange the cluster with my buddy in order to see whether it will communicate thereafter.
Jul4ster
Moderator
Posts: 106
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2019 7:15 pm

If you possess a verified functional component, it would be advisable to proceed with the given course of action, considering the significant volume of items that pass through that particular stage.
Hannah_Baker2000
Senior
Posts: 98
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:50 pm

Thank you for the feedback...I will need to test it myself before bringing the automobile to an electrician's workshop. I am intrigued and simultaneously exasperated by the endeavour of identifying the issue. Despite the automobile performing well in every respect previously, it seems to be a little issue that I am unable to locate. Another perplexing issue is the malfunctioning baggage compartment light, but I suspect it is not the primary cause of the problem (since it was already non-functional prior to the OBD issue).
KARlosfuentes
Senior
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2021 11:50 pm

Verify the uninterrupted connection of your k-bus line from the OBD plug to the ECU.

Additional information is provided here to verify the uninterrupted flow of the k bus wire, which is identified by its purple and white colour. Testing conducted on board a North American Motoring vehicle.

Refer to post #6 for the pin numbers on the OBD port and ECU. If there is a lack of continuity on the purple and white k bus wire, the system will not function. If such a situation exists, proceed to the more sophisticated examinations that you already indicated. Begin with the basic concepts.

This is the method I used to repair my own.
Hannah_Baker2000
Senior
Posts: 98
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:50 pm

The connection between the OBD2 port at post #7 and the DME connector at post #36 is intact. The connection between the DME plug post #36 and the round multijack behind the left headlight, namely wire #9 (violet-white), is intact and functioning properly when the round multijack is attached.
Jul4ster
Moderator
Posts: 106
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2019 7:15 pm

The boot light issue may be caused by either a faulty bulb or a malfunctioning switch. Performing simple diagnostic tests can help identify the root cause.
Hannah_Baker2000
Senior
Posts: 98
Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:50 pm

The bulb is fresh, and it seems that the switch may be functioning well as well, as shown by the "open boot" message displayed on the instrument cluster.
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