Hey all,

I'm hoping some of you good folks can shed some light on my issue. The reverse lights on my 2007 R56s don't work.

Before you say it's the reverse light switch, it's not. I pulled the reverse light switch, I jumped the reverse light switch out, and since I had a spare $20, I even replaced the reverse light switch for good measure. It's not the reverse light switch.
And...
Before you say it's corrosion on the back of the taillight, it's not. The taillights are clean, free of corrosion and all metal contacts are touching where they should touch.
So...
I whipped out the voltmeter, had my son drop it into reverse..I'm not getting any voltage.

So, i checked the fuses in the passenger footwell (US car) and all fuses ( I can't make heads or tails of the diagram, so I tested all of them) are in working order.

So, my question(s) are.
1. Does anyone know exactly what fuse controls the reverse light? I'd assume it's the same fuse that controls the brake lights (which are working)
2. If my first question is true, that means the fuse is ok, because the brake lights are working.

On my scanner I'm getting a 30B2 code. "No Message (status reverse gear 0x3B0) DME receiver, FRM Transmitter.

I'll also share another code because I don't know if they're unrelated.
D358 Message error footwell module. Receiver DCS transmitter footwelll module

I don't have a good understanding of the wiring in these cars..Would love any insight I can get from someone smarter than me.

Update:
I've tested the voltage at the brake lights. I have power at all of the lights EXCEPT the reverse light.
I've tested the power at the reverse light switch on top of the transmission. I have power there.
I tested Fuse F13 on the passenger side footwell. I have power there.

Since both reverse lights are out, I'm assuming it's a break in the connection before it separates to the L/R reverse light? Does anybody know where these wires are routed to? Do they go from the fuse directly to the lights? If so, where do they separate to go L->R?

What's my next step?

 

@Hickory

I know the exact the problem with your reverse light not working, The FRM CONTROL MODULE aka body control module which is located in the footwell on the driver side needs to be “REPROGRAMMED” by the dealership only. Local repair shops won’t be able to program your module as it needs a very special computer to do them.

goodluck

 

@Hickory

ECU Pro is the best option to have your FRM Module reprogrammed

 

@Hickory

The other option is you can reprogram it yourself with this similar computer like the one below:

 

Thanks for the response! I broke out the Bentley's book trying to wrap my head around the problem last night. All roads led back to the Footwell Module. Shortly after, I found the site you linked to, then I went down some X-Prog Rabbit Hole that I shouldn't even talk about. .

I yanked it out today, and am sending it over to ECU Pro.

Thanks for confirming my suspicion!

UPDATE: Just got off the phone with ECU Pro. Based on the information I've given them, they don't think it's the footwell module.

 

@Hickory

Ummmm…… that’s not possible. I’ve had the exact same problem that you have plus I had more issues such as dash lights, power windows, 4-way flashers, turn signal, and radio not operable are all not working AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE GOOD. My module was beyond repair from a black gooey substance leaking onto the unit. I got a replacement module but still had to be reprogrammed even though the part number is the exact same. Do you have a local Mini dealership? They would have a reprogramming tool.

 

That was exactly their point...They feel that if the problem is in my footwell module, I'd have more problems than just the reverse lights not working. (like you had), but I don't. My radio, headlights, hazards, windows, everything else works without issue.

 

@Hickory

Are they saying that you're better off buying a new module just for one issue? Whatever happened to saving you money just by reprogramming it? I don't get it

 

@Hickory

I swear, your module just needs to be reprogrammed. Find a mini dealer or an import repair shop that may be able t help you.

 

@Hickory

Here several photos of the FRM footwell module that I had to take out from my R56 N14 '07 MCS because something leaked inside of my car and basically killed it by short circuiting my entire board.




You can see the corrosion on the terminals. So, basically my module is TOAST!

 

I believed you. I really feel/felt like it was the Footwell Module too. But everyone who I called, kept turning me around backwards.

I had a busy day at work, didn't even walk in the house. Went straight to the mini and pulled the FRM.
I'm going to hit them with some contact cleaner first. If that doesn't work, I'm sending it over to ECU Pro.

Thanks so much for all your help. I just wanted to be as thorough as I could before I made the wrong decision and spent money on an FRM that wasn't the problem.

I owe you a beer...or 6.


2007 Mini Cooper S Footwell Module

2007 Mini Cooper S Footwell Module

 

On second thought...I'm just sending that in...I didn't even look at the pics before I came in and posted. Looking at the pics, I'm just sending it over to The ECU Pro....On my way to FedEx

 

@Hickory

YUP, those corrosions on the terminals will definitely do it, NO DOUBT. I can’t believe people out there would still give you a run around telling you that it could be a bad bulb or switch. WOW, how numb can they be since you already pulled the reverse switch and checked it out. So glad you pulled the module and got to see it with your own eyes.

 

I thought Vanski said its toast if the terminals are corroded?

 

@bagwell

The module still could work as long as the water didn’t pass beyond the terminals, mine got toast ‘cuz the water went way beyond the terminals and soaked the board.