MINI FRM Repairs - Plug and Play

BMW and MINI FRM Repairs

Footwell Module (FRM) failure is a common problem in BMW and MINI cars. The FRM module is a unit that controls all the BMW or MINI lights. It is used to send signals to the vehicle’s lights and window functions.

Normally your BMW or MINI FRM will fail when you jump-start your vehicle or when the vehicle’s battery goes flat.

Symptoms of failed BMW or MINI FRM units include:

• Headlights do not work
• Light switches do not work
• Windows does not move up or down
• Parking lights stay on
• Indicators do not work
  

If your FRM is faulty due to a flat battery, it is highly recommended that you replace your vehicle battery. FRM units have an extremely high failure rate, to avoid future problems the battery must be replaced.

Once the repaired FRM unit is reinstalled into the vehicle no additional programming is required. All the lights will work, and the vehicle will be 100% back to normal.

Service highlight:

• 100% plug and play - There is no other programming required once repaired
• 1-2 day turn around - Most of our repairs are done within 1 day, excluding shipping
• 6-month warranty - All our FRM units come with a 6-month warranty.

• How does the FRM Repair process work?

1. Remove your FRM from your vehicle.
2. Mail us your part. We do not provide a part collection service.
3. We will recommend either a replacement or repair service.
4. Once we have repaired your part, you can fit it back into the vehicle. All our repair and clone services are 100% plug-and-play, and no additional services will be coding will be required.

• What is an FRM?

The Footwell Module (FRM) is the master control module for all exterior lighting functions. All exterior light systems (headlights and side/parklights) are switched on and off via the light switch. Information to turn the lights on or off is supplied from the light switch directly to the FRM.

• Can an FRM be repaired?

Yes, an FRM can be repaired. First, a diagnostic check must be done on the damaged FRM to assess its repairability. If possible, an FRM can be repaired and restored. Alternatively, a replacement FRM can be installed.

• How much does it cost to fix a BMW FRM?

An OEM BMW FRM repair can cost up to $1300 at a BMW dealer. Typically the part is around $800, and the labor and programming are around $400. The ECU Pro offers a $250.00 repair, with a refurbished replacement costing $499 - All plug and play that doesn't require any additional programming.

An FRM diagnostic test will need to be run on your existing unit to see if a repair can be done, or whether a replacement is needed. About 80% of these units are repairable. If there is water damage or extensive physical damage, you will need a replacement unit.

• What happens when there is an FRM fault?

If electrical components in your car, such as the indicators, headlights, electric mirrors, and locking mechanisms aren’t functioning, it’s likely that this is an FRM fault.

• What functions in the vehicle are controlled by the FRM?

The FRM controls the following functions in the car:

1. The interior lights that are switched on directly by the FRM are also switched off.
2. The FRM and the JBE monitor the motor speed of the respective power window motors. In this arrangement, the FRM or JBE can respond to overheating or possible blocking of the power window motors in the event of an object being trapped in the windows.
3. The Footwell Module monitors the door contacts for the anti-theft alarm system. In the event of a change in the status, the FRM sends this information via the K-CAN, thus allowing the USIS to trigger the alarm.
4. The Footwell Module (FRM) is the master control module for all exterior lighting functions.
5. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the signal for activating the reverse light is obtained by the FRM from the EGS module via PT-CAN. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the FRM obtains the signal from the reverse gear switch.
6. The Footwell Module (FRM) monitors all of the exterior lighting system with the lights switched on or off, as long as terminal 15 is active.
7. The control for the Adaptive Headlight is incorporated into the Footwell Module.
8. The dynamic stability control sends signals relating to the yaw rate and vehicle speed to the FRM for the operation of the Adaptive Headlight Control function.
9. The FRM in its function as the central control unit for the adaptive headlight sends signals to the stepper motor controllers every 20 ms.
10. The folding function is controlled by the Footwell Module (FRM). When the mirror folding switch is pressed, the driver's door switch cluster evaluates the request and transfers it to the FRM.
11. When cruise control is in operation, the brake lights are actuated during automatic braking (legal requirement). To do this, a signal must be sent from the DSC to the footwell module via the PT-CAN.
12. The Footwell Module supplies input signals for the convenient opening/closing function and monitors the door contacts.

If the instrument cluster doesn’t have power, then it can be a power issue on the vehicle and not the FRM.

• What is a stepper motor fault in an FRM?

Missing or non-plausible BUS signals are stored in the form of fault codes in the FRM. The fault types are stored in the stepper motor controller. The stepper motor controller is accessed via the FRM.

The ECU Pro can repair stepper motor faults within the FRM

• What are the primary functions of the FRM?

1. Gateway Module for communication between devices connected to the LIN Bus and K-CAN (Outside Mirror & Drivers Switch Cluster).
2. Evaluator of data from Door Contacts and Door Lock Cylinders
3. Activator/controller of all Exterior Lights, Adaptive Headlights,
4. Controller of Front Power Windows, Electric Load Shut-down
5. Activation of Power Window Anti-Trap
6. Stores the Vehicle Order information

• What are common FRM faults?

Common symptoms during FRM faults include:

1. Indicators not working
2. Hazard lights not working
3. Headlights staying on / won’t switch off
4. Taillights staying on / won’t switch off
5. No main beam Interior lights not working
6. Electric windows not working or will open but not always close
7. No communications with FRM unit
8. AC/heating fan does not work

• Where is the FRM located in a BMW?

The BMW Footwell Module (FRM) is located on the driver’s side footwell, by the side kick-panel. If your BMW is a left-hand drive, your FRM module will be at the left-hand kick panel as shown in the image. Similarly, if you have a right-hand drive BMW, it will be in the right-hand kick panel. It features a 128 pin, three plug control unit, which houses two 51 pin connectors. Another 26-pin connector is for the connection to the dashboard.

• FRM vs FEM?

While some may get confused between a FRM and FEM, a FRM (Footwell Module) manages the electrical sensors in the BMW, while the FEM (Front Electronic Module) controls entry and access to the vehicle, and acts as a gateway for other modules.

• Is it possible to remove the FRM?

Yes. To access the FRM module, you will first have to remove the door sill trim, unscrew the kick panel, and then get to the module. Removing the unit takes about 15 minutes.

• What do I need to send to test my FRM?

To have your BMW or MINI FRM module repaired, you only need to send your original FRM unit.

• How to prevent BMW or MINI FRM failure?

FRMs typically fail when the car's battery is removed or when it goes flat. If the battery is old, and the vehicle's battery is flat often, replace the battery.

A good quality battery in good condition is one of the best ways to prevent your FRM from failing.

• Can my car be driven if the FRM is removed?

Yes, the vehicle can still be driven. There will be no indicators and the headlights will stay on.

• Is the FRM an important module in BMW and MINI cars?

Yes, the FRM forms part of the primary control modules for the systems in E90

The primary control modules are:

1. Junction Box Electronics Control Module (JBE)
2. Car Access 2 (CAS2)
3. Footwell Module (FRM)
4. Roof Function Center (FZD)

In short:  Free standard return shipping within the USA is included in all services. Optional express shipping is available at checkout. Shipping your parts to us is your responsibility. 

Last updated July 01, 2022

This Shipping & Delivery Policy is part of our Terms of Service ("Terms") and should be therefore read alongside our main Terms: https://the-ecu-pro.com/policy/terms-of-service.

Please carefully review our Shipping & Delivery Policy when purchasing our products. This policy will apply to any order you place with us.

What are the shipping and delivery options

Free Shipping

We offer free Standard 2-3 day shipping on US orders only.

Expedited Shipping Fees

We also offer expedited shipping at the following rates:

US LOCAL FedEx 1-2 days $75

If you select an expedited shipping option, we will follow up after you have placed the order with any additional shipping information.

All times and dates given for delivery of the products are given in good faith but are estimates only.

For EU and UK consumers: This does not affect your statutory rights. Unless specifically noted, estimated delivery times reflect the earliest available delivery, and deliveries will be made within 30 days after the day we accept your order. For more information please refer to our Terms.

Do you deliver internationally?

We offer worldwide shipping for a set fee of $150. Free Standard 2-3 day shipping is not valid on international orders.

Please note, that we may be subject to various rules and restrictions in relation to some international deliveries and you may be subject to additional taxes and duties over which we have no control. If such cases apply, you are responsible for complying with the laws applicable to the country where you live and will be responsible for any such additional costs or taxes.

What happens if my order is delayed?

If delivery is delayed for any reason we will let you know as soon as possible and will advise you of a revised estimated date for delivery.

For EU and UK consumers: This does not affect your statutory rights. For more information please refer to our Terms.

Questions about returns?

If you have questions about returns, please review our Return Policy: https://the-ecu-pro.com/policy/refunds.

How can you contact us about this policy?

If you have any further questions or comments, you may contact us by:

• Email: info@the-ecu-pro.com

Return policy

Last updated January 01, 2020

Thank you for your purchase. We hope you are happy with your purchase. However, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it to us for a full refund only. Please see below for more information on our return policy.

Retruns

All returns must be postmarked within fourteen (14) days of the purchase date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached.

Return Process

Step One: Contact info@the-ecu-pro.com for returns.

You must return the items in their original package.

You must include all accessories and user manuals that came in the same package.

Where an item has been purchased as a part of a bundle of multiple items, all multiple items within that bundle must be returned.

Please treat the items with care and return them in the condition that they were delivered to you.

Replacement or refund can only be processed once we have received all the items to be returned.

If you return items 1) that you are not entitled to return, 2) that are not in their original condition, 3) that are without proper or missing packaging, 4) with items missing from the return delivery, 5) without following our return instructions, or 6) have otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care when taking care of and returning items, we reserve the right either to reject your return and decline to refund or to deduct from those payments to be refunded to you reasonable repair or other similar direct costs that we have incurred, subject to applicable law.

If your return has been accepted, we will refund you the price you have actually paid for the items less any applicable shipping costs (as per the above) by crediting your payment card thirty (30) calendar days after the date of receipt of the delivery.

Please note that The ECU PRO LLC will only process returns and refunds for items bought in this Online Shop.

Please place the item securely in its original packaging, and mail your return to the following address:

The ECU Pro

Attn: Returns

# Order number issued at checkout

181 Hills Creek Road

Wellsboro, PA 16901

United States

Please note, that you will be responsible for all return shipping charges. We strongly recommend that you use a trackable method to mail your return. 

Refunds

After receiving your return and inspecting the condition of your item, we will process your return. Please allow at least ten (10) days from the receipt of your item to process your return. Refunds may take 1-2 billing cycles to appear on your credit card statement, depending on your credit card company.

Exceptions

The following items cannot be returned:

•     All items related to the testing or repair of products which is deemed a service provided

For defective or damaged products, please contact us at the contact details below to arrange a refund or exchange.

Please Note

•        A 25% restocking fee will be charged for all returns.
•        All returns must contain detailed fault codes of the product in the vehicle

Questions

If you have any questions concerning our return policy, please contact us at:

(888)723-2080

info@the-ecu-pro.com