[Captain Buumer]

Hello E90post members.

One rainy day was activating the auto wiper system but it did not work as it used to (it was working fine some years ago). Instead of sensing wetness of windshield it instead works on fixed intervals. Then it became apparent it is not working.

I've been trying to troubleshoot it for about 3 months but so far, i just can't figure out why it will not work. Endless times have taken apart the FZD/RLS but end result is always the same - not working.
Perhaps someone here has some insight what could be the reason?

Tried numerous times to code FZD, look for clues in other modules and read through all RLS retrofit threads to hopefully find a tripped fuse. But as it turns out it's not that simple with this simple module.

I've almost given up with it.

The Journey:

First bought 2nd used module from ebay:

Only difference, it was manufactured a month earlier.
Didn't work.

Tought there might be bad solder in FZD as it supplies voltage & LIN data.
Resoldered all THT legs.

Didn't work.
Also measured with multimeter between red wire & (FZD) ground = 0V.
For some reason it does not supply voltage to RLS.

Fault code tree:


Actual fault codes:

The other ones can be ignored as there is fix for them
003EFC - oil level sensor. Needs replacing already have it. 6k left until change.
Glow plug faults are related to the module that is bad again.
009CBB- i had LED fogs and eventually they triggered this fault. I think this can be fixed with resetting the counter.
Now fogs are correctly coded and don't trigger fault.
S 0078 - Android screen fitted instead of OEM screen.
00A3E8 - GPS not connected to OEM radio. Instead going to Android unit.

The mystery ones are S0166 & 00E598.
Looks like RLS is sending something but at the same time it is not present?

It is hooked up:


All other modules can be communicated with, only RLS gives error in NCS Expert, INPA & in ISTA (cannot call up functions).


Car has quite many added functionality (by myself) and can't create connection which one broke the communication between K-CAN.
It is literally from FZD to RLS with 3 wires... unless there is something more.

However what has been added later:
Dension 500S BT - added to optical loop.
Android Screen.
Tow Hitch module - uses normal CAN-BUS i think
Windshield was replaced maybe 2 years ago. However can't even communicate with RLS module.
Is it somehow connected to FRM short circuit fault?
Attached TRC files of perhaps connected modules if it has to be programming related issue.

Anyone have ideas? I would be really grateful!

[gbalthrop]

Need Last-7 Characters of your VIN so can identify correct ISTA wiring diagrams. When a module does NOT appear on ISTA Control Unit Tree or List, or in INPA > Functional Jobs > F2 Identification Module List, the cause is most often:
1) Lack of Power Supply/ Chassis Ground to Module;
2) Issue with connector/wiring associated with Bus Communication between Module & JBE/Hub.
George

[Andystobbs]

Those two faults are not contradictory, they are both agreeing that there is no communication with RLS.
Check fuses for FZD.

[Captain Buumer]

Last 7 characters of VIN: KJ95308

[ptpending]

the windshield replacement may be the reason
if the shop was not professional enough, they might to damage FZD - RLS wiring.
So i've removed pins from both sides used for RLS connection and checked if RLS get power and continuity for other wires is ok

[Captain Buumer]

I've checked most fuses related to FZD (from ISTA+ provided schematics).
F5, F7, F25, F28, F12, F62 (7 and 12 are for sunroof which i don't have).

Well, fuses are fine.

I'll take it apart once more and do continuity for wiring that i have not done yet.

[gbalthrop]

[QUOTE=Captain Buumer;29151196]Last 7 characters of VIN: KJ95308

Originally Posted by Captain Buumer

I've checked most fuses related to FZD (from ISTA+ provided schematics). F5, F7, F25, F28, F12, F62 (7 and 12 are for sunroof which i don't have). Well, fuses are fine. I'll take it apart once more and do continuity for wiring that i have not done yet.

Although it is NOT clear, my interpretation of the ISTA FZD wiring diagram is that in YOUR 4/2007 build 325d, the fuses supplying power to the FZD are F7 and F62. Fuse F26 would only be installed if there were a sunroof, and that KL30G (Switched) 20-Amp fuse powers the sunroof motor.

That's basically Irrelevant however, since your ISTA "Control Unit Tree" shows the FZD Roof Function Control Center with No Faults (Green), while the RLS is NOT Communicating (Red). That means your FZD has Power, and has K-CAN bus communication with the JBE (Hub) Module. HOWEVER, your RLS either has NO Power, or NO communication with FZD via LIN bus. That means test/examine the three RLS wires as described below.

The issue is likely either in the wiring/connectors between the FZD & RLS, or in the RLS itself. The RLS communicates with the FZD via the LIN Bus Signal wire, White/Brown, as shown on the ISTA SSP wiring diagram attached to NEXT Post. The RLS SHOULD be getting Power Supplied via the Red/Brown (30 RLS) wire, X13084/1, at least when Ignition ON. There should also be continuity to chassis ground at X13084/2, Brown wire (31 RLS).

I suppose you could do a rudimentary test of the RLS by backprobing X13084/3, White/Brown wire (LIN RLS) and looking for voltage change when water poured over sensor, or light is blocked out (Ignition ON). Generally, if you have B+ at X13084/1, and chassis ground continuity at X13084/2, AND if the LIN bus wire/connector is intact, including Connector Pins/Sockets, between X13084/3 at RLS, and X14288/6 at the FZD Module, then the RLS is probably bad.

ISTA ScreenPrints of wiring, Connector Location, and Connector View are attached to NEXT Post. Please let us know what you find.
George

[gbalthrop]

Attached: ISTA SSP Wiring Diagram, Lines ID; RLS Connector X13084 Location & Connector View; FZD Connector
X14288 Location & Connector View, all as described in prior post.
George

[Andystobbs]

I think FZD is the culprit. You seem to have checked everything else. If power is going in, but not coming out then that's not good.
Might be worth checking the coding to verify the FZD knows there is a RLS, but otherwise its probably going to be replacement FZD.

[Captain Buumer]

Have some progress made.

First was doing continuity test between the X14288 & B57b and here is discovery:

30_RLS - signal ok
31_RLS - signal nok
LIN_BUS - signal ok

Well, there is certainly a connection problem. The GND is not making connection to the RLS module.

Was inspecting further until two wild wires appeared. One was hidden in roof grommet insertion and other one was in taped "U turn" bundle - reason it wasn't visually detectable. The broken wire was slightly shorter compared to other wires and probably reason why it snapped at one point.
Suspected botched windshield work - confirmed.
Narrowed to three wires where lies the problem - confirmed.


Now begins the mending of the broken wire and it requires surprisingly many tools:


...

...

And it's integrated with the the car loom.


Hairy tape back on the wires so they make less noise.


This was surprisingly educational journey to trace to the root cause of this fault. Felt similar like watching DiagnoseDan video but managed to hastily throw money at one unnecessary part.

Thanks very much for help!

Tomorrow will try to sort out the software side.

[Captain Buumer]

Software update.

First connected with INPA:

We have module connection.

Then used ISTA to clear all errors and updated tree view:

Here can see the RLS moved and is now connected with FZD.
Fixed some other faults too why it's suddenly more greenish.
I've gone through 2 BMW, 1 BERU glowplug modules. Trying now HUCO produced one.
If it still fails then will try some other manufacture glow plugs.

With INPA it was rather straightforward.
Going to RLS module and clicking activate.


Did some sensitivity testing, sprayed little bit of water on sensor area and it worked as should.

Great success!
Hopefully anyone in trouble with RLS finds info documented here useful.

Now it's only left to beat the 009CBB error code.
Did narrow it down to "BIXENONKLAPPE" 0x20 but resetting this value did not get rid of fault.
Possibly will try brute force method of resetting all adresses.

[Mike K]

Hey nice methodical problem solving! Good luck with the rest of it.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by Captain Buumer

... First connected with INPA: We have module connection...

So the CAUSE of the RLS NOT communicating or appearing on ISTA CU Tree was a broken Brown 31 RLS wire between FZD Roof Module and the RLS? Essentially, with lack of ground to chassis, no power was being received by the RLS from the FZD, even though there WAS 12V+ at 30 RLS 30 (Red/Brown wire).

Thanks for letting us know what you found.
George

[kavkec98]

Hey, what did you change in fsw_psw files and to which module to activate rain and light sensor?