Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Body Control Module: Testing and Inspection
This is the exact OEM manual section for the path above. Use the breadcrumb to move up or down the tree until you reach the precise year, make, model, and subsystem you need.
Need a step-by-step guide?
Get an AI-powered repair guide with parts lists, cost estimates, and clear instructions for your 2008 Mini.
Dealing With Short Circuits In The Footwell Module, FRM, 2nd Generation
NOTE:
Dealing with short circuits in the footwell module depends on the production date of the footwell module.
Differences result for the production date 09/2007 and 09/2009.
Description of dealing with short circuits up to 09/2007:
If a short circuit is detected in a circuit, the circuit is switched off after one minute. This circuit remains switched off until there has been a terminal change (terminal 15 > terminal 30 -> terminal 15).
A renewed attempt to switch on is only made after a terminal change. After a total of 50 terminal changes have occurred in a vehicle while the circuit had a short circuit, the corresponding output from the footwell module will be switched off permanently . This is the case if the fault entry can no longer be deleted even though the short circuit has been repaired. Exception: xenon bulbs: If the short circuit was present in the circuit of a xenon bulb, the output will be switched off permanently after 20 terminal changes. In this case, the footwell module must be replaced.
Description of dealing with short circuits as of 09/2007:
If a short circuit is detected in a circuit, the circuit is switched off after one minute. This circuit remains switched off until there has been a terminal change (terminal 15 > terminal 30 -> terminal 15).
A renewed attempt to switch on is only made after a terminal change. The control unit permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 10 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in a circuit. After repairing the short circuit, the output is reactivated using a diagnosis command in the testing procedure.
If the short circuit is still present, the output will be switched off again after 1 minute and permanently switched off again after another 10 terminal changes. Exception: xenon bulbs: If the short circuit is still present in the circuit of a xenon bulb, the output will be switched off again after 1 minute and permanently switched off again after another 4 terminal changes.
An output can be reactivated 5 times by a diagnosis command in the testing procedure. The footwell module permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 60 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in the circuit. Exception: xenon lamps: A xenon output can be reactivated 5 times by a diagnosis command in the testing procedure. The footwell module permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 24 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in the circuit.
The output cannot be reactivated, even with the diagnostic command, and the fault entry can no longer be deleted. In this case, the footwell module must be replaced.
Description of dealing with short circuits as of 09/2009:
If a short circuit is detected in a circuit, the circuit is switched off after ten seconds. This circuit remains switched off until there has been a terminal change (terminal 15 > terminal 30 -> terminal 15).
A renewed attempt to switch on is only made after a terminal change. The control unit permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 10 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in a circuit. After repairing the short circuit, the output is reactivated using a diagnosis command in the testing procedure.
If the short circuit is still present, the output will be switched off again after 10 seconds and permanently switched off again after another 10 terminal changes. Exception: xenon bulbs: If the short circuit is still present in the circuit of a xenon bulb, the output will be switched off again after 10 seconds and permanently switched off again after another 4 terminal changes.
An output can be reactivated 5 times by a diagnosis command in the testing procedure. The footwell module permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 60 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in the circuit. Exception: xenon lamps: A xenon output can be reactivated 5 times by a diagnosis command in the testing procedure. The footwell module permanently switches off the corresponding output if a total of 24 terminal changes have taken place while there is a short circuit in the circuit.
The output cannot be reactivated, even with the diagnostic command, and the fault entry can no longer be deleted. In this case, the footwell module must be replaced.
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.