I fixed my MINI Countryman foot control module!

[@ejones6681]

Chasing down the lack of blinkers and window function on my 2012 countryman and came across your video. Sure enough, i had just replaced the battery. So wierd! Thx for the mystery solving!!

[@danimalrun3839]

Great couple of videos, I was just about to replace the battery on my R60 Countryman. I didn't know this was an issue so thank you for informing us all.

[@neillunn1273]

thanks for this, having the same issue here in the UK, your instructions for getting access to it were super helpful. I'm sending mine off tomorrow to be reflashed so fingers crossed it will solve the issues. I also recently changed the battery, but it took a week or two. I think I had a loose connection on the batter which might have caused it

[@zzhughesd]

Me to. Also UK. What did you do. Where send it to flash it ??? Thanks. Indicators. Windows. Lights. Etc etc. I’m thinking 100Euro to £300 ish.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Glad it was somewhat helpful and good luck with the new flash! Hope it goes smoothly!

[@sshaunss]

Uk to just bought it batteries dead won’t even lock the car with the key now and I soldered in a new key fob battery incase it was that nope so just ordered a new exide Amg battery shittin them now

[@tombanes]

You did nothing wrong. The same thing would have happened with an OEM battery . You state it is an issue with a loss of power or the surge of reconnecting. The only thing that may have helped was one of those 12v power packs that you plug into the lighter socket to maintain volt to keep info in memory of the computer.

[@GNRDSM]

I was thinking the same thing, how a Mini battery would have been any different?

[@rushflare8208]

has anybody had the problem of the fcm draining the battery like crazy??

[@alm7707]

just got a recall notice for the FRM today. Recall Campaign No. 2023-281:(M61 91 23RC)Footwell control module (FRM)

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

This- has still no remedy at the moment. Called them yesterday as I am having issues with my FRM

[@anthonybelyea1964]

I live in New Brunswick Canada I have an appointment at BMW December the 11th the earliest they could get me in. it is a recall. I've got a couple of notices on it ​@@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758

[@malefanematsie3890]

​@@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758exactly bought 2012 country man as used, probably firs owner complied with recall, but had to repair FRM two times and replaced with new one. So you are right, there's still no 'cure ' for it. When one has to replace a dead battery you have to visit the shop for more labour job.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Related to the time for repairs - what I've seen since the time of the video is that wait times are much much better - though being 2 hours away might be an indication that they are very, very busy - also the time added for people being off due to the pandemic didn't help either.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

It's sort of why I just paid to have the battery in my wife's 2015 R60 replaced at a dealer - this time around for her 2013 R60 (lower miles than the 2015 she had) I decided to replace myself and buy the Autel AP200 to register the new battery. All in I'm over what I'd spend at the dealer BUT I know it's registered AND the next battery for any other Mini /BMW can be registered and I should save a bit over having the dealer do it.

[@nattyp7801]

Having the same issue,going to try this….just 👀your video 😂😂😂.hopefully it will work.(PS) I will contact the dealer first and inquire about the warranty.🙏🏾

[@TheMINIVlog]

Good luck!

[@aimeeonofrio1975]

Thanks for this video!

[@jasonnoah3598]

This has happened to us, I’ve contacted BMW Mini and asked about the extended warranty on the footwell module but customer care adviser wasn’t forthcoming with information on that, looks like I will have to fork out to get the problem resolved.

[@onegreenev]

Im located in California. Where in California does one send their module in to be fixed? Mine sorta works. Its showing faults but not fully bricked.

[@thefirstnoel751]

what year is your countryman. I have a 2017. didn't see that year on bulletin, does that mean mine was not affected

[@TheMINIVlog]

Nope, you have the newer F60 and not this R60 generation Countryman so you should not have to worry about this issue!

[@williamhui8809]

Great information! My R56s also had same problems after I replace the battery, So the module require remove the battery or just turn off the power only?also confused, if the low battery can cause the footwell module dead, what we can do to protect this when we replace the battery,remove the module first then remove the battery?😂

[@TheMINIVlog]

There are devices that plug into the car to provide it with constant power while you swap the battery. Also, this won't happen every time. It was a known issue that they extended warranty on 2 times.

[@williamhui8809]

@@TheMINIVlog thankyou so much and great video.

[@williamhui8809]

@@TheMINIVlog did you disconnect the battery to install that module or keep connected? Thankyou so much

[@BukesWorld]

​@@williamhui8809I have the same question

[@jackiewong0806]

Planning to get my battery changed as well, but your story scares me. Wondering if your issue could have been avoided should you had used a battery tender or memory saver when removing the battery.

[@Akanaten]

Great video bud. Really glad you got it sorted. Certainly excellent turn around time for the module. Thats what you need at times like those.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Thanks!

[@dogeatdog5]

I have that the exact same problem but isn't there a fuse that protects the b c m? I mean how do you know it is the BCM for sure or just a fuse or something easier

[@marcw.5492]

Can you give details for "Beamer scan ??" I may neeed them - Im in California if that matters

[@TheMINIVlog]

bimmerscan.com/ and they reply to the contact us form if you fill it out

[@amazony8147]

Great video helping ease my anxiety!! Thank you! So I sent my FRM to a service and they helped flush it. Did you connect the FRM back with the battery connected? Or you had some other operations? The service provider say I need to disconnect the battery first, then connect the FRM back and finally connect the battery back. But that's exactly how I got my FRM corrupted! (my FRM was good until some day I disconnected my battery and connected it back after 30 min) Thank you.

[@TheMINIVlog]

I did not unplug my battery because that too is how I ended up in that situation. Probably not advised but I left the battery plugged in when I reconnected the FRM.

[@pe1pqx321]

I have a Mini Countryman R60 (2011) and the footwell module is failing. You mentioned a extended warranty for vehicles up to 150.000 miles (about 240.000km). Any more info on that please? My Mini only has about 172.000km (about 107.000 miles). And does this warrany (if still valid) also works in Europe/The Netherlands?

[@miller4892]

Great video! Just wondering, since the battery seems to cause the FRM to fail, is it safe to install the module with the battery still hooked up?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Right? It's a bit of a dilemma! It(the battery) really probably should be unplugged before you plug in the computer to prevent any chances of a short. But I also didn't want to be in the same boat. HOWEVER since the computer is already completely powerless before you reinstall, you should be able to unplug the battery, install and plug the battery back in without harm. SHOULD but I make no guarantees!

[@johndej]

Congratulations on figuring that out! I'm glad you found someone to fix it for you. I'm curious if their repair affects the warranty. Luckily I haven't had to have any need to go to my dealer for few months. The last time I was there, a one day job turned into about 4. I have to wonder a bit what's going on with Mini. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.

[@TheMINIVlog]

I can't say for certain but have carefully investigated this before the fix. If that answers your question ;-)

[@Badinfluence507]

Hi where I can send the module for repair in Los Angeles, I have the same problem

[@julioselga948]

Hey, can you send me a link to where you sent your FRM???

[@vortechca]

Where is this place in California where you send your FRM? Please let me know as I have the same problem

[@crimson49er]

even 150k miles for the warranty is BS, this should be covered forever if it happens, it's obviously Mini's total F up and not something a simple battery replacement should ever cause.

[@TheMINIVlog]

A lifetime warranty would be nice for this issue.

[@strongme80]

I totally agree with on your this one, it is 100% design/coding/software flaw from BMW/MINI despite the miles.

[@Bossworld]

Thanks for the video. I had my car on charge while I did an oil and filter change and think something's spiked the voltage. No longer have functioning front power windows. In case anyone finds my comment, the FRM3 is also on the left hand side of a RHD (UK) R60 Countryman Cooper S car (so passenger). There is a final clip that is a nightmare to remove. About to post mine off and hope for the best.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Good luck! Hope it comes back in working order!

[@Bossworld]

@@TheMINIVlog Thank you. Got it back last night, front windows working again, will try diagnostics later. Absolutely terrified as to whether I can ever put the car on trickle charge again in the future or not though?!

[@TheMINIVlog]

Supposedly the newer software on the module solves this problem so in theory you should be good. In theory.....

[@Bossworld]

@@TheMINIVlog From reading up, it seems the 'quick fix' is just to read and reflash a very small portion of the flash. All of my custom codings (welcome lights set to Foglights instead of sidelights as an example) are still in place, so don't think the software was updated on mien at least. There are some UK sellers that charge £200 and seemingly do a bigger job

[@TheMINIVlog]

Ah I see. Good to know

[@heyitsthatkidx]

Ithaca area? You go right by my house in a video. 😂 I always just go to Towne which is even farther of a drive than Roc, but they always seem to have same-week service availability. 🤷‍♂️

[@TheMINIVlog]

Ithaca area for sure.

[@SuperBanjomatt]

Who fixed this for you? I did not see a link or anything to the repair provider..

[@TheMINIVlog]

The folks over at bimmerscan.com/ re-flashed it for me and it was as good as new!

[@justsomestuffn]

I am pretty sure I need to disconnect the battery to remove the JBE. Do you have the same risk with the FCM just disconnecting the OEM battery?

[@TheMINIVlog]

Honestly, I am not sure

[@malefanematsie3890]

​@@TheMINIVlogSo it will appear as if I'm not supposed to disconnect , jump start or charge the battery? How to safely replace it then without visiting the garage and without damaging FRM 🤔

[@justsomestuffn]

@@malefanematsie3890 This is where I am at bro. My JBE went bad, and my battery drained. The battery in there is a NAPA and I already disconnected it. I want to replace the battery as the NAPA is lead acid. I have been trying to find at least the same Ah and CCA as the original but I don't know what that is?

[@malefanematsie3890]

@@justsomestuffn other 'experts ' say that you shouldn't have disconnected or removed the battery without having first connected the 'memory saver' device. Even the host of this channel has admitted else where in this comments that 'he believes that the dealership replace the battery in this manner. ( I also think this is the case after viewing a video, of Mini successfully replaced while memory saver is connected to another temporary battery). In your case you can either book in the vehicle to the dealer or independent mechanic (preferably bmw/mini specialist) to install after doing diagnostic on FRM or DIY ( with correct Ah and CCA and if your windows , indicators and lights are still working , have the battery registered and never disconnect unnecessary. Well that's the opinion of some channels. 🙏

[@justsomestuffn]

@@malefanematsie3890 This should be interesting. I disconnected the battery a day or two after I last turned anything on. I took the battery to Oreilly's and they checked it and said it was still good. So they charged it. This way I am putting the same battery back in and not a new one. At this point I am just going to hook everything up and see what happens. I get my JBE tomorrow and hopefully it will all work. Its not like all FMC go out when you disconnect the battery? Right?

[@hilmerbabitzke8812]

When you unplugged on the bottom you unplugged two ports when you reinstalled it there was only one at the bottom?

[@TheMINIVlog]

No there was two, I just did not do the greatest job of showing the top and the bottom during the re-install.

[@BrockwellFarm]

Do i have to register the battery for car to work properly?

[@carey5590]

Did you need to program or code it???

[@rafaellujano1626]

I HAVE ASK !!!!! IF THE COSTUMER INSTAL LIGH LED LIGHTS IN INTERIOR AND ALL OUTSIDES LIGHTS BURN THIS MODULE??????

[@TheMINIVlog]

Gosh, I wish I knew the answer to this but I don't know. Hopefully someone else in the comments section can weigh in.

[@ramonsantos5404]

Where did you send it to get repaired in California ?

[@TheMINIVlog]

bimmerscan.com/

[@renyoukan]

Hi, thanks in advance for these videos. Very useful. Just a question. What model and year is your Mini?, because i have a 2012 Countryman All 4 S, and i want to change the battery for an Optima Yellowcap, and i don´t want to suffer 😅. Grettings

[@TheMINIVlog]

This is a 2013 Countryman All 4 S

[@michaelbarraclough5954]

Is there a way around this to hopefully stop this happening when changing a battery? I don’t like paying dealer prices here in the uk

[@denzelw9664]

Bimmerscan good guy dealt with him before.

[@TheMINIVlog]

Yes! Super great!

[@D2G10]

For those who are interested in preventing this in the first place there 3 things to know. 1. Always replace with the same capacity battery. Or else you will have to reprogram the battery module to let the car know that your battery is now different. 2. Always disconnect the OnBoard Computer harness before your touch the battery. Computer will reset anyway when you remove the battery. 3. ALWAYS attach MINUS first and PLUS after. This is how you don't get power surges. This is not a Mini only instruction it's a general A/B/C knowledge. Dunno how did this guy mess it up.

[@mikelee2882]

This guy didn’t mess it up it’s a recall on the model itself. I have the exact same thing and mine turned on just fine and then just all the sudden showed the codes

[@CRT4Dummies]

yeah ive never heard of another vehicle requiring that you disconnect any onboard computer before diconnecting the battery. that sure sounds like faulty design.

[@johhny212100]

Does the year matter for the warranty , our is it just Mileage???

[@GNRDSM]

The recall he posted, called for 10 years/150k miles. So my 2012 is out of warranty because of age :(

[@TheMINIVlog]

Ah damn! Just missed it 😕

[@juanrodarte5695]

Where Are You recommender to send my BCM to Repairs my BCM

[@TheMINIVlog]

Bimmerscan.com is what I used and was very happy with it

[@jacobneal4006]

Did you leave the aftermarket battery in?

[@TheMINIVlog]

I did and so far it seems to still be working....

[@marcw.5492]

I have had this problem in the past and fixed it without anything to do with FRM. I think I had the battery replaced ? No one can recall the fix ! I am having this issue again just after a BRICK STARTER jump start. But prior to this I noticed 11.5 v on the battery, and trouble starting.

[@TheMINIVlog]

It is! :-)

[@andrewmagnusson2833]

Thanks for the video. When you reinstalled the Module was the battery connected or disconnected?

[@TheMINIVlog]

If I remember correctly it was still connected. But I am not sure that is the proper way.

[@izzatsyamir2001]

@@TheMINIVlog im about to receive my fixed frm module. Idk if i should leave the battery connected or not during the frm installations

[@claudiojunior9618]

You're complaining about 152 dollars? I paid 300 euros in portugal.

[@sylvainst-laurent3631]

Go straight to 5 min 23 .

[@MrBetoAlfaro]

Mini wanted to charge me 1000 just for the frm ECU

[@TheMINIVlog]

Sigh, yeah some things they are a good value for and some things they are absolutely not.

[@lmp7179]

BMW Service Information Bulletin-B01 20 16 156,000 miles or 10 years

[@DoctorRevers]

I have a Mini Countryman. Headache after headache. The dealer always makes things worse and charges 3x what they should. A terrible idea. Don’t ever buy one of these. There are other cars. It’s not worth it.

[@TheKaisler]

Bro, you have to buy the good series one built 2011 and up 2010 to 08’s have crazy issues.

[@TheKaisler]

Bro, what company do you sent the module to in California

[@DoctorRevers]

@@TheKaisler mine is 2011. Garbage

[@lauran3244]

You didn’t fix it tho 🤦‍♀️

[@sassyrav]

These sort of issues should be lifetime warranty and fixed on the spot, you should not have had to wait 3 weeks but it ended up costing you! Very disappointing BMW, especially considering how easy it is for them to fix the issue.

[@benthk3dprt136]

3 weeks .. im waiting for 2 months to get a new one .. FU mini piece of crap ! it should be broken in the first place !

[@eddieharmon6152]

you think more of a mini than i do never own another one or a bmw