[afbrat]

I'm the OP on this thread ...

Decided to work a little more on this problem as I never got it resolved previously and the problem didn't go away when I put on my factory original wheels/tires/sensors in spring 2014 (suggesting it's probably not at TPMS sensor issue, afterall). I broke down last week and bought the BMWhat Bluetooth dongle and Android app. BMWhat came up with the following error: A3C3 RDC Malfunction Network management. I tried to reset the code to clear it but no luck (assuming I'm doing the reset correctly - BMWhat says it successfully clears the error but then it immediately shows up again when I re-diagnose; the TPMS light never goes out on the instrument cluster at any point in the process, though). I googled the A3C3 error, but info is pretty spotty about it. The instrument cluster Check Control still gives the CC-149 error and I can't get the TPMS into learn mode (just always responds "Inactive"). My next thought is to tear into the right rear wheel well to see if the RDC control unit is damaged/corroded/whatever (according to Bentley, they moved the control unit from near the battery in the trunk to this new location sometime in 2010).

 

[9mmkungfu]

What was the resolution to this issue?

 

[afbrat]

Still working on this issue when I have time. I got BMWhat and was able to read off the BMW specific code but was unable to reset it ... based on my research, this is looking more and more like I have have a faulty central TPMS receiving/processing unit on the chassis (might have nothing to do with the TPMS sensors in the tires). In late 2010, they switched over to including all the TPMS receving antennas and central processing unit in a little box behind the rear passenger side wheel well ... I located that and removed the unit ... when I shook it, I heard something rattling around in the sealed plastic part, so I'm thinking a resistor broke or something. Anyway, I'm going to try to do some more research before I replace this part ... I think a new unit might have to be re-coded and I want to make sure I can actually do it before buying.

 

[Wongway]

Strange, mine broke, but that unit's errors backfed into random system errors. From mundane car on a lift lights to actually shutting all my dash notifications down (no speedometer, gas gauge, etc.)

Surprised you aren't complaining of the same if that's the case.

 

[yeahno]

Strange, mine broke, but that unit's errors backfed into random system errors. From mundane car on a lift lights to actually shutting all my dash notifications down (no speedometer, gas gauge, etc.)

Surprised you aren't complaining of the same if that's the case.

I'm having the same issues. I just replaced all 4 stock RFTs for non runflats, drove the car for 50 miles, and the TPMS Inactive message came up. Unfortunate timing, as I was just starting a long road trip. I stopped at a gas station, checked the tire pressures, and tried unsuccessfully to reset the TPMS. After driving a few more miles all hell started breaking loose with my dashboard lights, exactly as you had described. All throughout my trip the dashboard power keep cycling off and on, throwing indicator lights for DTC, ABS, Brake, TPMS, Airbag, and car on a lift. I think the power was also cycling off and on with my stereo and air conditioning.

After making it home from the roadtrip I noticed the Sevice Engine soon light came on for the first time. I've used a scan gauge to read the trouble codes:

U112B No message from instrument cluster

U1101 Component protection

So Wongway, I'm wondering was your car still covered under included maintenance? And if not, how much did the new central TPMS receiving/processing unit cost you? Since my car is out of it's included maintenance period, I'm really trying to avoid a trip to the dealer. Also, what year is your car? I'm also wondering if my problems might really be that the TPMS sensor batteries being dead, as my car is 7 years old and I've read that the batteries only last 5-7 years.

 

[galahad05]

I got an inactive tpms error some time back. Turned out it was corrosion on the central receiving unit in my case. That's what theService Advisor told me.

 

[afbrat]

Update - after buying the k+scan cable from www.onestopelectronics.com, I spent this last thanksgiving weekend figuring out how to set up Rheingold 3.42.40 on my old xp laptop. I eventually got everything working and, sure enough, the diagnostic system can not communicate with the rdc module. I ran the automated troubleshooter which basically said check wires, check fuses, replace unit. So, that's bmw dealer level diagnostics basically saying it's probably the rdc module. Now to figure out if a new rdc module will require any programming or if it's just plug and play ... anybody know?

 

[9mmkungfu]

Update - after buying the k+scan cable from www.onestopelectronics.com, I spent this last thanksgiving weekend figuring out how to set up Rheingold 3.42.40 on my old xp laptop. I eventually got everything working and, sure enough, the diagnostic system can not communicate with the rdc module. I ran the automated troubleshooter which basically said check wires, check fuses, replace unit. So, that's bmw dealer level diagnostics basically saying it's probably the rdc module. Now to figure out if a new rdc module will require any programming or if it's just plug and play ... anybody know?

I don't believe there is any coding to be done for a RDC module. Did you try replacing it?

 

[afbrat]

Problem Solved?

OK, think I got this figured out. When searching for the replacement RDC control module on the internet, I noticed that the X5 has the exact same part number as the 328i (the car I'm working on). It never danwed on me that both vehicles might share this part. Since I have access to an X5, I pulled the RDC control module from the X5 and put it on the 328i. Problem solved. Started the car, no "Inactive" warning, was able to reset the TPMS system. After driving about 1/2 mile, the warning light went out. So, looks like no re-coding needed for a replacement RDC module. My original thoughts about the TPMS sensors in the tires being the culprit appear to have been wrong - looks like the RDC control module was damaged back in the days when I was running wheels with no sensors. When I put the sensors on the wheels and the system still didn't work, I assumed it was the sensors but it was actually the central system itself.

I'm going to order a new RDC control module and permanently install it on the car ... unless more errors pop-up after driving awhile, I think we can close the book on this problem. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[wilt]

withdrawn...old thread

 

[pointandgo]

withdrawn...old thread

Don't worry, Wilt...it happens to all of us; well some of us. I once congratulated a friend of mine in Chicago on the Chicago Cubs World Series 'win.' It was a very old post. :bawling:

 

[sohor1]

I'm sorry to jack this thread, but I am having the same issue, except all I did was put new tires on. All of the sensors are still reading with a good battery life, and active at each wheel, but the system says inactive...any suggestions?


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[wilt]

I'm sorry to jack this thread, but I am having the same issue, except all I did was put new tires on. All of the sensors are still reading with a good battery life, and active at each wheel, but the system says inactive...any suggestions?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We have seen some very odd behaviors in E90s which are simply related to 12V battery at end of lifetime...how old your battery?

Didya read afbrat's last post from late December?

 

[sohor1]

We have seen some very odd behaviors in E90s which are simply related to 12V battery at end of lifetime...how old your battery?

Didya read afbrat's last post from late December?

I doubt it is the battery as everything was working fine when I brought the car in for new tires. It took two hours to put the new tires on.

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