BCM causing current leakage, draining battery - repair, programming?

[ernestyong94]

Hi, I drive an MG ZT 2.0 CDTi (year 2005) and recently my service guy diagnosed that the body control module (BCM) was causing my battery to drain. Not really familiar with how all these work and I purchased a new BCM from Rimmer Bros shortly after to replace the old one. With the new BCM plugged in, the front window controls switched sides (eg. left control controls the right, and vice versa). The air conditioning does not work too with the new BCM plugged in (although I am not too sure why). As he switched back to the old BCM, everything worked fine, with the only trouble that it drains the battery (quite quickly - over 3-5 days).

I informed my issue to Rimmer Bros and they mentioned that I should get my new BCM programmed to my car by someone with a T4 computer. I am from Malaysia and have yet (while seemingly difficult) to find anyone with a T4 that could help. Still searching tho, and now I am looking into sending over to anyone who could do me the favour.

An alternative is to repair the existing BCM, to avoid the need to send the new BCM for programming, and potentially cause an immobilizer problem with the keys. Someone within my area offered to take a look at the old BCM to see if he could do the repair job and would charge RM 1200 (approx. 200 GBP) for it, with a one year warranty. Have not gone with that option, but is really considering it.

My questions are, are there any alternatives to a T4 because it seems that most service centres dont have it, or even know of it? I dont mind doing a postage of the BCM to someone who can help. I checked with Paul from Technozen Electronics, and he does not offer service for the MG ZT (https://www.technozen-electronics.co...repairs-parts/). Alternatively, a repair on the old BCM would be a good idea too.

It's a great car and everything works good, it's just a shame to put it away for just a BCM issue and definitely a shame to have it in Malaysia where people barely know what an MG is.

TLDR: BCM programming service? BCM repair service?

[Jamiewelch]

Originally Posted by ernestyong94

Hi, I drive an MG ZT 2.0 CDTi (year 2005) and recently my service guy diagnosed that the body control module (BCM) was causing my battery to drain. Not really familiar with how all these work and I purchased a new BCM from Rimmer Bros shortly after to replace the old one. With the new BCM plugged in, the front window controls switched sides (eg. left control controls the right, and vice versa). The air conditioning does not work too with the new BCM plugged in (although I am not too sure why). As he switched back to the old BCM, everything worked fine, with the only trouble that it drains the battery (quite quickly - over 3-5 days).

I informed my issue to Rimmer Bros and they mentioned that I should get my new BCM programmed to my car by someone with a T4 computer. I am from Malaysia and have yet (while seemingly difficult) to find anyone with a T4 that could help. Still searching tho, and now I am looking into sending over to anyone who could do me the favour.

An alternative is to repair the existing BCM, to avoid the need to send the new BCM for programming, and potentially cause an immobilizer problem with the keys. Someone within my area offered to take a look at the old BCM to see if he could do the repair job and would charge RM 1200 (approx. 200 GBP) for it, with a one year warranty. Have not gone with that option, but is really considering it.

My questions are, are there any alternatives to a T4 because it seems that most service centres dont have it, or even know of it? I dont mind doing a postage of the BCM to someone who can help. I checked with Paul from Technozen Electronics, and he does not offer service for the MG ZT (https://www.technozen-electronics.co...repairs-parts/). Alternatively, a repair on the old BCM would be a good idea too.

It's a great car and everything works good, it's just a shame to put it away for just a BCM issue and definitely a shame to have it in Malaysia where people barely know what an MG is.

TLDR: BCM programming service? BCM repair service?

You could try to a backup of the existing BCU in toaf and restoring that to the new one. Toaf is free and you're best using a BMW INPA lead with it, the VAG lead works, but I've found the BMW lead is more reliable and normally comes with a switch to join the 2 pins so you don't have to solder them.

The BCU isn't linked to immobilization, only the central locking side of the key.

[ernestyong94]

Originally Posted by Jamiewelch

You could try to a backup of the existing BCU in toaf and restoring that to the new one. Toaf is free and you're best using a BMW INPA lead with it, the VAG lead works, but I've found the BMW lead is more reliable and normally comes with a switch to join the 2 pins so you don't have to solder them.

The BCU isn't linked to immobilization, only the central locking side of the key.

Thanks a lot Jamie, this certainly gives me more hope! Dumb question, do I download the TOAF software through here (http://toaf.roverki.eu/index.php/en/download-en)?

And regarding the BMW INPA lead, i understand it is a cable to connect the software on a PC to the car (eg. USB to OBD2?). Do you have any specific brand to recommend, especially in terms of avoiding the need for soldering the additional two pins on the BCM board. Preferably just a plug and play kind of thing. I'd highly appreciate links to a cable you'd recommend! Again thanks a ton.

UPDATE:
Found this on Ebay. It says "INPA with switch for BMW". Is this what I am supposed to look for? Link below!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/K-DCAN-USB-...8AAOSwoylejEUx

[vitesse]

I've been using Toaf since it came out and agree with Jamie that the BMW cable is more reliable. I use an Ediabas RS232 lead (old serial port) and find it works 100% whereas the USB KKL cable I bought sometimes needed switching on and then off before it would connect (much like my very unreliable T4).

I believe this one is the type Jamie is talking about:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/iNPA-K-Dc...4AAOSwlnFdo2tt

Good luck

[COLVERT]

http://toaf.roverki.eu/index.php/en/download-en





Maybe ?----

[Blink]

Note Brian's warning here - https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d.php?t=242344