Help with 2014 X3 RDC and TPMS

[Kepathh1]

I’m having an issue with my RDC on my 2014 X3 TPMS system. I purchased a new module and installed it. I used a TPMS coding tool (Autel TS508) and it registered everything fine and the system worked. I actually drove the car several hundred miles without a problem. The issue I’m having is that when I shut the car off and then start it back up, I get the TPMS malfunction message on the monitor. I can go through the same set up process with the Autel tool and get it to work again. Each time I shut the car off, however, I get the same error message when I start it back up. It’s almost like the computer memory isn’t holding the information.

I recently purchased a new battery, registered that using a different coding device on an OBD II scanner. I had to reprogram the sunroof. That all worked fine. I did replace the RDC module after that. I have not disconnected the battery since. I’m wondering if I need to do that and then go through the whole process again with the OBD and Autel tools.

Any advice or help would be appreciated. Let me know if anyone else has experienced this issue. Thank you in advance.

 

[Greydog]

Morning Keith

Welcome to the Forum

It sounds as though the RDC Module is recognised but not Registered to the Chassis correctly rather than using the Autel tool have you tried with the OBD scanner you registered your battery with ? If the OBD scanner can't see the Module something is wrong. What scanner are you using is it a BMW capable unit?

Dave

[Kepathh1]

Thank you for your assistance. it is a perplexing problem. I am using an Innova OBD II scanner. It does have some BMW features but does not have the feature to register the RDC/TPMS module to the chassis. The Autel tool has an OBD II connector and does have that ability. The Autel tool actually makes me go through and choose the make, model, year, and series of my BMW when diagnosing the TPMS and performing the relearn procedure.

I’m going to try going the battery reset route first. If that doesn’t work I may need to buy an OBD II tool specialized for BMW That includes the diagnosis and relearn/registration procedure. I will keep anyone reading this post updated. Thanks.

Keith

[Waken]

Hi Keith 

I have same situation I didn't have Autel  508 before my first step. My error was 481F8B Lack of connection to FL  

Then I both Schrader which apparently had a dead battery  I know because I bought Later on Autel 508 and it has shown me a dying sensor .. But I decided to Re-Learn it into the car .. Maybe my mistake.. I did it since it was already in the tyre.. but soon after finishing the successful pairing and OBD witting with Autel it died... Then I used Autel programmable sensor and all went smoothly.. I could see pressure on the dash board..

It used a different from the other three original sensors ID.. it was left in OBD RDC memory after Schrader.. But my happiness didn't last.,.. Because even though I saw pressure across the wheels after I start driving Automatic car Reseat has reported issue : 481F82 OBD error... The electronic of the wheel positioning is unknown (bad wrong electronic of the wheel) 

I Asked Autel to help today will give them my Autel 508 Diagnosis reading since they want that rather than obd reading.

 

I am starting to think it might be an RDC unit failure. And since I had no tool to judge sensors I might unnecessarily start replacing them...

The question is why only one wheel FL was shown as bad? In OBD where temp was 100Deg and pressure 6 Bar 

How your situation end up for you  ?

 

[Waken]

Ok I know what it was 

 

I have put accidental 0 I front of hex 

I tried to mimic other IDs with similar hex 

all working now 🙂 

[Greydog]

Top Man

Great information and a successful fix

Thanks

Dave

[AudreyDR]

Hey there! Sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue with your 2014 X3 TPMS system. It's great that you've already tried replacing the RDC module and using the Autel TPMS coding tool to register everything – driving several hundred miles without a hitch is a good sign.

The recurring TPMS malfunction message after shutting off and restarting the car does sound like a memory issue, especially considering you recently replaced the battery and reprogrammed the sunroof. It might be worth trying a battery disconnect to reset the system and see if that helps. Sometimes, a full system reset can work wonders in clearing out any glitches.

Additionally, double-checking all connections and ensuring everything is securely in place might also be a good idea. If the issue persists after the battery disconnect and reprogramming, it might be worth reaching out to a BMW specialist or dealership for further diagnostics. Hang in there, and hopefully, you'll have that TPMS system running smoothly again in no time!

[JCNY]

Hi all,

I have the exact same issue with my 2014 X3. I brought the car to a local mechanic. He replaced all 4 tire sensors due to low battery. He also changed the RDC sensor because the old one was defective. I bought a used one from eBay that the mechanic programmed to match with the tire sensors.

The TPM works fine until I parked the car overnight. I bought the car back for the mechanic to fix it but it only work until I parked overnight. It seems like the settings does not save in the memory. I am still unsure if I have a defective used RDC unit. @Waken, could you please tell me what you do to fix the error? 

Are you able to use the Autel 508 to reprogram the new RDC controller yourself? If so, I would like to get one as well.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide to help!

Best,

JC 

[Greydog]

Morning JC

Welcome to the Forum

First try the Dealer trick of disconnecting the battery for 30 mins that should clear any faults, if you still get the fault then you need a BMW capable diagnostic system to clear down any fault memory. There are quite a few these days Autel, iCarsoft, and several others 

Good Luck

Dave

[JCNY]

Thanks Greydog! I have not tried the battery unplug. But I have purchased Autel TS508 to try out and it found the error below from the ODBC scan. I tried to erase the DTC from this menu and the TPM is working again until I left the car for a few hours.

Does anyone know what is causing the error?

Thanks!

[Greydog]

Morning JC

Look like you brought a scanner that just does TPMS systems ?? 

I have 2 Diagnostic scan tools (1) BMW INPA/ISTA which is the same as BMW Dealers use and (2) iCarsoft both systems will give me a code that indicates which wheel sensor is at fault or if it is the Controller. Plus of course they also read all other control units on the car.

With your monitor what does the Instruction book say? does it give a list of codes and their meaning? 

TP sensors do fail some have batteries in them they are not expensive to buy online (Ebay, Amazon etc) the costly bit is to fit them, obviously tyres need to come off and be refitted. If it was me I would wait until tyre change time 

Dave

[JCNY]

Thanks for the reply, Greydog. I also have a generic ODBC scanner. I am going to give it a try to see if I could find more details of the error code. Since I have already replaced all 4 new tire sensors and a used RDC, I am not sure if the issue is the RDC.

I am also interested to learn more about the BMW INPA/ISTA. Do you have a link by any chance?

Many thanks!

[Greydog]

Morning JC

Bit of a history lesson coming up 😅

A generic scanner won't help much as it will only read Key components DME maybe Transmission etc, most of the high end manufacturers use a dedicated Bus system to allow communication between control units. Due competition laws in the US Manufacturers had to allow some access hence the Generic scanners can see the key components indicate a fault not necessarily the cause. Early systems often ended up with people changing parts until the issue was fixed or they got rid of the car. As an example a Misfire could be a sensor issue, an Air/Vacuum leak or a fuel pressure issue. I have always enjoyed maintaining my own cars so have gathered a comprehensive tool kit since the late 80's diagnostics became more and more important so In my home garage I have an old Windows 7 laptop that now runs diagnostic programs for cars I have owned  Mercedes Star, Volvo, Range Rover, Toyota, Subaru, and of course BMW. Early BMW's used I-bus communication so I brought a copy of BMW 1.4.0 (£20) which was a  revelation, it showed my 2001 4.4 X5 had 70+ control units several with attendant sensors it also allowed me to alter or set Comfort functions that normally were Dealer only and charged appropriately £££ 🤣. When BMW moved to K-bus and MOST (2006>) it required an upgrade in Diagnostics to INPA (nothing to do with restoring Dealer exclusivity of course) Happily the hackers soon had copies available and the same is true of the latest iteration ISTA which lives on my laptop in the garage 😁

My current E70 X5 has 97 control units plus sensors (I believe your X3 is similar) with my TPMS on the cars screen it will warn if a tyre looses pressure but with INPA/ISTA I can see and set pressure differentials by % INPA/ISTA will tell me if it is a sensor problem or control module problem. I can interrogate individual sensors and get Part numbers etc. The program also has WIS (workshop information system) TIS (technical information system) and Wiring diagrams. New or exchange control units can be Programmed to the car so all Dealer functions are covered. My copy of INPA/ISTA cost £100 if I recall and over the last 10 years has saved me and friends and family many times that. 

My last issue was a rear suspension problem ISTA told me Rear Left ride height sensor continuity on inspection the plug had started to disintegrate so replacement plug and re-pinned total cost £11 and a couple of hours of my time 

There are many systems available now Autel, i-Carsoft, Foxwell and several others all are around the £100 mark though as always if you have deep pockets you can pay more 😁

Good Luck hope the above is helpful

Dave

[JCNY]

Hi Greydog,

Thanks for the detailed information. This is very helpful! 😀

Since I am new to this, do you recommend any model around $100 that I could complete with the diagnostic?

Many thanks!

[Greydog]

I would look at systems like i-Carsoft V3 Foxwell 510, but the best and most comprehensive is ISTA. I have seen all of these on the Bay and Amazon for between £100 and £150 

Do a google search for BMW Diagnostic software, Good Luck

Dave