Front Electronics Module (FEM) Failure due to exhaust flap plug "short"

[andreew_559]

Originally Posted by 4everkidd

Gents,

I just took my car in to figure out the cold start issue and it threw several codes.

Apparently one of which was a short in the FEM module which they are attributing to the unplugged (and left hanging ) exhaust flap plugs. I have an aftermarket exhaust and of course the plugs were disconnected.

They refuse to work on the car until the exhaust is returned to stock, and the FEM has been replaced.

I understand " have to pay to play" and all that BS so lets save it for another thread.

What I'm curious about is could this cause a short and is this not a known issue on the F30 platform? FEM failure in wet conditions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as this little FEM unit is $600+

EDIT: Additionally I do not seem to be having any other electronic issues. Headlights, wipers, gauge cluster, doorlocks etc all seem to be working fine

Stored Codes: 138102, 138104, 138A04, 8040B8.

UPDATE

I will keep track of the steps I have taken to rectify the fault here

1. Cleaned connectors, removed corrosion
2. checked all fuses with MM
3. Removed exhaust flap motors from exhaust, plugged into connectors, coated with RTV and zip tied out of the way
4. Cleared fault codes with ISTA - Fault code 8040B8 continues to return in FEM module. (short circuit counter over threshold limit)
5. VO code all modules back to factory (adjust any SALAPA elements to stock / antidazzle headlights, advanced bluetooth etc)
6. Attempted autologic code / counter reset
7. Attempted reset in Tool32


Conclusion
The short circuit counter can not be reset or modified if the max short circuit number has been reached... The unit must be replaced.

do you have the parts you needed like the connectors? I have that code and I think it was because some one changed the exhaust before me. i even changed the wastegate but still didn't come off.

[ApexEight]

Bump from the dead.

I just bought an F80 and the previous owner left the exhaust valve motor connectors unplugged and wrapped them with electrical tape but they corroded anyway. I tried cleaning them up with vinegar and baking soda, but they won't plug in (hard to tell if the connectors on the valve motors themselves are bad). I'm afraid they shorted and the FEM fault is going to make fixing this a pain. At minimum, I need new connectors. Are pigtails available for purchase? Any help is greatly appreciated, valve open cold starts with MPE is absurdly loud

Edit: Soaked the connectors in vinegar and baking soda, but the corrosion wouldn't come off. Still unable to plug them into the actuators. Just ordered two pigtails here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255694145578.
ECS also has the full OME harness: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...v/18302414899/

Going to try the pigtails and pray the actuators and FEM are still ok.

Edit 2: The eBay pigtails worked for me and I didn't have to mess with anything in the FEM/DME/fuses.

[ApexEight]

Has anyone tried resetting the short counter in the FEM using Tool32 like this guy says? This might as well be a foreign language to me

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/h...in-fem.961398/

Edit: I ended up not having to do this, see reply above.