[woopledoer]

Hey everyone! I wanted to see if anyone had some ideas about a problem I've been experiencing with my '14 F32.

Almost* every time after it rains or some times after a car wash, I get the following errors, usually after the next start provided it's not too long after:

When there are errors, these are always present:
- Increased Steering Effort. Drive Moderately.
- Restraint System
- Adaptive Headlight Malfunction
- Odometer and speedometer not working


When there are errors, these are sometimes present:
- Check Engine
- Chassis Stablization
- SOS Malfunction

After some extended driving (an hour or so), the errors go away while driving. If the drive is shorter but time goes by with the car off, the errors also go away.

I am 99% certain it is water related and I'm assuming it is hitting some fuses or a wiring harness, but I can't seem to know exactly where. I checked the front fuses and they seemed okay.

I want to fix/locate this before possible rust sets in and the issue becomes permanent. It's been happening more consistently the last six months or so.
I searched the forum and Googled but couldn't really find anything. Any troubleshooting tips? I am out of warranty. Thanks!

[IraHayes]

I'm not sure, but I think these might all be controlled by the front electronic module. I would check the connector to make sure it's secure and that the weather seals around the connector ends aren't missing. I would start at the fuse box though. Make sure is closed and properly sealed and that water isn't entering.

[Billfitz]

I agree, probably the FEM connections. WD40 on the connections should fix it.

[woopledoer]

Yeah that was my initial assumption as well, but when I opened up the FEM box, everything seemed dry. Is there somewhere I can get a mapping of the fuses in the FEM so I can specifically target the fuses associated with the errors to see if there are any issues?

Thanks for your responses!

[Billfitz]

Moisture is far more likely to cause problems in the connections to the modules than within the modules. The front fuse box is watertight, so there shouldn't be a problem there unless its seals are compromised.

[woopledoer]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Moisture is far more likely to cause problems in the connections to the modules than within the modules. The front fuse box is watertight, so there shouldn't be a problem there unless its seals are compromised.

There's a wire harness that runs downward and is directly below one of the drain holes in the cover near the windshield and FEM. Originally the drain hole was plugged so I cleaned it out, but I can see when there's water that it drips onto the harness. Is this normal? I tried moving the harness around but it's limited and I don't see how to remedy the situation. Not sure if it's even related.

[Billfitz]

In theory water under the hood shouldn't bother anything. Water naturally makes its way into the engine compartment, so everything should be sealed well enough to keep it out of electrical connections. But the best of intentions always succumb to Murphy's Law. I'd put a generous coating of WD40 anywhere that it looks like water could be a problem. WD-40 Specialist looks like it might be better for this than the original, being a gel.

[woopledoer]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

In theory water under the hood shouldn't bother anything. Water naturally makes its way into the engine compartment, so everything should be sealed well enough to keep it out of electrical connections. But the best of intentions always succumb to Murphy's Law. I'd put a generous coating of WD40 anywhere that it looks like water could be a problem. WD-40 Specialist looks like it might be better for this than the original, being a gel.

Hmm...I'll have to give it a try. I wasn't aware of WD-40 Specialist. I was also considering wrapping the harness a little better than it currently is, but it's kind of hard to get to.