BMW FRM Short Circuit Counters Reset

Supported coding feature by BimCOM diagnostic tool https://www.obdtester.com/bimcom

Reset of FRM Short Circuit Counters

What it does

• Resets short-circuit protection counters inside the Footwell Module (FRM)
• Re-enables lighting outputs that were previously disabled
• Clears internal lockouts caused by repeated short circuits
• Restores functionality of:
• Indicators
• Parking lights
• Interior lights
• Number plate lights
• Door/ambient lighting

Why the reset is required

• The FRM continuously monitors lighting circuits for:
• Overcurrent
• Short to ground
• Short to battery
• Load abnormalities
• If repeated short circuits occur, FRM disables the affected output for safety

→ The reset restores output operation after the fault is repaired.

Conditions that must be met before the reset

• The electrical fault must be fixed, otherwise:
• The module will lock again
• Output can burn or permanently fail
• All relevant bulbs or LEDs must be functional
• No active wiring shorts in:
• Tail lights
• Headlights
• Indicators
• Footwell or interior lighting
• Stable battery voltage (charger recommended)
• FRM must be responsive (not in corrupted state)
• If FRM is bricked, EEPROM repair or reflash is required

When the reset should be performed

• After repairing lighting circuits
• After replacing:
• Bulbs or LED modules
• Wiring connectors
• Light assemblies with water damage
• After fixing short circuits due to:
• Corrosion
• Moisture intrusion
• Wiring pinch or wear
• When one or more light outputs do not work despite no hardware fault

What happens during the procedure

• ECU clears short-circuit fault counters
• FRM re-enables outputs previously locked
• Performs internal self-test of lighting channels
• Monitors for:
• Current level stability
• Overload recurrence
• Voltage integrity

If the reset is not performed

• Some lights remain disabled:
• Indicators
• Parking lights
• Reverse lights
• Interior/footwell lights
• Persistent errors in diagnostics
• FRM may keep limiting outputs even after repairs
• Vehicle may fail technical inspection due to non-functional lighting

After the reset

• Verify all lights function correctly
• Check diagnostic trouble codes again
• Inspect for recurring short-circuit faults
• Perform a quick lighting test (parking, indicators, interiors)
• If the FRM disables outputs again:
• Electrical fault remains unresolved
• Physical wiring inspection is needed

Coverage in BimCOM