Reverse light switch location

Tiny
FEROFL
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 BMW 118D
  • 1.8L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 21,000 MILES
I've been having trouble finding the reverse light switch. I've seen plenty of examples for the manual transmission but none for the automatic. Would it be in the same place?
Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 6:35 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey FEROFL,

I cannot see from the information I have where the reverse signal comes from but the output to the reverse lights output comes from the FRM (footwell module).

Do you have parking sensors?

Do these work correctly?

If the parking sensors work then I would say you do not have a reverse signal issue. In which case you may have an issue with the FRM.

You then need to work out if you have power out from the FRM if you have already tested for voltage at the rear light units.

I would then say a quick test that a dealer could perform would be to activate the reverse lights via the tester. If the lights do not work when commanded you would need to check output at the FRM and if there is no voltage there you have an FRM issue, if there is voltage present then you have a wiring issue.

Do you have access to a scanner?

Regards, Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
FEROFL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello, Thank you for your reply Joe.
I do have parking sensors and they work fine, both the front and rear ones.
Ah, I don't have a scanner and you're saying it possibly only needs a reset?

Where about would the switch be? I could theoretically check with a full circuit if it's the FRM issue right?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 1:59 AM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey FEROFL,

I would say if you have parking sensors working then the reverse signal that potentially comes from the transmission control or selector lever must be present.

This points to a communication with the FRM or an issue with the FRM itself.

It would be a very quick test if you can get access to a scanner with the function to activate the reverse lights.

From what I can see problems with the foot-well modules (FRM's) on these vehicles are common and it looks there there may be extended warranty coverage on the unit.

I would contact your local BMW dealer, give them your VIN and ask if the FRM would be covered by extended warranty if it is faulty.

See what response you get, they might be able to do the testing/replace the unit under warranty.

Regards, Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 2:39 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links