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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum iDrive, Audio, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics + Coding Emergency call battery fault. DIY?

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      01-11-2021, 04:27 PM   #1
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Emergency call battery fault. DIY?

Hi

It seems my new to me G31 has popped up with the emergency call failure error. Error codes show that the TCB battery is end of life. Being a touring and being the TCB is under the headlining, can I easily get to the battery to replace it myself? ISTA shows a whole headlining removal which With all associated work is not something I’m willing to do.

I could code it out if I had to, but would rather fix it if i can. Is it possible?

Thanks
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      01-13-2021, 10:51 AM   #2
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https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1785869
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      01-13-2021, 10:53 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bangelov View Post
Seen that thanks, but the touring is completely different In terms of the headlining.
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      01-13-2021, 01:15 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325_bucks View Post
Seen that thanks, but the touring is completely different In terms of the headlining.
Hi,i have this same problem,you only need to replace the battery in the TCU module.
If you have a kombi(G31) you have to put down the headliner as well as me.
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      01-14-2021, 02:13 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stanospeed View Post
Hi,i have this same problem,you only need to replace the battery in the TCU module.
If you have a kombi(G31) you have to put down the headliner as well as me.
Yea I have a G31. So there is no way round having to take the headliner out? That’s so much work for such a small part!
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      01-14-2021, 04:56 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325_bucks View Post
Hi

It seems my new to me G31 has popped up with the emergency call failure error. Error codes show that the TCB battery is end of life. Being a touring and being the TCB is under the headlining, can I easily get to the battery to replace it myself? ISTA shows a whole headlining removal which With all associated work is not something I’m willing to do.

I could code it out if I had to, but would rather fix it if i can. Is it possible?

Thanks
I'm having the same problem, but would like to check if it's the battery causing it.
What tool are you using to read the errorcode?
I have a bluetooth OBD reader that I'm using with Bimmercode, and OBD doctor but it doesn't show any errors?
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      01-14-2021, 05:23 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doctom View Post
I'm having the same problem, but would like to check if it's the battery causing it.
What tool are you using to read the errorcode?
I have a bluetooth OBD reader that I'm using with Bimmercode, and OBD doctor but it doesn't show any errors?
Bimmercode won't show it, you need to use their sister app bimmerlink. I'ver used both bimmerlink and ISTA and the error appears on both
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      01-14-2021, 08:12 AM   #8
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These are the errors for battery fault on my end (ISTA). I replaced the battery and cleared the fault memory, so far (2 weeks) everything works good
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      01-14-2021, 09:01 AM   #9
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How old are your cars? Just wondering when mine will fail. Hopefully before the warranty ends (3 years from new).
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      01-14-2021, 11:22 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaSelle View Post
How old are your cars? Just wondering when mine will fail. Hopefully before the warranty ends (3 years from new).
I have BMW G31 9/2017 with 32 000 km
Just replace battery and all fine.
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      01-14-2021, 11:44 AM   #11
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6/2017 and 69K KM
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      01-15-2021, 04:49 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325_bucks View Post
Bimmercode won't show it, you need to use their sister app bimmerlink. I'ver used both bimmerlink and ISTA and the error appears on both
Thanks for the tip
Gotta change that battery
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      02-12-2021, 03:46 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stanospeed View Post
I have BMW G31 9/2017 with 32 000 km
Just replace battery and all fine.
Did you have to remove the headlining to do this properly?
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      02-12-2021, 02:11 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325_bucks View Post
Did you have to remove the headlining to do this properly?
Yes, on my models you have to remove the headliner

Here is how to do it https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/g...one/1VnbkMkJdi
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      02-12-2021, 02:24 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stanospeed View Post
Yes, on my models you have to remove the headliner

Here is how to do it https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/g...one/1VnbkMkJdi
How difficult was it in reality to remove and refit the headliner?
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      02-13-2021, 06:07 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325_bucks View Post
How difficult was it in reality to remove and refit the headliner?
I started on monday morning.
Completely apart to 2 hours.
Then i ordered a battery (there are more battery variants, therefore you need to look at the battery in the TCU module).
Reassembly 2hours.
Then delete error via ISTA-D
All done on Wednesday afternoon.
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      11-23-2022, 02:39 PM   #17
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Sorry to resurrect an old thread, I have a 2018 G31 and the error code has just popped up so I’m guessing it could be the battery issue.

Does anybody know of any instructions now that newtis has been closed? Removing the headlining is not a job I want to do, let alone twice to get a part number, but I can imagine it being very costly from a dealer.
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      11-23-2022, 03:21 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McBride View Post
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, I have a 2018 G31 and the error code has just popped up so I’m guessing it could be the battery issue.

Does anybody know of any instructions now that newtis has been closed? Removing the headlining is not a job I want to do, let alone twice to get a part number, but I can imagine it being very costly from a dealer.
To change the tcu battery, u just pull down the rear roof tail light cover, pulls right down.
From there, theres a white unit which is the tcu and you see a little notch for a small door. Just take a flathead, push the notch and the battery and door will open up. Replace it and thats all. Its really simple, took like 5 mins.
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      11-23-2022, 04:49 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by I3LaZeN View Post
To change the tcu battery, u just pull down the rear roof tail light cover, pulls right down.
From there, theres a white unit which is the tcu and you see a little notch for a small door. Just take a flathead, push the notch and the battery and door will open up. Replace it and thats all. Its really simple, took like 5 mins.
I’ve got the estate so there is no cover for the tail light as it’s on the boot lid. I’ve seen a few tutorials for the G30 but can’t find anything for the G31. As far as I know the full headliner has to come down.
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      12-02-2022, 05:39 AM   #20
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I have the same problem - 3 months out of warranty and my G31 is showing the call system failure. It's ridiculous that a "regular" replacement item is located so badly (mine has failed after 3.25 years), and BMW want ~£1000 to replace it!

Any help on removing the headlining would be appreciated.
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      12-05-2022, 11:20 AM   #21
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I've got the same issue on a late 2017 G31. It's extra annoying because whilst the message is there you can't see the odometer or MPG.

Not sure if it makes any difference but I have the double sunroof. Does anyone have any more info to assist? Can't find much out there?
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      12-10-2022, 02:25 AM   #22
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just buy a new one
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