Need Help with Glow Plug Control Module

[hwhelchel]

Need suggestions, searched forum no answers.

Getting 4A4E glow plug error code on my 2011 X5 35D (130,000 miles)
Hard start in cold weather
Once it starts runs rough until warmed up then runs fine.

Replaced glow plug control module
Replaced all 6 glow plugs
Replaced battery

Problem persists…every frustrating.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[blue dragon]

its possible to get a faulty replacement module

[hwhelchel]

Yes, thought of that, this is the second module in 90 days...

[smassey321]

Have you monitored your coolant temp? Some people claim a bad thermostat will cause the glow plugs to burn out. You want to be above 88C.

[hwhelchel]

I plan to next week, in fact just finished reading through sgrice excellent DIY post on replacing the thermostat and am sure a new thermostat and water pump are in my X5's future. But that fact that I replace all the glow plugs and control module and had the same problems right away suggests another problem. Possibly, I have a problem with the wiring between the glow plugs and the control module. Have done a search and cannot find anyone else who has had the same issue...

[ard]

Do you have the schematics?

Have you checked the wiring, voltages, signals???

Www.Newtis.info

[hwhelchel]

Thanks ard I have looked on Www.Newtis.info but have not found anything specific on the wiring between glow plug control module and glow plugs, plan to dig around some more on the site today and see if I can find any helpful info.

[crystalworks]

I just went through replacing my thermostat, all my plugs, and the module @ 142,000 miles. Fortunately I didn't have a problem afterwards.

Can you communicate with the module via software? It's a long shot, but the connections are a bear to get to if you left the coolant pipe in place and at least one member had a problem with a loose connection on the module causing a recurring code after replacement of the module. You've done it twice now... so not a very high likely-hood the 2 connections are a problem, but thought I'd mention it.

[dbb888]

I just replace module and plugs - now dont have communication with module- shop foreman said sometimes the pins in the plug push out when reconnecting- now have to remove module to see- Sucks

[crystalworks]

^It's probably not the pins but the harness itself. It is extremely irritating to get them to clip in. And if they don't fully seat... it seems communication is lost and of course errors get thrown.