xpernet

Hello!


I have a 2007 e60 550i with adaptive headlights. They aren't working at the moment, iDrive has the malfunction message and headlight switch is blinking.


I only have one code: 9CBF SMC Right Signaling Fault


Both left and right headlights auto level when ignition is on. Sometimes, you can see the headlights moving as if the adaptive feature is calibrating.


I tried replacing the SMC module and I got the same error code. I coded the module and nothing changed. I wrote the vin on the module using Tool32 and same results. I tried 2 different modules and it was still the same issue. (as a side note, I discovered coding in NCS expert mode will write the correct vin to the module)


I switched out the SMC on the left headlight with the replacement units I bought and it works just fine.


I recoded the LMA module, same results.


So at this point, it does not look like the SMC module is the culprit. The headlight connectors look fine, no signs of corrosion or water damage.


In INPA, i can get both headlights to auto level and turn. The left headlight will do a quick left/right turn. The right headlight will move all the way to the right and then back center (and makes a noise as if it hit its movement limit). However, when I try to manually input the degree of movement for the SMC motors, the left headlight works fine but the right headlight isn't accepting the commands. Also when I put the headlights in test mode, the left headlight will cycle and the right headlight does nothing. INPA isn't showing any values from the sensor on the right headlight, left headlight it shows a value around 500.


I've removed the right headlight, could not see any corrosion or damage. It looks really clean inside. There was some moisture in the headlight on the lenses, but the original SMC module was not damaged and there was no water ingress. The original SMC module works fine in INPA.


Everywhere I have looked online, the recommendation is to replace the SMC and code in NCS.


Short of replacing the whole headlight assembly, are there any steps that I may have missed?

seanjordan20

Do you have ISTA. Hook it up and post a pic of the tree. Does your light switch green light blink

xpernet

Yup, light switch blinking green. Just ran some tests on ISTA:

Testing headlights, right headlight doesnt move horizontaly with ISTA guided diagnositcs. It says right motor blocked because it hasnt reached desired postions. The motor isnt blocked, it moves freely in INPA. So decided to try acutating the motors with ISTA.

When in component tirggering menu, i cant get the headlight to move to specific postions just up and down (Same results in INPA when trying to manually set the horizontal angle). The only time they move horizontally is when i do a SMC Reference Run test: There are 2 different reference tests, one with sensor and without. The right headlight maxes out its turn on both tests but the left headlight stays steady with sensor and maxes out without sensor.

From what i can tell, the issue is the position sensor. Is it replacable/fixable? Why do I have the feeling i need a replacement headlight lol

seanjordan20

Your LM has an error. What code is it throwing. The code you listed above?

xpernet

Correct, 9CBF and 930C

donpb

You might have the dreaded exposed wires, on the wiring harness. My wires looked perfect too, but then I decided to actually pull them out from their hiding places and revealed 17 exposed wires galore. I had to remove wires from the retaining clips, cut zip ties, and pull out the leveling motor.

xpernet

are you referring to the wiring harness inside the housing or the main harness leading to the headlight assembly?

donpb

Inside the headlight assembly.