Warning signs that your BMW or Mini's theft control module is failing include:
- The car alarm going off randomly.
- The car not starting, even with a good battery.
- The key fob not working to lock or unlock the doors.
- The anti-theft light flashing constantly or not at all.
- Error messages on the dashboard related to the security system.
To test if the theft control module is the problem, a mechanic will typically:
- Check the battery voltage and connections.
- Scan the car's computer for error codes related to the anti-theft system.
- Use a diagnostic tool to communicate with the theft control module.
- Inspect the wiring and connections to the module for damage.
- Sometimes, they may temporarily bypass the module to see if the car starts.
Common causes of failure for this part include:
- Water damage from leaks in the car.
- Electrical surges or shorts in the car's wiring.
- Age and normal wear and tear on the module's internal components.
- Corrosion on the module's connectors.