Hi, I initially had this issue where the car would not turn off and the auto head lights remained on even though they weren't triggered there (https://streamable.com/hruuba). Well, some suggested that it might need to do with my BCM and I should seek to dry it out before replacing it (have a sunroof leak which I'm also trying to figure out). Well, disconnected the battery cables, took out the 6 ports on the BCM and sprayed some of the electronic wire cleaner. I let it sit for nearly an hour, and then I went back to plug everything in. The first time I attempted to start my car, the lights, hazards, and beams were going all over the place. I restarted the car and that made it go away, but I noticed that my windows would not roll up (no, not the window reset procedure, they just wouldn't roll up at all). I disconnected the battery for 30 mins and tried again (no hazard lights mixup) and they finally rolled up. My observation from this 2nd attempt is that the headlights were still on, but I was able to simply press the button and turn off the car. Also, the car would not recognize the brake and display the push to start combo on the dash (https://streamable.com/fvwo0d). If I were to replace my BCM, could I just find a used one off eBay and take it to the dealer to program it? Does this have to be done at Infiniti, or can it be done at Nissan or an independent mechanic that knows how to do so? What should I look out for when shopping for a used BCM? Thanks.

 

When buying a used BCM, you absolutely MUST match the part numbers. You can not "mix and match" these modules. Find your part number and go from there.

Any competent locksmith should be able to handle the reprogramming. Just make sure you have ALL of your keys available.

 

Well, I have only 1 key so I'll be sure to program that as well, or if not, I read some guides around here for em to do it myself. Besides not matching the part numbers, there isn't much that could go wrong when going with a used BCM save for the 12 month warranty? Also, are there other sites where I could find one other than eBay?

 

If I were you I would also get a spare key or two and then have them all programmed. I would never have a car with only one key. That said... unless you have the proper software to program the keys to the BCM you will have to find a locksmith (or dealership).

I always use eBay for used parts. LKQOnline seems to be pretty decent and I have bought from their eBay store in the past. As long as you MATCH the part number EXACTLY you should be fine.

Also, have you physically removed the BCM and checked if there is any water remaining inside the module that might not have evaporated?

 

Yeah having another key would absolutely be useful as I received the car with only 1 key. Well, when I went to dry it out (battling sunroof leaks), I just unplugged the cables from the BCM itself and sprayed them off with the CRC, let them sit, and then plugged them back in. I also sprayed the outputs on the BCM itself, but I didn't take it out to dry the part itself, mainly just the cables. What would you recommend me doing before finding a BCM and getting quotes from locksmiths?

 

As I mentioned before, I would:

1) remove the BCM from the car and inspect it for any signs of residual water especially inside the module itself.
2) inspect ALL of the harness connectors for any traces of water, corrosion, or damaged wires. One drop of water in any of those terminal cavities can wreak havoc on electronics.
3) make sure everything is clean, tight and secure, especially the ground wires.
4) after ensuring EVERYTHING is good and dry, reassemble and go from there.

 

Oh, alright, thanks! I called one locksmith and he said that he can do it for $179 with as many keys (is this the normal price range?), but he stated that he can only do it on either a new BCM or one from eBay where the seller incorporates my VIN # on to it, i.e., not a random one from the trash yard or sketchy one from eBay, even though the part number match.

 

I would call around and see what other locksmiths have to say. They should be able to rewrite your VIN to the used BCM- eBay sellers typically will not have this ability. It wouldn't hurt to call your local Nissan dealer as well for info and pricing.

The way I understand it, the replacement BCM will have to be programmed and configured to your car first. Then, NATS/IVIS gets reset and the keys get programmed to the BCM. You can only have up to 4 keys.

Maybe others who have been through this might offer some advice...