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Replace BCM / PJB? Sage advice needed.

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29K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  Surlyphil  
C
#1 ·
Hey all,

I've posted on here a few times, but I'm mostly a troll. Now, I'm a troll that needs help!

A couple weeks ago, I was driving on the interstate in heavy rain intermittent rain (3 week old son in the car). The wipers on my 2008 3 were off because it stopped raining for a few minutes - but when it started again, they didn't (they were on auto).

I took it to the stealership because I assumed it was part of the recall associated with 08 and 09 wipers. Turns out, they say it's the Body Control Module, which is apparently also known as the BCM or PJB. They quoted me over $1,200 + tax. Now.. I'm a new dad with student loans, a terrible paying job considering my loans (2nd year teacher), and tons of other bills so there's no way I can afford this. There's also no way I can afford to have a car that can't drive in the rain.

So my question is this - if I find a BCM with similar numbers, would the dealership have to reprogram it? Or even, if I take it off a 2007 I found with basically the same features as my car, should I just be able to plug and play? Or will I need to pay to have it reprogrammed?

Thanks for your help! I appreciate it immensely. I really want to keep my 3!

Dominic
 
#2 · (Edited)
Seems there was a recall for this issue.

you need to go to another stealership if possible or get on these idiots.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/15/mazda-recall-idUST9E7GQ00620110615

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners...Criteria.model_yr=2008&searchCriteria.make=MAZDA&searchCriteria.prod_ids=288654

Inquire with the stealer about the recall. Do not pay 1200 yet.

Also how did they come to this conclusion it being the BCM? Could be something as simple as reseating the connections. Just something loose possibly or faulty fuse. Stealership goes for the most expensive fix. Just replace the hole damn thing.
 
C
#3 ·
Update:
So it turns out the dealership was actually pretty thorough in their investigation. When they applied electricity to the wires past the BCM, the wipers worked.

So I went on Ebay and found a unit with almost identical numbers for less than $200 including 2 day shipping. I swapped them out (literally took 5 minutes) and viola! I didn't even need the dealership to program it.
The only downside is that the Auto function on my headlights doesn't work anymore. I can deal with that, though, because every other option works (dealership charges $350 to program).

Just thought I'd update for anyone who might be wondering.

Dominic
 
#6 · (Edited)
I know this is an old thread but just in case...

Does anyone know the procedure, including part numbers and wire colors, for by-passing these relays? My granddaughter's dash lights and tail lights are flaky and its the BCM relay -- a gentle tap will turn them on every time.

Finally, if everything between your car and the donor car is the same except for transmission do you think that will effect the programming/compatibility of a used BCM?

Thanks in advance.
 
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