Name: BMW "Emergency call system unavailable" fault repair
Brand: external
Availability: InStock

Description

If the iDrive system on your BMW or MINI displays the message
«Emergency call system unavailable».», This may be due to a faulty internal battery.
in the telematics module (TCB / ATM, etc.), or more rarely from another element of the system.

What are the possible faults?

Most of our problems are as follows:

Internal battery in telematics module faulty
Faulty telematic module
Faulty antenna
Faulty ceiling light harness or connector

How do I know whether it's a fault in the battery, the module, the aerial or another component connected to the multimedia system?

By experience, if the fault appears sporadically, disappears, then returns more frequently or becomes permanent,
It's often a problem with the internal battery.

Explanation:

In the event of an accident, the vehicle's main power supply may be cut off, preventing an emergency call from being made.
To avoid this, the module is fitted with an internal battery. This enables the system to operate and make an emergency call.
even without a main power supply. Like all batteries, it has a limited lifespan.

This problem often occurs in cold weather or after the vehicle has been out of use for a long time.
However, it can also occur suddenly. A battery does not always fail immediately:
its capacity diminishes over time.

The fault displayed on the instrument cluster may disappear temporarily after a few journeys,
because the vehicle is recharging the internal battery. Nevertheless, the problem will return sooner or later
(in one day, one week or one month).

How much does it cost to replace the internal battery?

Depending on the generation of the telematics unit and the model, the price may vary slightly.
The battery itself costs around 100 francs. However, it is not always easy to access and
involves a greater or lesser amount of dismantling work, depending on the model and equipment of the vehicle.

Explanation:

The telematics module is often placed under the boot compartment or under the roof lining.
It may therefore be necessary to remove the roof lining. The sunroof option can sometimes be beneficial,
because it avoids complete dismantling when there is sufficient access to the module.

As an indication: the price for a battery replacement on a Series 7 G11 ATM module is generally
CHF 260.00 (assembly included). Approx. CHF 320.00 for an X3 G01.

Where can I buy this battery?

If you want to do the replacement yourself and are sure of the fault,
we can soon supply you with the right battery for your vehicle, new, of origin
from recent stock. The price is around one hundred francs, depending on the model.
We are working on an automated ordering process, which will be available shortly.

Message adjusted to reflect changes in network synchronisation in Switzerland

Due to developments in the mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Switzerland, certain BMW and MINI vehicles
are no longer able to ensure complete synchronisation between the telematics module and the current mobile network.

This may result in the message :
«Emergency call system unavailable».».

On certain models and generations of telematics modules, this lack of synchronisation is not the result of a hardware fault,
not a vehicle fault, but a functional incompatibility with the mobile network in service.

Possible intervention

In these cases, a adapting the vehicle's settings can be carried out in order to :

eliminate the recurring display of the alert message,
avoid replacing components without affecting network synchronisation,
restore a consistent display in the instrument cluster.

This procedure is only carried out once it has been checked that :

the telematics module is present and correctly connected,
no hardware failure (battery, antenna, harness) is observed,
the fault is linked to the impossibility of synchronisation with the network.

Flat rate : CHF 300.00 (including control and intervention).

Information : this intervention is aimed exclusively at dealing with the consequences of a development external to the automotive industry
(mobile network infrastructure) and does not constitute a repair of a mechanical or electronic defect in the vehicle.

What if the fault is in the telematics module?

There are several generations of telematics modules on BMW Group vehicles: TCU, Combox, TCB, ATM, Wave, etc.

Without going into too much detail, the evolution of the telecoms network is leading to modernisation and the need for new generations.
(connected services, 4G, 5G/LTE, etc.).

In our experience, faulty modules with no external cause are rare. The problem is often water ingress,
especially when the telematics module is positioned under the roof lining. If the vehicle is fitted with a panoramic roof,
poor sealing can damage the module. In addition, roof antennae that have been dismantled during repairs or other work may be damaged.
often tend to let water through afterwards.

How much does it cost to replace the telematics module?

As the module contains a SIM card and a unique identification number (IMEI), we do not offer an alternative solution.
to a new module from the factory for your chassis number. The price of a new module is generally between
CHF 800.00 and CHF 1300.00 (excluding labour and programming/coding).

Before replacement, we strongly recommend dismantling the module to check whether water ingress is the cause of the fault.
Without this check, a new module could be damaged again.

Could the aerial be faulty?

A faulty antenna is fairly rare. However, the contacts on the connectors are very fragile.
If they are replaced “blindly” without sufficient disassembly, they can be damaged, as can the ATM module connected to them.
We would therefore draw your particular attention to this point if you decide to replace the battery yourself.