Module Repair & Replacement covering Hartlepool,

Teesside & The North East Region

Mercedes-Benz Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) FBS3 & FBS4

A wide range of Mercedes cars are fitted with an electronic steering lock. This unit often begins to show signs of failure before completely failing. It is a common fault and when it completely fails you will be left stranded with an expensive repair. We offer alternatives from repair to programming ESL emulators.


If any of the below issues sound familiar do not ignore it before you are left with an inoperable vehicle.


Common faults include:

  • Vehicle wont start and steering lock doesn't disengage
  • Noisy steering lock
  • Key will turn in ignition but wont start
  • Steering lock can not be heard when inserting key and can not turn key to second position
  • Steering wheel can not be turned, even with key inserted
  • Key may turn but dash lights remain off 


Related fault codes are:

  • A22449 - There is an internal electrical fault
  • A25407 - There is a mechanical fault
  • A25408 -  There is a signal fault or the message is faulty
  • A25409 - There is a component fault
  • A25464 - There is an implausible signal.


FBS3 & FBS4 Electronic Steering Lock failures are repairable by us. This is a specialised repair that many places are not able to complete, specifically the FBS4 systems which typically require a main dealer visit for repair.


Please get in touch; we can typically get you back on the road within 24 hours. Postal service also available for ESL emulators.

Mercedes Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS)

The are three components that contain vital data that must match in order for the vehicle to start, these include the Electronic Ignition Switch, Electronic Steering Lock and the Keys. These work in sync and only takes one component to be faulty or fail to inhibit starting, in some cases leaving the vehicle stranded.


The symptoms include similar to above but the EIS typically see issues in colder weather requiring more than one try to get the ignition on, or if there has been bad programming/tampering with the ignition switch - for example canbus blockers soldered.


We have the equipment to sucessfully test the three components together and then replace the faulty part. This can be completed at a fraction of the dealer costs with much less waiting time.

Mercedes Sprinter Stolen EIS Replacements

It is becoming more  common for thieves to break in and steal the ignition switch to the Sprinter and Vito vans. This is done with the hope that they will be able to get a locksmith to create them a key, to then return and steal the vehicle.


Once this has happened it is a costly repair but is much cheaper than loosing the van. We are specialists in Mercedes ignition system repairs and hold stock for replacing the stolen units.


If you find yourself in the unfortunte event that you have had the ignition switch stolen, contact us, and we will supply, program and fit a replacement ignition switch with new key.

BMW E-Series FRM3 Footwell Module

A very common problem with BMW FRM3 footwell modules.


This failure usually occurs if the vehicle has had battery issues, been jump started, disconnection of the battery, issues after running diagnostic / programming procedures. In 99% of cases the FRM3 footwell module can be brought back to life without need of replacement module.


Symptoms of failure include:

  • Main beam always on with ignition & cannot be switched off.
  • No interior lights
  • No indicators
  • Bulb check error on dash.
  • Electric windows, sunroof, mirrors, central locking not working.
  • FRM module not responding with diagnostic tool.


BMW charge over £400 to repair this fault.  We can do this for a fraction of that.

CAS & FEM Immobiliser Module Repair

The CAS immobiliser module (transponder box) serves as an antitheft alarm system and enables the start of BMW vehicles. Within each vehicle key there is an integrated transponder chip, and a coil ring which is fitted around the ignition lock. The transponder chip is powered by this coil from the CAS module, meaning that no battery is necessary within the key.


When your key is inserted in to the ignition, the transponder in the key is powered via the loop antenna and key data is sent to the CAS control module. If the key data is correct, an enable signal is then sent to the starter motor and the CAS module then sends the random code to the Engine Control Unit (DME) were the random code is checked against the saved random code. Only if they match, is the fuel injection released, allowing the car to start.


Common faults associated with the BMW CAS Immobiliser module
As mentioned above, some of the issues that you may encounter if you have a problem with your BMW CAS module are:

  • Immobiliser Fault Codes
  • No Communication with CAS Module
  • Vehicle Won’t Start
  • Key Not Recognised
  • Failed CAS after key programming


Most workshops will advise to replace the immobiliser module because they are unable to repair it.

Why do you need an ECU cloning?

There are many reasons to clone an Engine Control Unit (ECU). If your ECU is faulty but it still has some communication whether thats via the OBD port or on the bench, now is the time to investigate whether it is possible to clone it. Once it looses communication completely it becomes much more time consuming and complicated, ultimately costing more money. Sometimes once it has reached this stage it can not be cloned at all.


ECU's can become faulty for various reasons such as; water ingress, age deterioration, driver failure, component damage, dry solder joints and many more reasons. These are just a few examples of possible faults your ECU may experience.


If you have attempted to open the ECU yourself to tune the vehicle, if not careful it is very easy to cause damage. In these cases components on the board may be damaged. We can remove/replace some components but cloning is the safer method.


We can carry out ECU cloning by OBD, Bench and Boot Mode depending on the type of controller and the issue experienced. The safest methods involve not having to open the module, but in some instances this is the only option.


If you suspect your ECU is faulty and you want it cloning to either a used or new ECU, please contact us for a quote.

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