WARNING!!! JB4 can damage your cars electrical system if handeled improperly

[harkes]

To all current owners of a JB4!

The JB4 installation manual has been updated with the following warning:

"Also be very careful when working with the BMS USB cable as it sits close to the battery rail which is a live +12v connection. Allowing the USB cable to touch the +12v connection WILL damage the JB4 and MAY damage the TMAP sensor wiring requiring the ground bypass at the bottom of the guide to be performed. Wrapping a piece of cloth tape over the battery rail connection and/or USB connection will help prevent accidental damage"

[chillindrdude]

Why is there not a cover Or have that connector recessed? Seems like it would be easy to fabricate.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by harkes

To all current owners of a JB4!

The JB4 installation manual has been updated with the following warning:

"Also be very careful when working with the BMS USB cable as it sits close to the battery rail which is a live +12v connection. Allowing the USB cable to touch the +12v connection WILL damage the JB4 and MAY damage the TMAP sensor wiring requiring the ground bypass at the bottom of the guide to be performed. Wrapping a piece of cloth tape over the battery rail connection and/or USB connection will help prevent accidental damage"

I read that months ago before I setup my first JB4?

[///M ARMY]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I read that months ago before I setup my first JB4?

This has been out since the beginning of the year. Good info for people to have.

[harkes]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I read that months ago before I setup my first JB4?

I used the OLD manual to install my JB4 back around July 2014. Looks like BMS also knew about the risk back then, just not very good at highlighting it.

I now a faulty DME/TMAP ground wire, or whatever it is, because of this that I will need to resolve with a BMS workaround/patch to avoid a ~2000usd repair at BMW

Hope that I can prevent others from the same fate by posting this!

[Myaddiction]

Originally Posted by chillindrdude

Why is there not a cover Or have that connector recessed? Seems like it would be easy to fabricate.

It's only an possible issue during the install. I'm sorry to say if you don't know better then to not let wiring contact the positive post from the battery while working on the car, you should not be installing electronics in a 70k car.

OP sorry this happened to you. Best of luck getting it corrected.

[harkes]

Originally Posted by Myaddiction

It's only an possible issue during the install. I'm sorry to say if you don't know better then to not let wiring contact the positive post from the battery while working on the car, you should not be installing electronics in a 70k car.

OP sorry this happened to you. Best of luck getting it corrected.

Not true. If you store your USB cable in the engine bay while you don't use it, then you are at risk. Terry will confirm this.

[Myaddiction]

Originally Posted by harkes

Not true. If you store your USB cable in the engine bay while you don't use it, then you are at risk. Terry will confirm this.

Even worse. Leaving an exposed cable in the engine bay is dangerous for equipment and you. I'm sorry but that is reckless.

I don't know your background with cars but not taking any precautions to avoid shorts on an exposed cable is bad practice no matter the application.

[FC4]

LOL

[schnazzy]

As many have said before, this is old news. Also leaving your USB in your engine compartment isn't suggested. I believe putting the USB end in a bucket of water may damage the JB4 as well. I didn't see that in manual. Hopefully Terry will update it But seriously, I think many people don't know what can happen if you touch it to your 12v. another interesting experiment is to take a metal coat hangar and touch it to both the positive and negative leads on the battery. A welders gloves/apron and a face shield would be appropriate attire. (this happened to me a long time ago, the coat hanger melted in less than a second. scary stuff.

[FC4]

OP is the reason why we have warning labels on shampoo.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Yes this is at the top of every JB4 F Series install guide and should be in every tuner guide.

Always disconnect the battery when working with live electrical systems and be careful not to let the USB cable or any other harness connection touch the battery rail when the battery is reconnected.

Mike

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by FC4

OP is the reason why we have warning labels on shampoo.

LOL

[Dethsupp0rt]

Let's not jump on OP, especially considering he owned his mistake and did the service of warning other people whether they know about this or not.

We all have different levels of technical expertise, and most people overrate their technical expertise, thus can get in over their head very quickly.

My motto has always been to learn from other people's mistakes, but if they don't let us know what they are, then there are less learning opportunities.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Also worth noting as this same post has been uploaded to every forum, the risk to damage the TMAP sensor ground is only present on 2012-2013 F Series 335 pneumatic wastegate systems. The EWG board, like that used on the S55, and 2014+ F series 335, uses a different configuration and power supply. In those models the risk is only to the JB4 itself.

Mike

[Technic]

... and this warning has been announced since Benjamin Franklin.

Originally Posted by Myaddiction

It's only an possible issue during the install. I'm sorry to say if you don't know better then to not let wiring contact the positive post from the battery while working on the car, you should not be installing electronics in a 70k car.

OP sorry this happened to you. Best of luck getting it corrected.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

Let's not jump on OP, especially considering he owned his mistake and did the service of warning other people whether they know about this or not.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127205

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127208

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127209

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127206

Service of warning others? Really? Nonsense like this is why rookies like himself have "heard that the JB4 causes issues."

If you lack the intuition and basic common knowledge on what does what under the hood of a car, perhaps more entry-level piggyback solutions better suited for beginners is right for you.

[MasterC17]

This thread = lol

[VCP]

LOL quality

[VCP]

JB4 is not a entry level PB? Pros only? haha

Originally Posted by FC4

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127205

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127208

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127209

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1127206

Service of warning others? Really? Nonsense like this is why rookies like himself have "heard that the JB4 causes issues."

If you lack the intuition and basic common knowledge on what does what under the hood of a car, perhaps more entry-level piggyback solutions better suited for beginners is right for you.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by VCP

JB4 is not a entry level PB? Pros only? haha

The BMS Stage 1 or other units by shops which cater to those who are new to modding might be a better solution. If it's your first rodeo and you don't know what a battery terminal is or are unaware that it's best to disconnect your battery before working on the car, maybe a JB4 isn't right for you yet.

It's best to start small and work within your abilities.

[theriz]

Originally Posted by MasterC17

This thread = lol

+1 the lols