Key fob remote buttons and central locking switch problem.

[gl500des]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum as I've just purchased a 2003 BMW X5 3.0i.

60,000 miles (96,000 kms), and generally in good shape.

So far I am very happy.

Today though both my keys fobs have stopped working simultaneously. The central locking button is also not working (by the cupholders) - it was working yesterday.
The X5 doesn't respond to any of the buttons on either key fob.

Are the two problems (key lost memory and central locking button not working) related?

One of the key fobs has a new battery that has been working great since I replaced it and reprogrammed it two weeks ago. So I am pretty sure it is not a battery issue. Both going dead within minutes of each other would be a huge coincidence.

The keys both start the vehicle.

The keys manually (by turning in the lock) unlock the doors correctly.

So I suspect that somehow the vehicle has "lost" its memory of the keys.

I know how to reprogram a key when I have a working key, as I did this when I replaced the battery in the one fob.

I can't find anything on how to program a key without a working key.

I also can't find anybody who has described this problem, and I didn't find anything on what caused the problem or how to fix the cause of the problem.

I suspect that the answer will be go see the dealer, and I'm prepared for that. But I would like to know what has caused the problem, in order not to have the problem reoccur.

The vehicle has a new battery. It just occurred to me - is there a fuse I could check specific to the key fob remote function?

I'm going to pull out my fuse tester and see if anything is blown.

EDIT- Checked fuses 20, 24 and 60 - all fine. Any others?

Thanks for any input,

Duncan.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by gl500des

...I know how to reprogram a key when I have a working key, as I did this when I replaced the battery in the one fob.

I can't find anything on how to program a key without a working key.

EDIT- Checked fuses 20, 24 and 60 - all fine. Any others?

Thanks for any input,

Duncan.

Did you check the rear fuses for any associated with central locking...like the tailgate or fuel filler flap door?

The remote keys have 3 features built into it: EWS, FZV, & DWA:

EWS is the immobilizing feature and is completely different thanthe other 2. It doesn't require the battery inside the key (to start the car) and communicates over a 125 KHz RF signal that goes from the EWS control module to the ring antenna (around the ignition) which then powers the coil & ews transponder in the key.

FZV/DWA (remote central locking & anti-theft alarm siren system) do require the battery inside the key and the key transmits a 315 MHz RF signal to the aerial in the vehicle...which then sends the data to the FZV amp...which then sends the data onto the GM which then sends the FZV info to central locking and the DWA info to the alarm siren system.

Now, as to programming keys...the FZV/DWA remote features shut down when there's an issue in the central locking system or some of the shared monitors (like door actuators) that it shares with DWA. If the the central locking button on the center console isn't working...then you need to find out why.

Programming keys doesn't matter if one doesn't have working FZV/DWA as long as it can fit the ignition and go to position 1 and the electronics come to life. In fact, you can take any working remote key from any e38/e39/e46/e53...and if your key only has EWS...you can program those keys to lock/unlock & arm/disarm your car...why/how?

When you insert a key into the ignition and turn it to position 1, then back off...you have initiated the GM to write a new rolling code table to a remote key...it doesn't matter what aformentioned BMW key you begin to program as long as it is on the same 315 MHz frequency as your car. If you have a remote key from Europe or other markets that are 433 MHz...then you cannot program those keys. Once the GM has been set in motion...just begin pressing the buttons as per the instructions...you don't have to program the key that was in the ignition if it doesn't have FZV/DWA capabilities...in fact, you could program any BMW remote key from any e38/e39/e46/e53 if the only key you have is a non remote key...as long as you can start the car with it...and the battery is charged in the remote keys you want to program.

[gl500des]

Thank You!

I am going to go through all the fuses this coming weekend and post my results.

You explained it very well, and I am sure it must have something to do with the central locking system.

Duncan.

[scottjoh]

gl500des, you didn't mention this, but, if you also have a problem with the interior lights not coming on when you open the doors then the general module is bad and needs to be repaired or replaced.

[chivas]

Originally Posted by scottjoh

gl500des, you didn't mention this, but, if you also have a problem with the interior lights not coming on when you open the doors then the general module is bad and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Go on... What if this also doesn't work?

[SuomiX]

For the key fob problem, check the wiring near the right side hinge of the upper tailgate. There is a yellow/white_striped wire that goes from the antenna amp to the GM5 module. The wire was broken inside the rubber boot in my X.

[AlanGunn]

GM5 Module failed can cause the same problem.

[scourtaud23]

Did you try scanning with INPA our PA Soft?