Reset Immobilizer Code with aftermarket stereo?

cmartin47 · #1 02-19-2019, 02:56 AM

Hey all,

I have a 2005 X5 4.4i. My mechanic recently had the key in the ignition when they were working on it, and whatever position they left it in, it went into immobilizer / hibernation mode, demanding 'Code' on the dash (see pic). The twist is that I don't have the original stereo, I now have a JL MM100 head unit. So there is no way to input any code.

They tried the owner manual recommended battery disconnection / reset, even waiting overnight before reconnecting. It wants the code every time.

As of now the only way to make the car work is to pull the fuse for the radio cluster, which also disables the suspension system & gauges. The mechanic is dragging on finding a workaround, because they didn't install the stereo. Surely there has to be a fix for this that's easier than buying an old e53 radio from ebay? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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wpoll · #2 02-19-2019, 03:25 AM

This...

cmartin47 · #3 02-19-2019, 03:02 PM

they tried doing exactly that, no luck. Would the countdown show up on the dash? (where 'Code' is now). The issue with your solution is that it depends on the factory radio being installed.

wpoll · #4 02-19-2019, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmartin47

they tried doing exactly that, no luck. Would the countdown show up on the dash? (where 'Code' is now). The issue with your solution is that it depends on the factory radio being installed.

I think it still works - you just can't see the countdown. The steps have to be followed pretty closely.

And it's not a "radio" you are missing - its the MID unit - a multi-functional display. No audio in the thing.

bcredliner · #5 02-19-2019, 03:09 PM

If the above process doesn't work and you have a USB connection on your aftermarket system you can purchase an IBUS app so that you have all the functions available.

wpoll · #6 02-19-2019, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner

If the above process doesn't work and you have a USB connection on your aftermarket system you can purchase an IBUS app so that you have all the functions available.

Not an option in this case as the after-market head unit is not android - it's a JL.

Shouldn't need it though. The MID is *just* a display device - the countdown is actually happening in the IKE (cluster).

cmartin47 · #7 02-19-2019, 03:29 PM

Followed up with the shop - they tried that exact reset sequence multiple times.

May be of note - my truck has amps with capacitors. They tried leaving the battery detached all night in case there was some residual charge. No luck.

wpoll · #8 02-19-2019, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmartin47

Followed up with the shop - they tried that exact reset sequence multiple times.

May be of note - my truck has amps with capacitors. They tried leaving the battery detached all night in case there was some residual charge. No luck.

Ah well, you might need to "borrow" a MID unit for 10 minutes...

Crowz · #9 02-19-2019, 07:24 PM

Actually you can buy the ibus adapter and a usb adapter(for the phone to use usb or use an android tablet which can be bought for $30) and buy the app to use on a phone(or tablet) and have access to all the functions the app provides.

I just don't remember if the app has the code section in it. I have never seen it but I wasn't looking for it either.

tonycajjo · #10 02-19-2019, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpoll

I think it still works - you just can't see the countdown. The steps have to be followed pretty closely.

And it's not a "radio" you are missing - its the MID unit - a multi-functional display. No audio in the thing.

this is accurate... done it a few times when dealing with an electrical gremlin. no count down shows but it still does its thing.

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