2002 E53 X5 electrical gremlins???

CrazyOneToo · #1 12-10-2020, 02:59 PM

Hi all,

A few weeks ago I came out after work and unlocked my car with the key remote. It unlocked but the hazard lights went on
and would not go off. After restarting the car a few times and pushing the hazard button a few dozen times they finally went off.
Another time the headlights were on automatic and just went off while I'm driving. Yes it was night time each time it happened.
Now sometimes the lock and unlock wont work with the key. The center button locks and unlocks just fine. I tried re-initializing the key
but that didn't help. I tried the other key with the same outcome.
A few days later it starts working again for both keys.

Thanks
Alan

CapeX5 · #2 12-10-2020, 04:49 PM

Alan, get ready for a run on suggestions. Not sure if this is your first X5. If so, buckle up! On your problem, you need to verify your battery is in good condition and than whether your alternator is charging correctly. These cars are VERY finicky when it comes to electrics and having proper voltage at all times. Start with those things and than come back and tell us what you found.
Also, invest in a good scanner(Foxwell). Not sure if you do your own work or not, but having a scanner will save your butt and to provide as much information when you come here for help. Everyone will ask what codes are popping and it will help diagnose various issues.

CrazyOneToo · #3 12-11-2020, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapeX5

Alan, get ready for a run on suggestions. Not sure if this is your first X5. If so, buckle up! On your problem, you need to verify your battery is in good condition and than whether your alternator is charging correctly. These cars are VERY finicky when it comes to electrics and having proper voltage at all times. Start with those things and than come back and tell us what you found.
Also, invest in a good scanner(Foxwell). Not sure if you do your own work or not, but having a scanner will save your butt and to provide as much information when you come here for help. Everyone will ask what codes are popping and it will help diagnose various issues.

This is my 4th BMW. The battery is strong and the alternator is charging fine.
The lights are super bright and it cranks over fast.
I have a Foxwell scanner but the only codes I got were for the air injection system.
The lights only go off so far when set to automatic. I can then flip the switch to ON and they stay on fine.

Does a GM3 module control the automatic lights, remote door locking and hazard flashers?

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upallnight · #4 12-10-2020, 08:36 PM

I would guess that you have a bad ground connection somewhere. Since you have the headlights go out on you I will look at that circuit.

CrazyOneToo · #5 12-11-2020, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upallnight

I would guess that you have a bad ground connection somewhere. Since you have the headlights go out on you I will look at that circuit.

Would that also account for the flasher coming on when they want and the door locks not working with the remote?

sgrice · #6 12-14-2020, 05:41 PM

It’s a wild guess, but since you talk of gremlins, have you considered the ignition switch?

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...on-switch.html

Good luck!

CrazyOneToo · #7 12-15-2020, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgrice

It’s a wild guess, but since you talk of gremlins, have you considered the ignition switch?

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...on-switch.html

Good luck!

No since I have never had ignition issues

RocketyMan · #8 12-15-2020, 06:14 PM

So I have a couple of questions.

Are you still running the original keys? These ones are the type that don't have the serviceable battery--you have to chop off the housing. If so, I'm wondering if your battery is running low on the keys. I'm curious as I'm wondering if that is causing them to go out of sync, thus, having to reprogram them to the car.

This happened to me, but with the chineseium remote. It lost it's sync and I simply just reprogramed it again. I'm not sure HOW it happened but ohwell.

Another thing with the automatic lights. I'm not sure how you can monitor this with Foxwell, but with INPA, you can actually go into the rain sensor and view what each of the sensors are seeing. I am having the same exact symptoms you are having BECAUSE i got my windshield replaced, and the guy who put the windshield in superglued the purple plastic interface instead of the thin sticky tape. At any rate, all the 6 readings (I have the later model of the rain sensor module) are MAXED out because they cannot sense the window correctly due to crappy superglue job.

If you're interested, I can show you this in INPA. My automatic wiper and headlight feature doesn't work because of this.

sgrice · #9 12-15-2020, 06:40 PM

CrazyOneToo - regarding the ignition switch - the fact that you are not having any ignition problems is (mostly) irrelevant. Apparently the wiring that goes through the ignition switch is complex and can affect multiple different modules beyond just activating the starter. I don't know the wiring diagram specifics, but there are lots and lots of case reports of ignition switches causing all sorts of unusual symptoms - all the while the starting of the car was unaffected. The posting that I linked is just one of many, and the list of "gremlin effects" is remarkably varied.

So it's a wild guess, but a somewhat educated one. Your car and your decision, but I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand just because the car is starting fine.

You make reference to the general module. Not sure if that is the issue (the bmwgm5 website makes no reference to headlights or hazard flashers), but perhaps get in touch with Scott at www.bmwgm5.com. The web site talks about how to get in touch with him. I can add to the other testimonials and say he did a great job many years ago replacing some of the relays in the e53 that is now driven by one of my sons. He knows a lot about the module and I'm sure his opinion would be valuable. Anyway, best of luck.

CrazyOneToo · #10 12-16-2020, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgrice

CrazyOneToo - regarding the ignition switch - the fact that you are not having any ignition problems is (mostly) irrelevant. Apparently the wiring that goes through the ignition switch is complex and can affect multiple different modules beyond just activating the starter. I don't know the wiring diagram specifics, but there are lots and lots of case reports of ignition switches causing all sorts of unusual symptoms - all the while the starting of the car was unaffected. The posting that I linked is just one of many, and the list of "gremlin effects" is remarkably varied.

So it's a wild guess, but a somewhat educated one. Your car and your decision, but I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand just because the car is starting fine.

You make reference to the general module. Not sure if that is the issue (the bmwgm5 website makes no reference to headlights or hazard flashers), but perhaps get in touch with Scott at www.bmwgm5.com. The web site talks about how to get in touch with him. I can add to the other testimonials and say he did a great job many years ago replacing some of the relays in the e53 that is now driven by one of my sons. He knows a lot about the module and I'm sure his opinion would be valuable. Anyway, best of luck.

Yes I talked to him but he didnt think that would be my issue with what all is going on. The only issue I'm having that is affected by the GM3 is the locking and unlocking. Thanks

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