remote keys don't work- general module (GM) issue?

Tonyfeb14 · #1 03-13-2022, 04:10 PM

2003 x5 4.4 with 164k. The remote key stopped working with no notice. I can lock and unlock all doors from the driver's door manually with the key but no reaction with the remote key buttons. But curiously the button 3 still activates the rear hatch. And the central locking switch on the center console also now is dead and does nothing. All was working fine up to this point.

For grins I checked the fuse for the General Module and that is ok. I am wondering if the general module (GM) located behind the glove box partially failed?

Thanks for any ideas before I start looking for a replacement GM. And if I do replace it, not sure if there is any reprogramming required.

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andrewwynn · #2 03-13-2022, 04:19 PM

I would first start looking at the central lock button. If that fails shorted will give you symptoms liked you describe.

I spilled some liquid on mine one day and all hell broke loose. I was able to on the spot disassemble and clean it with bottled water.

A proper scanner like foxwell or bmw software will show the status of the switches eg pressed not pressed to diagnose.

andrewwynn · #3 03-13-2022, 04:22 PM

The lock cylinder has about 500 up operations before failure so get a spare cylinder repair kit and work on an emergency access plan.

Big problem if you break your cylinder while double locked since the method to get in requires pressing the central lock button.

X5chemist · #4 03-13-2022, 04:31 PM

Did you check F60? It's probably good. Try synchronizing all the keys.

andrewwynn · #5 03-13-2022, 04:32 PM

Can't if central lock button not working: also boot button works Soo it's not that.

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Tonyfeb14 · #6 03-13-2022, 07:30 PM

I have replaced the lock cylinder a few months ago so it should be good for a while. The fuse F60 I checked previously and was good. I tried synchronizing the keys but no response, completely dead. I will look closer at the central lock button. Nothing had spilled on it, its dry, but worth removing and some testing.

EODguy · #7 03-13-2022, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonyfeb14

I have replaced the lock cylinder a few months ago so it should be good for a while. The fuse F60 I checked previously and was good. I tried synchronizing the keys but no response, completely dead. I will look closer at the central lock button. Nothing had spilled on it, its dry, but worth removing and some testing.

Cold drinks in the cupholder (soda cans especially) can cause sweating to build up on the bottom of the cupholder and even without spills corrodes wires/connectors underneath.

Ask me how I know....

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andrewwynn · #8 03-13-2022, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonyfeb14

I have replaced the lock cylinder a few months ago so it should be good for a while. The fuse F60 I checked previously and was good. I tried synchronizing the keys but no response, completely dead. I will look closer at the central lock button. Nothing had spilled on it, its dry, but worth removing and some testing.

You can't sync keys if you can't lock with central lock button. Do you have a scanner that will show you the button status.

Tonyfeb14 · #9 03-14-2022, 05:21 PM

my scanner does not but I am going to see a local BMW independent to see if they can diagnose (I hate to but the other option is buy a new scan tool, the lesser of two evils at this point).

Tonyfeb14 · #10 03-14-2022, 07:54 PM

I went back and tried my iCarsoft scanner and was able to check error codes on the central locking ZKE operation.

First time i saw a number of codes including "central locking drive, both passenger and driver doors, short circuit "plus many more. So many ...it didn't make sense ....so I erased all the codes and tried again. Then I got just two codes : "OA,46,00,B4 No found!" and "51 Pump for window screen washer system- short circuit". These also don't make a lot of sense since the window washer pumps work fine and I can't interpret the first one. (maybe someone on the forum has a clue on this one).

So then I spent more time checking out the central locking switch and the wiring diagrams for the central lock switch and emergency flasher. The central lock switch doesn't work. I disassembled it and could not get the microswitch inside to close a circuit while the emergency flasher switch works as expected. I just ordered a replacement switch.

The saga continues until the new switch arrives.....

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