Non functioning Keyless entry/Door Module

[nikon01]

First, forgive me for being novice and new to posting a thread. I am hoping someone can help me solve the mystery to why my Keyless entry will no longer function. Both keys will not unlock the doors with the remote keyless entry function. They were working and all of a sudden I was experiencing intermittent functioning. Now the remote keyless entry will not work. Is there a fuse to the door module? I have a 2001 3.0i X5. Currently 133K miles. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks!

[DSAviate]

I'm having the same problem with my '01 X5 3.0.

Did you ever get this problem resolved, and if so, how?

Does anyone else reading this thread know the probable malfunctioning component when the keyless entry slowly deteriorates to not working altogether?

- Darrell

[nikon01]

I never had the problem fixed on my X-5 and am living with it. I did learn that it is possibly a general service module that controls the windows and door locks. My wife's '02 325 has the exact same problem with the locks. A new module can set you back as much as $800 or possible more. I would have the BMW dealer diagnosis the problem and get a cost estimate.

You may find a used module on ebay, but it would have to match the one you currently have in your X-5. Some of the modules are different on the same year models.

Let me know how you take care of your problem, if you find a fix. I hope this helped.

[DSAviate]

Didn't see any definitive answers here or in my Bentley manual. So I called my local (West Palm Beach, FL.) Braman BMW dealer and told the parts rep my problem and asked her opinion for the part I would most probably need to fix it.

She advised to come in for a complimentary key "re-initialization". If the key doesn't work after that, or loses its ability to send the remote signals in the near future, then I need a new key. Thought I'd give it a try.

The service rep took my key, put it in the ignition, pressed a time or two on the key buttons, and then took it out. He then pressed the buttons to verify that the remote key worked. Indeed it does, from all angles, at 30 - 40 feet, first time, . . . no multiple presses. This is the original 2001 master key.

Unless it fails again, problem solved. I'd love to find out what procedure he used to "re-initialize" the key's remote capability to the car.

Love my BMW tractor - Darrell

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by DSAviate

Didn't see any definitive answers here or in my Bentley manual. So I called my local (West Palm Beach, FL.) Braman BMW dealer and told the parts rep my problem and asked her opinion for the part I would most probably need to fix it.

She advised to come in for a complimentary key "re-initialization". If the key doesn't work after that, or loses its ability to send the remote signals in the near future, then I need a new key. Thought I'd give it a try.

The service rep took my key, put it in the ignition, pressed a time or two on the key buttons, and then took it out. He then pressed the buttons to verify that the remote key worked. Indeed it does, from all angles, at 30 - 40 feet, first time, . . . no multiple presses. This is the original 2001 master key.

Unless it fails again, problem solved. I'd love to find out what procedure he used to "re-initialize" the key's remote capability to the car.

Love my BMW tractor - Darrell

I know this is totally Off Topic, but Braman bmw is a pretty cool dealership, i was just there a month or so ago..

hows life down in wellington with that horse show going on?

[kikiluv74]

Step 1: Make sure all doors are closed.

Step 2: Insert the key into the ignition and switch it to position 1. Turn it back again. Repeat this 4 more times. Then remove the key from the ignition.

Step 3: Press the "Lock" button three times while holding down the "Unlock" button. The door locks will then cycle to confirm that you did correctly.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 for each fob that you need to program.

Step 5: Exit the programming mode by inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to position 1 and then taking it out.

I did this today and it worked for me... Good luck and I hope this helps

[nikon01]

You listed how to re-initialize the key to the X-5. When you said press the "lock" while holding down the "unlock" button, which buttons were you referring to? Do I hold down the "lock" button in the car or on the Key? Which do I push 3-times? I really appreciate your help. Thanks!You listed how to re-initialize the key to the X-5. When you said press the "lock" while holding down the "unlock" button, which buttons were you referring to? Do I hold down the "lock" button in the car or on the Key? Which do I push 3-times? I really appreciate your help. Thanks!

[j944]

Funny I see this post. I go to the garage this afternoon and my truck is locked and will not respond to me hitting the unlock button or putting it in the door lock. I went to the dealership to buy another key and was advised when the key comes in to bring the truck to learn the new key. I need to get it unlocked somehow in order to do that. Is there another way w/out having to call a locksmith to get into my truck?

Thanks for any help.

[Dani]

j944, when you went to the dealer to buy a key did you tell them that you could not unlock the car by using the key in the door lock? Sounds like a bad lock actuator not a key fob problem.
A locksmith could not get into my car even though he was confident that he could, the car had to be flat bedded to the dealer who had to break the window to gain access.
If it is a bad lock actuator even if the locksmith can get to the center console button it won't work to unlock anything. Do a search here on lock actuator and good luck.

[nikon01]

You may be able to reinitialize your key, like member "kikiluv74" instructed earlier. You can watch a similar process on YouTube. Follow this link: YouTube - BMW E39 changing the key battery - Part 2. I tried it and it worked about half way in both my '01 X-5 and my '02 325. Good luck!