my trunk light won't turn off

[Arian]

I have the really wierd problem, and I was wondering if anyone could help me pin point whats wrong.

I have an E53 X5 2002 3.0i and receintly when I close the trunk lid, the trunk lights still stay on, and when I drive it gives me a warning "Trunk lid open"... however it's locked shut... and I've tried closing it many times, the trunk lights wont turn off... even if the trunk is fully locked and closed.

Can anyone help me figure out what the problem is...

[Arian]

Also, i have another electroical problem... my bmw's windshield wipers only wipe once when it's on the lowest setting... it doesn't wipe no matter how long i wait. I was wondering if this problem might be related to the one above.

[Capinsatchell]

I think someone posted a bit of info on a similar issue not long ago and one of the relays was the issue. I'd suggest doing a search for that...

[JCL]

The relay problem discussed recently was related to the latch not functioning.

It could be a problem with a relay. I wouldn't expect the hatch door ajar light to be lit in that case, though. You have two separate symptoms, and the common element is the Hall Effect sensor located in the rear latch. BMW doesn't use a plunger to sense if the hatch is closed.

Read about the sensor in this thread (it is about the front door handles, but the concept is just the same). First step would be to clean it and reseat the plug to ensure good contact before replacing the latch.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ubleshoot.html

The wiper problem could be related, since both circuits are controlled by the general module (which makes it another candidate for the problem noted above, but don't assume it is necessarily that module). It is more likely to be related to the rain sensor, though. When it fails you typically get a single wipe. Do a search for threads on the topic. Have you had the windshield replaced recently? If not, it could be a bad sensor or a wiring connection.

[SlickGT1]

Pull the three relays in the trunk, closest to the light. Wait a minute or two, and plug them back in. Let us know if it works.

I had those relays get stuck, and my trunk wouldn't open, or close.

[Arian]

Okay, so this problem has escalated a little, now the trunk really won't latch lock... When I drive around and go over speed bumps, the trunk flies open and shut... I was told by a mechanic that it's probably part 51 24 8 408 492 that needs to be replaced. But I don't just want to buy that part without being sure... Would you guys agree that this is the problem?

I saw on one of these threads that suggests its only the spring that needs replacing... How would I know if it's the spring that I need to replace or the actuator.

I'm not really sure what or where the relays are... But I took out those big things above the fuses in the trunk for about 5 mins and put them back in, assuming those are the relays you were talking about... But it didn't change anything...

On another note, my car isn't equipped with rain sensors

[Capinsatchell]

Those are the relays that you pulled. Your mechanic probably knows better than me, but there have be several people that have had similar problems and replaced the relays and the problem went away. Not sure that's what's wrong here or not. Might want to suggest it to your mechanic though. Probably a cheaper fix than what he's proposing. Worth a shot...

[SlickGT1]

I just had the same issue with the trunk latch not pulling the hatch closed. It is the K70 relay in all electrical manuals, except the fail-boat Bentley doesn't list it that way. The relay closest to the rear tail light is the one. You can swap positions with the 3rd relay from the back.

front of car: 1st relay, 2nd relay, 3rd relay, 4th relay, 5th relay, 6th relay :rear of car, tail light.

You can swap 4th and 6th relays, they are the same. Once you swap if your trunk starts closing, its the relays.

[Arian]

I don't have 6 relays... Only 5 and the first slot is empty. Nonetheless I switched the two blue relays... And I got no different result.... However when I took out the blue relay closest to the center, I did notice that the bottom door wouldn't open when I pushed that actuator button.

[Arian]

Also, when I push the unlock trunk button (both on the car and the key) I do hear a noise, like it's unlocking. I'm now think that it's the spring that's at fault.