Odd pair of issues

[lurch09]

So we just got back from out of town, and when we got to the X ('09d) in the parking lot i hit the unlock button on the fob, the hatch and all other doors unlocked fine. Drivers door did not. Couldn't even open it from the inside (leaving my 6'6" frame to crawl across into the drivers seat). The central lock buton on the dash wouldn't unlock it either. Then when we got home, the courtesy lights (halos and tails) stayed (are still) on.

Any thoughts?

So quick update: the lights are off after bungling with the key fob some more. However the lock/unlock still does nothing on any of the doors (which ATT is driver locked, and everyone else unlocked).

So as simple as the central locking mechanism, right?

[jfoj]

Kind of sounds like it may be the drivers door latch??

Have you tried to use the mechanical key in the drivers door lock? Usually the key is 45 degrees for electrical control, 90 degrees for mechanical control.

Also could be a problem with the GM or Footwell module relay(s) if it is somewhat configured as the E46/E39/E38?

Might check out this site: www.bmwgm5.com

Not sure the E70/E90/E60's have started to act up as much as the earlier chassis, but Scott may have info on the later models on his site.

Let us know what you find in at the end of the day.

Any BTW, the BMW Central Locking System is anything but simple!

[ard]

Originally Posted by lurch09

So as simple as the central locking mechanism, right?

Originally Posted by jfoj

Any BTW, the BMW Central Locking System is anything but simple!

Indeed.

There is a great pdf on line that will walk you through the basics of the 'remote-signals-antenna-communications-unlocking' process. Here, for one:

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e7...%20Locking.pdf



Id like to think that maybe the system was drained and in a low voltage situation something got corrupted and the system got (temporarily) confused.... will it reset? dunno. Is there a way to control=alt=delete?

GL

report back

[lurch09]

Originally Posted by ard

Indeed.

There is a great pdf on line that will walk you through the basics of the 'remote-signals-antenna-communications-unlocking' process. Here, for one:

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e7...%20Locking.pdf



Id like to think that maybe the system was drained and in a low voltage situation something got corrupted and the system got (temporarily) confused.... will it reset? dunno. Is there a way to control=alt=delete?

GL

report back

So the mechanical key will open the drivers door (and lock it). Looking at the diagram in the pdf, it looks like maybe the junction box. I'm kinda hoping it's a power issue from what looks to be the original battery that's maybe not giving enough juice to actually perform the lock/unlock functions (I'm off to get the battery tested). The car seems to recognize the commands from the remote and can hear it try to do it. Thanks for the input guys, I'll be back.

[lurch09]

So the battery seems to be fine. Not sure exactly how much I can do on my own to diagnose this. I'm fairly handy with my E39, I'm less familiar with our newer E70...

What I did notice however, with the mechanical key, the driver door WILL lock with the fob. Just not unlock.

Does the E70 also use the GM5 or are E70s using whatever the E9Xs are using?

[jfoj]

I think??? the E70 has the GM module components are included in the footwell module which may also control other accessories that the earlier E39/E53/E46 did not have.

I think it really boils down to 2 possible problems.

1. The drivers door latch assembly itself

2. The relay for the driver door latch on the Footwell module.

Here is what I recall from the GM5 problems, the relays would get pitted and almost always have a problem UNLOCKING, but locking would usually work. Often temperature dependent as well.

You might read over the info at the www.bmwgm5.com site. As I recall if the interior lighting came on, but he door did not unlock the problem was usually the door latch assembly. If the interior lighting and the door did not unlock the problem was usually the GM5 relay?? Double check this of email Scott at www.bmwgm5.com and tell him your symptoms. He is the one guy on the planet that seems to have the Central Locking figured out for at least the older chassis. But I assume as the newer chassis age, we will soon see similar problems with the E70 and other chassis.

The fact you stated that the door will Lock with the keyfob, but not unlock sounds very much like the GM5 relay problem.

It is very hard to isolate the door latch assembly vs door lock relay problems. They are so inter related it takes a lot of testing and knowledge of how the system works to pinpoint the exact problem the first time.

[jfoj]

I think the E70 has the GM functions integrated into the footwell module. I cannot keep track of all the modules, but it appears for the newer chassis they tried to reduce the overall number of modules by combining tasks into a single module?

In theory the Central Locking System is still very much the same as the E38/E39/E46/E53, etc..... but with some new added features like Comfort Access and other thing I probably did not include.

I am sure Scott can offer some decent advice.

[lurch09]

So nothing super new, still looking for options. Was curious if maybe we'd just blown a fuse or two maybe like this guy

So I went through the fuse diagram found in the rear passenger side, finding only 135 and 124 present and both seemed to be fine.

Bonus: as the wife brings the X home today she tells me she had to lock the passenger side (via pressing down on it manually). Dont ask why only the front passenger and not the rears (as they are still stuck in a state of perpetual unlockedness), as there is no joy down that road.

So, FP doorlock will now rise when pulled on the interior handle, but not open (much like the FD door).

So now is it worth it to try to get to the front fuse box without being able to open the passenger door for what will probably be a dead end? Should I just schedule some time at the dealer?