Fault Code A0B8 Hall Sensor, Key Engaged

E-novo · #1 04-14-2020, 03:18 PM

Hey Everyone. Hope everyone is staying safe - and is up for the challenge of solving an error code/electrical gremlin. Did a few web searches but still need some more help.

Recently my 2013 X5 i35 (with CA) has been doing some random door locks w/ mirror folds and a couple incidents of not detecting the key unless in the ignition/thinking it's in ignition when in my pocket. My indy shop found fault code A0B8 when checking the diagnostics while the truck was in for the oil filter housing leak. From what I can find - it seems to be the "key reader" aka "ignition slot" and/or "power switch." Tracked it down to part 61-31-6-966-714 - and the ribbon cable part# 61-12-6-950-093.

I have had some coding done and recently had an Idatalink remote start added - which worked flawlessly initially but now shuts off as soon as I open the door - which I'm sure is related to the key not being detected (the installer replaced the initial unit and cables with no change in behavior.)

Anyone have any experience with this fault code and/or replacing this part? Watching some vids of replacing the start/stop button, it looks like it may be straight-forward after removing the trim piece. I know things are rarely simple but - any chance I can replace the part(s) w/o having to mess with the CAS and having to do any programming?

Any thoughts welcome.

Thanks.

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E-novo · #2 05-14-2020, 12:04 PM

Hi Guys - Thought I'd circle back to see if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks in advance.

ard · #3 05-14-2020, 12:32 PM

My guess is that no coding is involved.

Both keys, same behavior?

There was a thread in the last year on this part, here Oe bimmerfest....

E-novo · #4 05-14-2020, 12:48 PM

Thnx for the reply, Ard. Yes, both keys have similar strange behavior.

I've been trying to search the forums but can't seem to find much info on door Hall sensors... lotta window and even roof ones.

E-novo · #5 05-14-2020, 01:07 PM

The main info that seemed to apply was this link - which is how I figured it was the "Key Slot"...

https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/123377-hall-sensor/

According to that... it s/b a simple remove/replace... I haven't owned my X long but things are rarely that simple... that's why I'm so skeptical.

ard · #6 05-15-2020, 12:21 AM

lemme look...hang on...

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...&highlight=key

FWIW... a slew of posts in that thread got deleted by a mod. Twits were claiming there were tons on ebay, yet what they posted were a large array of diffemet parts that showed up... whatever.

But thats why I remembered this.

E-novo · #7 05-15-2020, 08:08 AM

Thanks for all the help!!! Sounds like it's worth a shot. I'll report back after install.

Thanks again.

Stay safe.

E-novo · #8 07-17-2020, 11:16 AM

Wanted to circle back about the 'Key Slot" replacement. I did the repair while back and had no change in strange door locking behavior. I recently bought a Foxwell NT-530 and erased the A0B8 code - still randomly locks the doors when exiting. The code hasn't returned in 2 weeks after being erased.

Two final thoughts - the remote start is wreaking the havoc I was warned about - but chose to ignore (of course) or second - the rear passenger Comfort Access door handle that is not functioning to lock/unlock (but is not hot nor causing a battery drain error) is messing with the CA system and causing the locking issue.

I'm just closing the loop - not sure there are any responses that might help - except to remove the remote start.

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