2002 E53 X5 electrical gremlins???
 

Hi all,

A few weeks ago I came out after work and unlocked my car with the key remote. It unlocked but the hazard lights went on
and would not go off. After restarting the car a few times and pushing the hazard button a few dozen times they finally went off.
Another time the headlights were on automatic and just went off while I'm driving. Yes it was night time each time it happened.
Now sometimes the lock and unlock wont work with the key. The center button locks and unlocks just fine. I tried re-initializing the key
but that didn't help. I tried the other key with the same outcome.
A few days later it starts working again for both keys.

Thanks
Alan

Alan, get ready for a run on suggestions. Not sure if this is your first X5. If so, buckle up! On your problem, you need to verify your battery is in good condition and than whether your alternator is charging correctly. These cars are VERY finicky when it comes to electrics and having proper voltage at all times. Start with those things and than come back and tell us what you found.
Also, invest in a good scanner(Foxwell). Not sure if you do your own work or not, but having a scanner will save your butt and to provide as much information when you come here for help. Everyone will ask what codes are popping and it will help diagnose various issues.

I would guess that you have a bad ground connection somewhere. Since you have the headlights go out on you I will look at that circuit.

It’s a wild guess, but since you talk of gremlins, have you considered the ignition switch?

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...on-switch.html

Good luck!

So I have a couple of questions.

Are you still running the original keys? These ones are the type that don't have the serviceable battery--you have to chop off the housing. If so, I'm wondering if your battery is running low on the keys. I'm curious as I'm wondering if that is causing them to go out of sync, thus, having to reprogram them to the car.

This happened to me, but with the chineseium remote. It lost it's sync and I simply just reprogramed it again. I'm not sure HOW it happened but ohwell.


Another thing with the automatic lights. I'm not sure how you can monitor this with Foxwell, but with INPA, you can actually go into the rain sensor and view what each of the sensors are seeing. I am having the same exact symptoms you are having BECAUSE i got my windshield replaced, and the guy who put the windshield in superglued the purple plastic interface instead of the thin sticky tape. At any rate, all the 6 readings (I have the later model of the rain sensor module) are MAXED out because they cannot sense the window correctly due to crappy superglue job.

If you're interested, I can show you this in INPA. My automatic wiper and headlight feature doesn't work because of this.

CrazyOneToo - regarding the ignition switch - the fact that you are not having any ignition problems is (mostly) irrelevant. Apparently the wiring that goes through the ignition switch is complex and can affect multiple different modules beyond just activating the starter. I don't know the wiring diagram specifics, but there are lots and lots of case reports of ignition switches causing all sorts of unusual symptoms - all the while the starting of the car was unaffected. The posting that I linked is just one of many, and the list of "gremlin effects" is remarkably varied.

So it's a wild guess, but a somewhat educated one. Your car and your decision, but I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand just because the car is starting fine.

You make reference to the general module. Not sure if that is the issue (the bmwgm5 website makes no reference to headlights or hazard flashers), but perhaps get in touch with Scott at www.bmwgm5.com. The web site talks about how to get in touch with him. I can add to the other testimonials and say he did a great job many years ago replacing some of the relays in the e53 that is now driven by one of my sons. He knows a lot about the module and I'm sure his opinion would be valuable. Anyway, best of luck.

...this really sucks newtis.info is down. I would be looking up wiring to the rain sensor module and GM module right now!

Oh gotcha! Yeah, I had the SAME problem on my chinesium replacement keys. I wonder if the GM would be responsible for that or not.

You rain sensor you said separated...is it with the thin double-sided sticky tape? I know some members have been successful using clear silicon. I'm curious as to what is factory. Because my rain sensor was super glued (not silicon) I'd basically have to destroy mine to get it working. In your case, I bet you can re-apply the double-sided sticky tape after cleaning up the spot and what not.

I'd be interested in seeing pics of you doing this.

@CrazyOneToo

I meant to get back to you with INPA screen shots.

Did you have a chance to reattach the rain sensor? If so, did you use double sided sticky tape? Was your purple mount okay?

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...nt-fix.615032/

Here is a post on a different forum using clear silicon. Looking at this method, I'm not super impressed with as it appears very messy and in the event of a replacement windshield would be a pain to get the purple lens off (without breaking it too). The STOCK way of doing it is with double sided sticky tape which I think is much easier.

I need a new purple lens and cannot find one for a decent price. $50 plus shipping from overseas. Looks like I might have to roll around in the wrecking yards to find one.

Hazards coming on when you do anything usually is a bad hazard switch. I have had one the crazy things turn on with the following.


Unlocked the car with the remote.


Locked it with the remote.


Opened the door, closed the door.


Popped the hood. Closed the tailgate.


Closed the glove box.


Adjusted the power seat.


Speed bump.


Also just sitting there not being used.


When the switch starts to go out its flat out possessed.


Also I have had it turn on and refuse to turn off until the switch is unplugged.


I know you have other issues but the switch itself could be a separate problem.


As for the other problems as mentioned the ignition switch could be the problem there. This ones kind of a simple one.


Here is how I diagnose if a bmw needs a new ignition switch.


1. Is it 10 years old or older? If yes replace it.



2. Do you know if it has ever had an ignition switch replaced? If no replace it.


Its kind of that simple. Most vehicles get buggy when the switch is messing up and most only have issues with starter engagement.


Not bmw's. They go flat out crazy. Things activate on their own. The car can keep running after you take the key out. Lights cut out while driving. There isnt really any limit on what can happen electrically.


Its easy to change and cheap. That's why I will jump to swapping one out if it has any age on it. Other brands I would take the time to diagnose but on a bmw I just change them.