Door Sensor and Window Issues
 

Wife called me to tell me that none of the windows would go down. I was on the road at the time when she called so I checked it out last night when I got home.

I was able to get the Front Driver window to go down and the Front Passenger to go down (only at the passenger switch). Neither back window goes down (with or with out the window lock activated).

Last night she also told me the driver lock stopped working. So I did some more checking.

I found that the interior lights don't go on when I open the driver door and I don't get a chime if I leave the keys in the ignition with the door open.

I've checked the window and central locking fuses.

I'm probably going to reset the cpu with d/c'ing the battery and if that fails taking the interior panel off to check the connections to the switches in the door.

Any other thoughts? Other fuses and/or is it just the door sensor that is hosing me up?

update: I can control the Driver mirror, but not the Passenger mirror. It's like my X had a stroke.

Checked the 3 fuses that are all associated with the mirrors, central locking and windows...they seem to be good. Doing a 30 min battery reset now.

It's too bad cars don't have a 'reset' button.

update 2: battery reset failed. checking connections to window control switch on drivers side failed. fused 20,24 and 60 look good. I did the fuses one at a time and 20 controlled the driver front, 24 controlled passenger front. I might just replace all 3 anyway.

anything else anyone can think of?

Sounds like you are having changing levels of problems with more than one component... with the only coincidence being that they are both in the same door. I'd check the main plug connection to the drivers door for any signs of water ingress and/or corrosion. It is in the door jamb right under the upper hinge and unbolts with a 10mm.

Thanks, Weasel

There is a bit a corrosion, and now an airbag light as I forgot I had the key at position 1. I'm spraying some electric cleaner in to clean it out. We'll see what happens. Any thoughts on it just being the switch? Ekvals had a similar issues and the switch fixed it.

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

I guess that means a dealer/indy visit now.

Here's an update.

1. All windows work from their respect switches now. Just can't control passenger and rear windows from driver console.
2. Driver door will not engage/disengage with remote and/or with middle switch/driving (actuator was replaced in fall and would be under a part warranty from stealer)
3. Interior lights will not go on when driver door opens (related to #2?)
4. Alarm will not arm (related to #2?)
5. Little corrosion at main plug...same as when dealer saw it 2 years ago

Unintended consequence, set off airbag light.

I can get a new switch from Tischer for $100 and probably return it minus restocking if it didn't work out.

The thing with the corrosion being there is you don't know how good or bad a connection each pin has... and the resistance will fluctuate with different conditions. I'd clean that plug out the best you can and try to restore as much of the connection quality as you possibly can. Remember that almost nothing on BMWs are regular 12v switched circuits. The window switch signals are low voltage square wave signals via can bus connection, so a bad connection due to extra resistance can REALLY fuck with things! Maybe you can use a solvent type of stuff to aid in cleaning it out like battery post corrosion cleaner spray then while it is wet with that plug/unplug it a bunch of times to help wipe the pins clean, then clean it out with contact cleaner and dry with compressed air. Definitely worth doing before ordering $100 worth of parts.

No dice on the pin/receptor cleaning. It did the job with cleaning, but still doesn't function correctly. Do you think the switch is the next logical route?

Could be, it would be really easy to figure out if you know someone else with an X5 to try swapping switches with. Looking at the linked thread in post #5 did you check the plug connection to the switch pack yet?

Went the route getting a used switch from the boneyard...no dice. I also plugged in my old door actuator just for fun...that didn't do anything either. Took apart the harness at the door again and noticed what may be a broken pin. See pics. I know I could do the the harness in the door but I'm not sure what would be involved in replacing the harness on the car side.

Of all my 'issues' i've had with the car, this upsets me the most as it's a non-moving part that just falls apart.

So, it will be going to dealer or maybe an Indy on Thursday....unless I can do the door side myself.