How-To disable locking button on a 2003

[Cool Z4]

2 ways that I know of doing this.
1) use the SIB
2) manually disable it yourself.

1) SI B61 09 09 July 2003
General Electric Systems Service Engineering


SUBJECT
Storage Compartment is Unlocked With Central Lock Button

MODEL
E85(Z4)

SITUATION
Customer complains that after locking the vehicle with the remote key, with the convertible top down, and then reaching in and pressing the central lock button, the storage compartment is unlocked.

CAUSE
The storage compartment is locked via the double lock signal.

PROCEDURE

1. Gain access to the general Module behind the glove box.

2. Disconnect the GM 54-pin black connector X253.

3. Remove the (SW) black wire from pin location 14 and install in empty pin location 52.

4. Recheck the function of the central locking system.

5. The storage compartment will always be locked whenever the vehicle is locked.

This modification takes approximately 20 minutes.

Note: After the modification is complete the customer should be made aware that while driving and the central lock button is pressed, the storage compartment will be locked. Pressing the central lock button again unlocks the storage compartment.

WARRENTY INFORMATION
This is not covered under warrenty.



2) THIS IS HOW TO DISABLE THE BUTTON MANUALLY

I had a few requests to describe how to disable the locking button between the seats. This is a simple solution to the center storage compartment unlocking issue as discussed many times (search archives). This takes about 3 1/2 minutes.

1) Removed the leather boot around the shifter (not sure about autos or SMG) by holding the plastic surround and lifting on the boot. When it pops up, reach in and push out the module with the hazard and lock buttons.

2) Unplug the wiring connector. Lightly prying on a few clips will remove the bottom of the button module. ****BE CAREFUL**** There are two springs inside of the module that will fall out if you are not careful.

3) You will see two small gray pieces held into place with small metal clips. Determine which is for the lock button and remove the metal clip. Take out the gray plastic piece and replace the metal clip.

4) The gray plastic piece is what enables the lock button. Once removed, pushing the lock button does nothing. Save the gray piece to reinstall later.

5) Reassemble everything in reverse and plug in the wiring mechanism. The button module will simply slide back into place. Replace the shifter boot.

6) Check to make sure the button does not do anything and make sure the hazard button still works.

YOU ARE FINISHED! Now, you can have the top down, lock the car with the remote, and not have to worry about anyone reaching in and unlocking the center storage compartment. If you need to lock the doors while driving, you should be able to reach both lock buttons on the doors (unless you are very short). The doors will still open by oulling on the door handles to unlock.
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