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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
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Finisterre
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:51 pm

Now then. The jolly old E85, bless it's heart. It's suddenly stopped door locking and unlocking on the key. The windscreen wipers are not working. Interior light dead. Windows inoperative. So far so good, its looking like we need a GM5 module repair to sort out the door lock relays, and the rest may be some sort of knock on problem.

But... and as always there is a question. I thought I would check the fuses before sending the unit for repair. All the fuses were complete. But but but.. when I withdrew fuse 10 (Interior and Luggage Comp Lights) and replaced it everything started working again. (wipers locks windows) There was no visible fault with the fuse, same fuse in as out.

I left it a day, untouched, the same problems resurfaced.

So.... clearly a job for a better informed person than me. Just sending the relays to be repaired is an idea but I think a little bit of knowledge might go a long way on this one.

thanks in advance, he said hopefully...
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ph001
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by ph001 » Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:01 pm

All sounds a bit mysterious. First thing I would do is pull any fault codes off it with Carly etc....
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:29 pm

hi ph, good idea...

No DTC's recorded according to my scanner.
And everything is working again. No relapse.
I can't send off the GM module for refurb if everything is working.
Even if you are waiting for the windscreen wipers to stop at any moment.

BMW electrics, don't you just love them?
I had to get rid of my E39 because the electrics were beyond economic repair. :(
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:42 pm

I have found some helpful info from the ebay repair service.

''If your doors do not open/close from BOTH the keyfob AND the central lock button inside the car BUT wipers, windows & interior lights are working normally then you need this service. This problem is normally caused by the relays that power the door actuators & generally affects ALL doors. If your problem is only with 1 door it is unlikely to be a GM5 module fault."

My wipers and windows were also part of the problem
Clear enough I will have to look elsewhere for the problem.
and it is not completely unknown.

any hints are welcome.
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by markalp » Thu Jan 25, 2018 2:18 pm

Finisterre wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:29 pmhi ph, good idea...

No DTC's recorded according to my scanner.
And everything is working again. No relapse.
I can't send off the GM module for refurb if everything is working.
Even if you are waiting for the windscreen wipers to stop at any moment.

BMW electrics, don't you just love them?
I had to get rid of my E39 because the electrics were beyond economic repair. :(
Not just BMW electrics, I had to get rid of my beloved 1992 RX7 Cabriolet because the wiring was disintegrating, on the upside I ended up in an Alpina :)

Workng/Not working could be a corroded connector somewhere being affected by vibrations, or temperature.

This thread has reminded me that my GM5 needs a repair (passenger door only unlocks when it feels like it)
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Thu Jan 25, 2018 3:03 pm

it's surprising how annoying first world problems can be

I messaged the people that said replacing the relays wont mend the windows. And they denied ever mentioning windows :headbang:
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Sticks » Sun Jan 28, 2018 6:28 pm

I had my GM5 refurbished because of the door issue. I remember reading that while the module was out of the car the wipers wouldn't work. And it was usually only one door too.

Usually, but if the battery wasn't kept fully charged it'd be both sides. How old is your battery?

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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:49 pm

sticks.

I joined the forum when I bought the car. Exactly seven years ago today.
So the battery is at least seven years old. A new battery is on its way.
I will update the thread if it works as a fix.

cheers
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Ducklakeview » Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:06 am

Are you sure it's not in transport mode? The fact that everything worked for a while after a fuse pull is a bit strange. If the relays in the GM5 were shot for instance, then I wouldn't expect this behaviour. Do the blower and heated rear window work?

Don't forget that the transport mode function actually exists in the software of a good few of the cars modules, as indicated by the diagnostic equipment when deleting it.

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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Sticks » Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:38 pm

Finisterre wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:49 pmsticks.

I joined the forum when I bought the car. Exactly seven years ago today.
So the battery is at least seven years old. A new battery is on its way.
I will update the thread if it works as a fix.

cheers
From memory mine first demonstrated a problem when the battery was 8 years old. Changing the battery sorted it for a while.

Let us know how you get on,

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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:26 pm

Car has had a new battery for a few days now. No problems so far.
I will update the thread as and when I remember if it continues to perform reasonably..

Here's hoping.
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Thu Feb 08, 2018 12:48 pm

The car has done two miles or so in the last ten days. Still no repeat of the door lock issue.

I'l be back in a month.
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by jamie_z4 » Thu Feb 08, 2018 1:38 pm

Ducklakeview wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:06 amAre you sure it's not in transport mode? The fact that everything worked for a while after a fuse pull is a bit strange. If the relays in the GM5 were shot for instance, then I wouldn't expect this behaviour. Do the blower and heated rear window work?

Don't forget that the transport mode function actually exists in the software of a good few of the cars modules, as indicated by the diagnostic equipment when deleting it.

Mike
+1

Changed the battery on my mates e39 a month or so ago, had exactly same problems your experiencing and it was in transport mode, he went to BMW and they removed it with their diagnostic tool.
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by Finisterre » Sun Feb 25, 2018 2:18 pm

Still fixed.

New battery is my suggested 1st offer solution to problems with door locks and wipers and windows.
The roof has also become more reliable. (which was a bit temperamental)

Air bag light and engine management light next. :tumbleweed:
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unLocking, Windows, and Wipers. It could be a GM5 module problem, but is it?

Post by paullyjay » Wed May 23, 2018 4:47 pm

I've had this issue with my car, but only on very hot days - and, when it happens I can't open the doors from inside using the central locking button or the door pulls... I have had to open the roof and jump in!!

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