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

[Finisterre]

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...

 

[ph001]

All sounds a bit mysterious. First thing I would do is pull any fault codes off it with Carly etc....

 

[Finisterre]

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.

 

[Finisterre]

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.

 

[markalp]

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.

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)

 

[Finisterre]

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

 

[Sticks]

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?

Nick

 

[Finisterre]

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

 

[Ducklakeview]

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.

Mike

 

[Sticks]

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

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,

Nick

 

[Finisterre]

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.

 

[Finisterre]

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.

 

[jamie_z4]

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.

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.

 

[Finisterre]

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.

 

[paullyjay]

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!!

 

[andyf1140]

I know this is an old thread but I got home tonight to find I had the same issue. My wipers, widows, central locking and boot release were not working. Called the RAC and they found out that fuse 10 was blown. Now it's been replaced it's all working just fine.