Window washer problem, pumping by themselves

[SteCav]

The wiring for the pump motor is as simple as it gets, 1 ground wire to the chassis and 1 power wire to the GM5. We know the ground and the power wires are good as the pump works (although un-commanded). The stalk was a good guess as it provides the drivers wishes to the GM5. So I have a feeling that your GM5 is bad. If it was a shorted wire it wouldn't wait 10 minutes before it started pumping the fluid.

This is interesting and thanks for the diagram, reply and info.

Interestingly, I had the GM5 module serviced by a company on eBay (relays changed) after a central locking issue (stopped opening doors and the boot one at a time). The GM5 module was sent away, repaired and reinstalled which the fixed the CL issue and avoided a ~£400 replacement plus reprogramming a new one. The service I paid for was particular to central locking issues.

It'd be a little bit rubbish if there's another issue with the module and I may not have avoided the above costs, but your logic does look to add up to that being the case.

Or maybe in their work, is there a chance of a short being created on the board? Bit too generous with the solder? I didn't remove the circuit from the housing, but maybe I'll remove to inspect. I do love being in the z4 footwell :rofl:

Other info, not sure if relevant but I have headlight washers too, this hasnt fired since the issue occured, not on any of the 20 or so occasions where the window washers have fired by themselves.

I appreciate your thoughts.
Steve

 

[SteCav]

maybe I'll remove to inspect

Or at least check the connectors/pins are secure and correct :?

 

[BumpyZ4]

So did this start after the relay repair for the door locks? If so they either damaged something on the board or you may have bent a pin when you reinstalled the connectors. The headlight washers also go through the GM5 but is completely separate from the windshield washer.

 

[SteCav]

So did this start after the relay repair for the door locks? If so they either damaged something on the board or you may have bent a pin when you reinstalled the connectors. The headlight washers also go through the GM5 but is completely separate from the windshield washer.

I sent it away at the end of August and the issue showed itself end of December. Admittedly it's not my daily, so only 200 miles or so after.

I can certainly check on the pins, I recall contortions myself to install last time, but realised when changing the wiper relay that I can get better access to the board.

I'll inspect the board too.

Glad to have another lead for me to look into.

Thanks
Steve

 

[SteCav]

Update

Removed the GM5 module to have a better look. Pins look fine on all 3 connectors and the board looks fine visually, but I'm not totally sure what I'm looking for to be fair :rofl:

Auto electrician called and will update once he's visited

Steve

 

[SteCav]

The wiring for the pump motor is as simple as it gets, 1 ground wire to the chassis and 1 power wire to the GM5. We know the ground and the power wires are good as the pump works (although un-commanded). The stalk was a good guess as it provides the drivers wishes to the GM5. So I have a feeling that your GM5 is bad. If it was a shorted wire it wouldn't wait 10 minutes before it started pumping the fluid.

Update! Looks like you were right @BumpyZ4

The auto electrician visited and confirmed several GM fault codes, listed below.

General Module V: Internal Fault Voltage
GM: Relay for Central Locking, Locking
GM: Boot Lid Unlocking: Mechanism
GM: Windscreen Washer Pump
GM: Central Locking, Fuse

No idea if the repair service damaged the module or something else, but it certainly seems to be throwing several errors. Note, I've had no other visible or noticeable issues related to the error codes.

After some searching on Ebay and using RealOEM to suggest compatible GM5 modules. One popped up on Ebay for £80. Plugged in this evening and washer jets work under control of the stalk again and they didn't fire on a 10 minute drive.

Now just to get the key programmed to the GM5, hopefully a local BMW specialist has the software to sort, whilst they take a look at the steering angle sensor issue at the weekend. Otherwise it's a trip to the dealer. At least its driveable and will pass the MOT now.

Thanks again for the replies all and thanks for pointing me towards the GM5 Module Bumpy!

Steve

 

[BumpyZ4]

Great to hear you got it fixed! Thanks for the update.

 

[Flyingfifer]

Very glad to hear this is fixed, these sorts of issues can be such slippery little fkers and end up being stupidly expensive just trying to find the issue never mind fixing it!

Thanks for the update, hopefully it will help someone else in the future

 

[SteCav]

Very glad to hear this is fixed, these sorts of issues can be such slippery little fkers and end up being stupidly expensive just trying to find the issue never mind fixing it!

Thanks for the update, hopefully it will help someone else in the future

Thanks, I'm very thankful to have access to the brains of this forum to help guide me to a fix.

Another update, I managed to pair the keys using the usual process to the new/used GM5 module which was a Brucie bonus as I thought it'd be more complicated than that!

Now... on to the Steering Angle sensor issue :rofl: