Window won't lock in sealed position

[perttu]

When closing the window, it first goes fully up to sealed position, but immediately retracts about 1/4 inches, or about 5 mm, down. See video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jt51GZE8d1P8gL7R8. The window not going fully up is causing some wind noises when the roof is up.

I've already tried out the window regulator reset procedures, nicely outlined in this topic: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74331, but they don't help.

My current theory is, that the car thinks the door is open and is not fully pushing the window up to the sealed position. Any advice, or shoud I just take the door card off and start looking at issues with the actuator? Is the door closed/open sensor separately serviceable?

 

[BumpyZ4]

Is it both windows or just the one?

 

[perttu]

The problem is only on the passenger’s side (left hand drive). Driver’s side works fine.

 

[BumpyZ4]

You most likely need a new door lock actuator 51217202146. The switch that tells the GM 5 that the door is closed is built into the actuator.

 

[salfer]

Have you tried the window reset procedure?

The Official Reset Proceedure

Courtesy of a BMW tech on another forum, ...with thanks.


Initialization is performed on the power window switch of the relevant door.
Requirements for correct initialization:
• Initialization with engine running
• Convertible top, doors and windows closed

Initialization comprises:
• Erasure of initialization
• Reinitialization

An initialization must be performed:
• In the event of malfunctions, e.g. no one-touch control function, no opening or if available no comfort function is possible
• After the power window drive has been replaced
• After work is carried out on the power window mechanism
• After a power supply interruption, e.g. disconnection of the battery or disconnection of the power supply to the door
• After the door window glass has been removed and installed or replaced
• After adjustment work on the door window glass
• After adjustment work on the convertible top
• After replacement of seals

Erasure of initialization:
• Open door window glass fully
• Operate power window switch in "Open" position four times within 10 seconds

This erases initialization of the power window, anti-trapping protection and toll function are inactive.
Check whether one-touch control (toll) function is inactive, otherwise repeat procedure.

Reinitialization:
Avoid a break between the two steps!
• Open door window glass fully
• Operate and hold power window switch in "Close" position (second switch stage)
• Once the upper end position has been reached, hold power window switch in "Close" position for approx. 2 seconds longer
• Open door window glass fully
• Operate and hold power window switch in "Close" position (second switch stage)
• Once the upper end position has been reached, hold power window switch in "Close" position for approx. 2 seconds longe

 

[perttu]

You most likely need a new door lock actuator 51217202146. The switch that tells the GM 5 that the door is closed is built into the actuator.

That’s what I’m thinking as well. Do you know, if there is a way to 100% verify it’s the lock actuator that is malfunctioning? I tried looking at live values in INPA, but I guess there’s a limit what sensor live values can be read, door sensors are not one of them, or then I missed them in INPA.

And yes, I’ve tried all possible window reset procedures I could find online, including the above.

 

[RMB]

[ref]salfer[/ref],

Thanks for this! It just fixed my drivers window not rolling up on one touch or with the roof closure switch.

 

[BumpyZ4]

You most likely need a new door lock actuator 51217202146. The switch that tells the GM 5 that the door is closed is built into the actuator.

That’s what I’m thinking as well. Do you know, if there is a way to 100% verify it’s the lock actuator that is malfunctioning? I tried looking at live values in INPA, but I guess there’s a limit what sensor live values can be read, door sensors are not one of them, or then I missed them in INPA.

And yes, I’ve tried all possible window reset procedures I could find online, including the above.

I don't. You could verify the wiring integrity and if the wiring is good it has to be the actuator.

 

[salfer]

[ref]salfer[/ref],

Thanks for this! It just fixed my drivers window not rolling up on one touch or with the roof closure switch.

Pleasure!

 

[perttu]

Update on this. I replaced the lock actuator, but the issue remains :headbang:

I wonder where to look next? Is it possible that this is some strange gm5 issue? Then again, the problem is only on the other side and other gm5 stuff seems to work fine. When replacing the actuator, I visually checked the wiring and connectors, but nothing suspicious in them. Something I noticed, while replacing the actuator: as I pulled the actuator connector off, the problem window immediately pulled up to fully closed position, so at least the window regulator seems to know how to drive the window fully up. Btw, the auto/one-touch up does not work either in the same window. I performed all the window reset procedures again after the actuator job, but no help.

 

[BumpyZ4]

You have a shorted wire somewhere that is sending the signal to the GM5 that the door is open. Look for broken wires or corrosion (shorting the circuit) in the flex part of the loom. When you disconnected the actuator, the GM5 received the "signal" that the door was closed (open circuit) and the window went to the full up position.

Hopefully, you didn't accidently install the same actuator that you removed. oke:

 

[BumpyZ4]

These are the 2 wires you need to check for continuity and corrosion and the connectors. X742 is the actuator connector. X256 is the door flex loom connector. The GM5 connector is X253. I would check each connector for corrosion X253, X256, X891, X742 (You said you looked at X742 already)

Check the brown wire on pin 3 (X742) to ground.
Check the BR/GR/GE from pin2 (X742) to pin 25 (GM5 X253).

 

[perttu]

Hopefully, you didn't accidently install the same actuator that you removed.

Haha, even though I often feel stupid with my constant DIY repair mistakes, I think I installed the correct part this time

Thanks for additional tips and the wiring diagrams, much appreciated . I'll go about checking those next!

 

[Roger Holdorf]

This is very normal issue, if power out or changeing new window. or sometimes when roof has been off.
1. push button for lock window
2. Andnow you must be sober, very fast when you see window at top, push window lock botton twice and now the window should be at the top and not moving. then open and lock the dor ad the everything sholud be okay. If not, do it again. It is also possible to switch off ignition when window is at top, wait a little while, open and lock door, turn on egnition and hope for the best.
Good luck Hope it help

 

[enuff_zed]

I had a very similar issue a week or so back. It WAS the GM5.

 

[perttu]

I had a very similar issue a week or so back. It WAS the GM5.

How did you diagnose the GM5 as the faulty component? Did you have to replace the whole unit?

 

[enuff_zed]

I had a very similar issue a week or so back. It WAS the GM5.

How did you diagnose the GM5 as the faulty component? Did you have to replace the whole unit?

I had a spare GM5 so I slaved it in and it cured it.