Keyless Entry - Doors Won't Unlock Using Remote
SI B51 19 07Body Equipment
November 2007
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 19 07 dated November 2007.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Doors Will Not Unlock Using the Key Fob or Central Locking Button
MODEL
E90 (3 Series)
SITUATION
One or more of the doors may not unlock when using the remote key outside the vehicle, or the central locking button inside the car. It is still possible, however, to unlock the door by using the key in the driver's door lock cylinder or by pulling the door handle on the inside of the car.
CAUSE
This is due to a blown fuse in the Junction Box Electronics (JBE) caused by an excessive amperage draw by one of the door lock actuators or the gas flap actuator.
This draw is commonly attributed to silicone contamination of the latch.
CORRECTION
Replace the fuse and the actuator which is drawing excessive amperage.
NOTE:
Never spray any silicone products into the latch, as this will lead to premature failure.
PROCEDURE
^ If fuse 56 in the JBE is blown:
1. Replace this fuse.
2. Replace the left front door latch.
^ If fuse 57 in the JBE is blown:
1. Replace this 15A fuse.
2. Obtain the 50A clamp connected to a DIS Plus or GT1. This will be needed to measure the amperage draw at each lock actuator as well as the gas flap actuator.
3. Remove the 4 door panels per repair instruction RA 51 41 000 (front) and RA 51 42 000 (rear).
4. Remove enough of the wire harness tape to separate the wires leading to the connector at the door latch, to get the amp clamp over individual wires.clamp over individual wires.
5. At each door latch, position the 50A clamp (1) over the blue wire (MER) (2), which goes to pin 7 on the door latch connector. Measure the amperage draw by selecting the Measuring System button on the DIS Plus/GT1. These draws should be recorded while locking and unlocking the doors, using the central locking switch.
NOTE:
It is helpful to select the min/max button on the Measuring System screen to accurately see the maximum amperage draw.
6. NOTE: Each latch will show a higher amperage draw while unlocking. The gas flap actuator, however, will have approximately the same amperage draw while locking and unlocking.
7. Observe the recorded values. The draws at each latch should be within approximately 1 amp of each other.
8. If one latch is drawing significantly more amperage than the others, this latch should be replaced. In some cases, it may be necessary to operate the locks many times before one shows an excessive amperage spike.
9. [NEW] Listen to each latch as it's being operated. If any latch makes abnormal noises, that latch should be replaced.
10. If all 4 latches draw approximately the same amperage and do not make any abnormal noises, the gas flap actuator should be measured in a similar way.
11. Remove the right side trim in the luggage compartment per repair instruction RA 51 47 161.
12. Remove some of the wire harness tape, as necessary, to separate the 2 wires leading to the actuator.
13. Fit the 50A clamp (1) around either one of the wires. Measure the amperage draw using the Measuring System screen in the DIS Plus/GT1 while locking and unlocking, using the central locking button.
14. If the draw of this actuator is greater than 2A, it should be replaced.
15. [NEW] If none of the latches or the gas flap actuator is drawing excessive current, both the left and right front door latches should be replaced.
16. Re-install any removed components. Test by operating the door locks, using both the central locking switch and the key fob.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.
If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
Defect Code 61 30 01 15 00
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