Remote Central Locking Problem (trunk)

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BajanBMW - 01 Nov 2006 14:38 GMT

Before I tell you my problem, let me start by saying that I have very
little knowledge of the E39 Model BMW as I have only just recently
bought my 2000, 523i E39 BMW, however you all seem to be people to talk
to.

Now to my problem, I am having a problem with the remote locking on the
previously mention BMW. I opened my trunk using the remote that was
fine however moments later the trunk light went out. Initially I
thought it was just a blown bulb so like you do I closed the trunk,
only to realise that I no longer had the ability to open the trunk
using the remote or from inside the car using the release button. The
Trunk now only opens manually using the key and the OBC display the
trunk as begin open.

I have check all the fuses in the trunk and they all seem to be ok
however, that is where my knowledge of the cars electrics stops.

Please can you advise as to what you may think the problem is and how I
may resolve it?

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admin - 01 Nov 2006 17:34 GMT

> Before I tell you my problem, let me start by saying that I have very
> little knowledge of the E39 Model BMW as I have only just recently
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Please can you advise as to what you may think the problem is and how I
> may resolve it?

Sounds like a blown fuse - check them, they're above the glovebox (turn
the two little white knobs) - and there should be a pull-out chart
telling which fuses are which.

Why did the fuse blow? Don't know but some BMW's have experienced wiring
harness failure at the flex point of the harness going to the trunk lid.
Usually you have to remove the outer covering of the harness to find the
worn insulation. This is on the left side of the trunk lid.

If this isn't it - it's possible the trunk lock actuator has gone bad.
Early ones had a habit of coming apart and causing failure of the power
lock/unlock feature. Part isn't too expensive and not difficult to
replace. In this case - when you press the button under the dash for the
trunk lid, you'll hear a noise from the back, but nothing will happen.
Frequently the trunk will not latch when this happens.

HTH

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BajanBMW - 02 Nov 2006 02:47 GMT

> > Before I tell you my problem, let me start by saying that I have very
> > little knowledge of the E39 Model BMW as I have only just recently
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
>
> HTH

Thanks for that tip about the additional fuses. I have checked them and
they all seem to be fine.

I am not so sure that the problem is just the trunk lock actuator, as I
have lost all power in the trunk of itself. I fair that I may have more
of a problem than a faulty actuator, unless the faulty actuator is
affecting the lights in the trunk as well.

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admin - 02 Nov 2006 15:23 GMT

> Thanks for that tip about the additional fuses. I have checked them and
> they all seem to be fine.

OK..

> I am not so sure that the problem is just the trunk lock actuator, as I
> have lost all power in the trunk of itself. I fair that I may have more
> of a problem than a faulty actuator, unless the faulty actuator is
> affecting the lights in the trunk as well.

You didn't mention if you're hearing any noise when you press the button
under the dash.. if not, and the fuses are all OK - then I'd suspect
the cable going to the trunk lid. I believe the lights are triggered by
the latch mechanism, so if the cable is preventing the actuator from
working, it might well mean the lights won't work either.

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BajanBMW - 03 Nov 2006 11:21 GMT

> > Thanks for that tip about the additional fuses. I have checked them and
> > they all seem to be fine.
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> the latch mechanism, so if the cable is preventing the actuator from
> working, it might well mean the lights won't work either.

Thanks for all your help; I was wondering about the light and actuator
relationship, if they are connected that would explain the light going
out at the same time trunk stopped working.

I have just dropped if off that the auto electrician and on explaining
the problem he seems to think it is a loos connection or wire.

I will keep you informed as to the progress.

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hsg@h-gee.co.uk - 03 Nov 2006 23:39 GMT

>Before I tell you my problem, let me start by saying that I have very
>little knowledge of the E39 Model BMW as I have only just recently
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>Please can you advise as to what you may think the problem is and how I
>may resolve it?

Recently? How recently? Take it back to the dealer---------- his problem!

Sir Hugh of Bognor

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen
hsg@h-gee.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK

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