Author Topic: Central locking activating by itself! (Read 5227 times)

Sean_318is · « **on:** November 28, 2009, 02:46:35 PM »

This weekend my E36 coupe has started locking itself randomly and today it locked the keys in the car! I don't have a spare so I had to smash the rear drivers window to get in

Friday morning before work, I unlocked it, pulled the handle and it locked again, twice. I had to unlock it and open the passenger door, then open the drivers door to get in. Later on it self locked whilst driving.

Today I had washed the car at a jet wash and i was drying it off, when it locked itself with the keys in it (engine off).

Typically it's now p*ssing down with rain. Help!

Does anybody know what's causing this? Boot wiring harness rubbing through? Earth problem?

dwtaylorpdx · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2009, 01:31:02 AM »

You should have broke the front door window its way easier and cheaper to replace...

I'd bet its a short in a door actuator or the central locking control box is fubar...

Dave

carlos318is · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2009, 04:30:23 AM »

Sounds like the central locking modula or a split wire in the loom from the car to the door this is a common problem on my other halfs BM and is something I have got to do today and it locking and unlocking its self all the time

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2009, 09:36:50 AM »

Check the door lock micro switches. They fail over time, fall off or get misadjusted.

My passenger side can't unlock the car at all. If I try to lock the car it locks the doors but then immediately unlocks them again.

Isn't there an emergency unlock system in the e36? Like pulling the door handle while turning the key? My e34 does that, just in case the battery does. It takes some practice but it's easier than breaking a window.

dwtaylorpdx · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2009, 01:34:46 PM »

He had locked the keys in the car......

Dave

Sean_318is · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2009, 02:13:45 AM »

Thanks guys I'll have a look in those areas.

I didn't have a choice about the window, my mate started prizing at the little black button and it shattered! Its been replaced now by my insurance company, �75 quid excess. I'm getting a spare key cut this week too.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2009, 09:00:44 PM »

Quote from: dwtaylorpdx;82239

He had locked the keys in the car......

Dave

He didn't say all his keys, I gave him the benefit of the doubt...:p

I bought one of those little magnetic key things. I have a spare key on the car in a secret location...just in case it acts up. I'm not really worried about it getting stolen (as it won't run long enough for the thief to get far...).

Sean_318is · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2009, 11:37:19 AM »

I've found some broken wired in the boot lid wiring loom, so i've disconnected the lock for now. I will repair them soon.

I've attempted fitting the new window to the door but it was so frustrating I needed a couple of beers to calm down after swearing like a sailor for an hour. Its now propped up old school style with a piece of wood

lol

**** ****ing ****ing ****ing car!

Maybe an evening in the workshop at work this week will do it.

Sean_318is · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2010, 02:56:32 AM »

Repaired the wiring, everythings back to normal now

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2010, 01:32:42 PM »

info
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/central_locking.html

I had another link that was better but can't find it right now .I post it when I find it but this will get you started.
I replaced my module a few years ago and it's worked like a charm ever since.
good luck