Central locking not working

[PaulT]

Hi everyone,

I have just bought a 2001 Z3 and the central locking isn’t working. When I put the key in to lock the driver door it’s the only one that locks. The boot and passenger door have to be locked individually too.
I have checked the wires in the boot as some posts have suggested but all wires are in good condition. I’ve checked the fuses and all seem fine too.

Any suggestions on what else it could be?

 

[jonco]

[QUOTE="PaulT, post: 612049, member: 14701" Any suggestions on what else it could be?
[/QUOTE]
If the loom and fuses are ok the next favourite is the lock actuator.
What happens when i) you lock the boot - do the others lock? ii) you lock the passenger door - do the others lock?

Does anything happen on remote lock?

 

[vetinari]

[QUOTE="PaulT, post: 612049, member: 14701" Any suggestions on what else it could be?

If the loom and fuses are ok the next favourite is the lock actuator.
What happens when i) you lock the boot - do the others lock? ii) you lock the passenger door - do the others lock?

Does anything happen on remote lock?
[/QUOTE]
It might be Bubba's Gremlins
When I bought my Z3 neither key would lock remotely . I changed both key batteries and key 1 lurched into occaisional operation . I boosted my fairly new battery with a trickle charger and the key responded . Over time it became more reliable , now it works first time every time .
Key 2 has resisted every " reactivate your key " formula I found . Today , in a fit of COVID inaction I tried the procedure in the Owner's manual yet again .
BINGO the key reactivated and now works every time .NO idea why this procedure , which I had tried several time previously , worked today
Watch this space . I'm onto the phantom alarm problem
Vetinari

 

[colb]

Here are three ways to sync keys with the EWS3 system
Three methods to try:
Last time I had to sync my Z4 keys Method 3 worked for me.

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.



Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.



Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

 

[vetinari]

Hi
I tried all the above procedures several times over the summer . none of them worked . Last week I tried Procedure One , which is in my Owner's Manual. in a fit of idle curiosity and Bingo it worked !
At first it only worked at very short range from a point near the door locks. The range has increased steadily with time . It now works reliably from any location reasonably near the car .
It seems that Bubba's Gremlins have left the wiring .
Vetinari

 

[vetinari]

Bubba's Gremlins were obviously AWOL , they are back in force, again
The sad tale so far
I reprogramed both keys , for a day I had two keys which would remote lock every time . Bubba's Gremlins have left the building ?

NEXT DAY : Key 1 locked , Key 2 was dead , reprogramed Key 2 which then worked BUT key 1 no longer worked !!
I reprogramed key 1 , Key 2 no longer worked . I could have either key locking remotely but the other one would not lock

TODAY Key 1 locks , Key 2 is dead and refuses to be reprogramed

Any suggestions for Gremlin extinction will be welcome
Cheers
Vetinari

 

[gookah]

did the keys get wet?


or have you fed them after midnight....

 

[colb]

When you reprogram a key are you doing the other one straight after the first one as per the methods posted earlier, seems strange that one programmes and the second key dosn't

 

[vetinari]

Yes , following the procedures precisely ,"Strange "is putting it mildly .I need an Exorcist !
Vetinari