what does this mean? (door lock issue) and then some

[houstonh]

statement 1: I have the Bentley manual.. its not helping me out here.

I can't figure out the damn locks on the car 325i.. someone thought they were a wiring genius before I bought the car...anyhow.

1st off I can lock/unlock passenger door and trunk no problem.

The drivers door is the issue. I cannot lock the door from the lock and I cannot lock it unless it is closed. And even then I can only lock it from the inside (I have to walk around to the passenger side, get in, and manually lock it from the inside).

What gives?

I popped off the door panel and did some inspection. There is a loose wire that appears to go to the lock area, but where it should connect I have no idea... looks like it might be a heated lock? it is bundles with another wire that is connecting to some part of the door handle mount.

Also the small little box with "switch" on it is not mounted, but even my tests by pushing the button/switch and turning the key in the cylinder does not seem to accomplish anything.

With the door open there is NO WAY to get the door to the locked position it feels completely locked out.

I think I have central locks as there is a little box behind the front left speaker that clicks.

But.. there is a whole other situation with the wiring from the door to the chassis. I can move that wiring and that box clicks.. so I got a ground in an impossible place.

However for the time being I just want to be able to lock my damn door? Any help is greatly appreciated.



*** update: got the harness apart at the door junction. any wiggling of this is tripping the relay.
other notes rear trunk actuator doesnt seem to do anything on this car.
gas cap lock is missing the pin.. so it isnt a good indicator either

What causes the the drivers door not to be able to lock with the key? or by pushing the lock down with the door open? I noticed both my 88is and 89i have this similar issue... although on the 88is I am getting a lot more action.. like the locks kick back when going to the full clockwise turn, but the door still does not lock.


Pictures:

Where does this other wire go? what does it do?


Are these standard connectors on all 325i's? If so should the be connecting to something? Circled in yellow



Does this go to the tweeter pods if I had them?


Lots more pics here, but fairly disorienting:
inside the door panel/CLCU wiring hell

[emi325i]

The driver's door doesn't lock until you shut it. that's a feature; it prevents you from locking the keys inside the car. You're supposed to use the key to lock it.

[emi325i]

That box you have is indeed the central lock controller; sounds like you do have some wiring problems, but it's hard to say where.. if you have access to a car that hasn't been messed with, you might be able to get rid of the extra crap and fix it. My brother's car had an alarm added to it, and .. man.. that was hack job. It was easy enough to remove and get it working again.

[houstonh]

thanks man. I realized the locks wont lock without the door closed... and that is intended. It's just unfortunate because the doors wont lock by the key from the outside. I am getting more familiar now. Seeing as the microswitch is not mounted that could be one of the many issues, but I think there is more going on.

Any ideas on that loose wire? or the circled plugs? Looking the wiring diagram provided by Bentley I don't see any reference to those plugs (not an EE so not super familiar with some of terminal symbols)


Is it easier to just rip out the central lock box and use an aftermarket door lock system?

[DMF]

I have the same exact problem.. I have not taken apart the door yet though. Have you fixed this issue yet?

Nice to know learn that the fact you cannot lock the drivers door from the inside while open is a protective feature.

[StereoInstaller1]

Also the small little box with "switch" on it is not mounted, but even my tests by pushing the button/switch and turning the key in the cylinder does not seem to accomplish anything.

That is the microswitch...a commonly failed part, BTW. Replace it when you can.

With the door open there is NO WAY to get the door to the locked position it feels completely locked out.

For diagnostic purposes, simply latch the damn latch! Just make sure you open it before you attempt to close the door.

But.. there is a whole other situation with the wiring from the door to the chassis. I can move that wiring and that box clicks.. so I got a ground in an impossible place.

Make sure you aren't moving the wires for the domelight switch. It has a relay right next to the door lock controller, and any wiggle of the wire will make it click too.

However for the time being I just want to be able to lock my damn door? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheapest solution? Buy an alarm or keyless entry system. 2 relays and you are done.

*** update: got the harness apart at the door junction. any wiggling of this is tripping the relay.
other notes rear trunk actuator doesnt seem to do anything on this car.
gas cap lock is missing the pin.. so it isnt a good indicator either

Trunk is the same as the drivers door...open = no lockie.

Where does this other wire go? what does it do?

I have no clue, but I can tell you it is not in either of my cars!

Are these standard connectors on all 325i's? If so should the be connecting to something? Circled in yellow

Tweeters!

Does this go to the tweeter pods if I had them?

Yes.

BTW, here is a link you should have. It has all of BMWs factory electrical service manuals: http://www.wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

Keep on it, man!
Luke

[rcko]

No help for you but just backing up the keyless solution...

I put one on my '88 325is after getting tired of opening and closing from the passenger side and or trunk. I had the same issue as you. Drivers side would work and passenger started acting up.

Just stay away from the cheap ebay units. Buy a decent one. I payed $88 for mine and installed it in 30minutes. I have had it now for six months without issues.

BTW,search on keyless entry and STEREOINSTALLER nick and read the threads on how to wire the system up. He has shared good pointers and info on where to put the relays and diodes for the blinking lights, horn etc. It took me a while searching through the multiple threads on the subject but it is there just got to search for it, sorry I did not bookmark them.

If you do not want the frills for the lights, horn etc, it is a real easy 15minute install with plastic couplers. I think it was 5 wires total.