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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4756
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
- Location: Lincoln UK
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Evening all
Before I admit defeat and hand the car to someone who knows what they are doing... I'm going to ask if anyone has any thoughts on what could be the root cause of the electrical issues I cant resolve.
All ideas welcome!
List of issues:
Roof- unlatches ok windows drop- but wipers operate when roof motor kicks in and roof motor has low voltage and cant move roof
Wipers won’t work off stalk but screen wash does.
When wiper motor unplugged nothing works that have existing errors
When using the wiper stalk the windows stop working for 15 sec and interior lights go off
Sat nav screen doesn’t work but pops up
Windows move slightly (roof drop) when drivers heated seat triggered
Passenger seat works perfectly
Drivers seat motion not working completely (low voltage) and heated seat shows open circuit
Interior lights dim when these issues happen (roof motor and seat motors labouring)
Purple x2 relays strange noises when roof trying to operate
Apart from that, considering its been in bits for 2 years, the car is superb. Runs well, no warning lights at all. All lights, headlights, indicators are good no dimming/weirdness
I've tested the Kbus:
Kbus shows voltage stable at rest AND under component test with items that have problems
Earths checked x7 around the car- cant find any loose connections
All fuses removed one by one to see if that resolved the various issues (again to see if a component is causing the issue) but nothing changes
Modules tested (removed from power to see if the module is causing problems):
Roof module
GM5
Radio
Wipers
ABS/dsc
SAS
LCM
Clocks
Airbag
I've got a week or of work to do on it (servicing etc) and then have the fallback option of taking it to a local specialist for an MOT (which it will fail as the wipers don't work) so they can diagnose better.
I will reconnect to INPA in the am to see if modules are showing etc.
Come one come all! What else can I look at please?
TIA
Stuart
Before I admit defeat and hand the car to someone who knows what they are doing... I'm going to ask if anyone has any thoughts on what could be the root cause of the electrical issues I cant resolve.
All ideas welcome!
List of issues:
Roof- unlatches ok windows drop- but wipers operate when roof motor kicks in and roof motor has low voltage and cant move roof
Wipers won’t work off stalk but screen wash does.
When wiper motor unplugged nothing works that have existing errors
When using the wiper stalk the windows stop working for 15 sec and interior lights go off
Sat nav screen doesn’t work but pops up
Windows move slightly (roof drop) when drivers heated seat triggered
Passenger seat works perfectly
Drivers seat motion not working completely (low voltage) and heated seat shows open circuit
Interior lights dim when these issues happen (roof motor and seat motors labouring)
Purple x2 relays strange noises when roof trying to operate
Apart from that, considering its been in bits for 2 years, the car is superb. Runs well, no warning lights at all. All lights, headlights, indicators are good no dimming/weirdness
I've tested the Kbus:
Kbus shows voltage stable at rest AND under component test with items that have problems
Earths checked x7 around the car- cant find any loose connections
All fuses removed one by one to see if that resolved the various issues (again to see if a component is causing the issue) but nothing changes
Modules tested (removed from power to see if the module is causing problems):
Roof module
GM5
Radio
Wipers
ABS/dsc
SAS
LCM
Clocks
Airbag
I've got a week or of work to do on it (servicing etc) and then have the fallback option of taking it to a local specialist for an MOT (which it will fail as the wipers don't work) so they can diagnose better.
I will reconnect to INPA in the am to see if modules are showing etc.
Come one come all! What else can I look at please?
TIA
Stuart
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- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4756
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Oh and swapped GM5 over with two others to check that is not the issue
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- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 15072
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Struggling to get my head round it mate if I'm honest, though electrickery is not my strong suit. I can find nothing in Newtis that links them all.
I tried to start by looking at the point where the roof motor is triggered to start running as that is where the wiper issue starts. Cannot find anything logical in that at all.
A random thought...................... can you try swapping the hydraulic pipes and the electrical connectors on the motor?
That way, what was the earth becomes the live for lowering the roof. If the fault changes then it may point to one of the wires in the motor circuit.
It's a wild stab, but no idea where else to start.
Starting to think you may need to actually pay an electrician.
I tried to start by looking at the point where the roof motor is triggered to start running as that is where the wiper issue starts. Cannot find anything logical in that at all.
A random thought...................... can you try swapping the hydraulic pipes and the electrical connectors on the motor?
That way, what was the earth becomes the live for lowering the roof. If the fault changes then it may point to one of the wires in the motor circuit.
It's a wild stab, but no idea where else to start.
Starting to think you may need to actually pay an electrician.
- bigwinn
- Lifer
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- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
- Location: Lincoln UK
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
To be fair I've not swapped them over so its worth a goenuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:30 pm Struggling to get my head round it mate if I'm honest, though electrickery is not my strong suit. I can find nothing in Newtis that links them all.
I tried to start by looking at the point where the roof motor is triggered to start running as that is where the wiper issue starts. Cannot find anything logical in that at all.
A random thought...................... can you try swapping the hydraulic pipes and the electrical connectors on the motor?
That way, what was the earth becomes the live for lowering the roof. If the fault changes then it may point to one of the wires in the motor circuit.
It's a wild stab, but no idea where else to start.
Starting to think you may need to actually pay an electrician.
Steve also suggested (and I concur) that the common issue of wipers, windows and roof is GM5- so although I've checked maybe the wiring is duff...
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 15072
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Have you checked the plug pins to the GM5?bigwinn wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:33 pmTo be fair I've not swapped them over so its worth a goenuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:30 pm Struggling to get my head round it mate if I'm honest, though electrickery is not my strong suit. I can find nothing in Newtis that links them all.
I tried to start by looking at the point where the roof motor is triggered to start running as that is where the wiper issue starts. Cannot find anything logical in that at all.
A random thought...................... can you try swapping the hydraulic pipes and the electrical connectors on the motor?
That way, what was the earth becomes the live for lowering the roof. If the fault changes then it may point to one of the wires in the motor circuit.
It's a wild stab, but no idea where else to start.
Starting to think you may need to actually pay an electrician.
Steve also suggested (and I concur) that the common issue of wipers, windows and roof is GM5- so although I've checked maybe the wiring is duff...
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 15072
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Oh, and here's another random thought. Are you sure the GM5 was the correct one? ie. was it definitely a Star 12 or a 5RD? Have you tried the other option?
- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4756
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
No- will put it on the listenuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:34 pmHave you checked the plug pins to the GM5?bigwinn wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:33 pmTo be fair I've not swapped them over so its worth a goenuff_zed wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:30 pm Struggling to get my head round it mate if I'm honest, though electrickery is not my strong suit. I can find nothing in Newtis that links them all.
I tried to start by looking at the point where the roof motor is triggered to start running as that is where the wiper issue starts. Cannot find anything logical in that at all.
A random thought...................... can you try swapping the hydraulic pipes and the electrical connectors on the motor?
That way, what was the earth becomes the live for lowering the roof. If the fault changes then it may point to one of the wires in the motor circuit.
It's a wild stab, but no idea where else to start.
Starting to think you may need to actually pay an electrician.
Steve also suggested (and I concur) that the common issue of wipers, windows and roof is GM5- so although I've checked maybe the wiring is duff...
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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- bigwinn
- Lifer
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
12 star for 12 star
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- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 15072
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- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
No reason why it would be, but have you tried a 5RD?
- bigwinn
- Lifer
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Don’t think I’ve got one but will check the parts pile
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- bigwinn
- Lifer
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Never seen this before but the gm5 ops list is very interesting!
https://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_Connections.htm
https://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_Connections.htm
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- BumpyZ4
- Member
- Posts: 600
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- Location: New Orleans, LA USA
Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
I think you are on the right track, either GM5, grounding issue or both. Since it sat so long it could have rodent damage to the wiring somewhere.
2003 E85 3.0i Sterling Gray
KLR 650
Diva Roadster (Kit Car)
KLR 650
Diva Roadster (Kit Car)
- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4756
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Going to run some clean grounds from the gm5 today to see if that makes a change
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- colb
- Senior Member
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Wiring for a GM5 here which may be of use https://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_Connections.htm
Z Shed Cymru member
1999 1.8 Z3
2003 2.5 Z4
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- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4756
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
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Jigsaw- electrical issues before I admit defeat
Cheers col
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