Fuel door will lock, but not unlock, new actuator does the same thing.

[Ramps]

Wondering if anyone here has had this happen and if they know the fix. My fuel door stopped unlocking, but it would still lock. I assumed I needed a new actuator, bought a new VDO unit from FCP euro, plugged it in, and it does the same thing; it locks every time, but never unlocks. The other door locks work fine. Any ideas?? Bad GM5 module maybe?

TIA

[DPK_David]

I have the same problem. Hoping for an answer in this thread.

[Slideways]

It's either the locking pin is sticking - dirty or bent, the actuator is faulty or there is an issue with the GM5. I'd check in that order. ISTA software (possibly INPA as well) can show faults with GM5 if it has stored faults.

[Ramps]

It's either the locking pin is sticking - dirty or bent, the actuator is faulty or there is an issue with the GM5. I'd check in that order. ISTA software (possibly INPA as well) can show faults with GM5 if it has stored faults.

In my case it’s not the pin, with the actuator uninstalled but still plugged in is pops out (lock) and doesn’t even twitch which i hit unlock. Actually glad I checked the new one before i fully installed it. The fact that both old and new are the same leads me to think it’s the GM5. I couldn’t get INPA to work last time i tried…i might have to figure that out first.

[Shonky]

Mine randomly works locking. I don't think it ever fails to unlock though. So kind of the opposite. When it does work it makes the right noises and doesn't sound slow or strained which leads me to believe it's not the actuator itself.

Only noticed the other day. Theft of fuel isn't really a problem here so not particularly concerning.

[Kevin2772]

I have the same issue. Have to unlatch it in the truck every time i fill it up. Always figured it was the GM5....

[Will]

If you suspect it's the GM5 module, there's a guy who repairs them:

https://www.bmwgm5.com

[jdamore44]

My thought is Gm5 as well. I'm looking for a different person to rebuild mine. I didn't have the best luck with the mentioned website.

[Ramps]

Is the GM5 module something I can just swap for another one or do they require coding?

[Shonky]

Is the GM5 module something I can just swap for another one or do they require coding?

If you get one from the same year, body shape and a few other things you should be ok but there are lots of versions / part numbers so tricky to get it right without some coding.

There's a couple of threads on E46fanatics about it. One I remember where the OP called the coding thing a myth and most others got cranky with him. He was sort of right.

[Linn]

I had this same issue several years ago. Since I was taking my car to the dealership for other work, I asked them to check on this as well. They quoted a hefty price to replace the module, but said they could reprogram the existing one so the fuel door would remain unlocked all the time. Since I don't live in a high crime area, I opted for the less expensive solution, and so far I haven't encountered any problems.

[Slideways]

My thought is Gm5 as well. I'm looking for a different person to rebuild mine. I didn't have the best luck with the mentioned website.

terra mentioned that it is better to find another source to replace the relays in the GM5. The relays are not that hard to replace with a basic soldering kit. It's more work getting the GM5 out of the car lol

[Kevin2772]

Any idea on other sources for the GM5 fix? I reached out to that guy, and he got right back to me, but certainly didnt fill me with confidence in my short interaction.

[jdamore44]

Any idea on other sources for the GM5 fix? I reached out to that guy, and he got right back to me, but certainly didnt fill me with confidence in my short interaction.

yeah, he lost my GM5, said it never showed up. Even though the tracking showed otherwise. After 9months I get an email out of the blue saying that he had it the whole time and it had been misplaced. He acts like he is inconvenienced every time someone has a question or concern. Not how I like to do business.

[Kevin2772]

yeah, he lost my GM5, said it never showed up. Even though the tracking showed otherwise. After 9months I get an email out of the blue saying that he had it the whole time and it had been misplaced. He acts like he is inconvenienced every time someone has a question or concern. Not how I like to do business.

Yeah that sounds about right. Just seemed like a non professional side operation, and not one i feel like gambling with my cars functuality on. Unless I absolutely have no other choice. I have door lock issues as well. My drivers door only opens with the key. And sometimes the passenger door {(very intermittently) will not unlock at all. Not with door handle or anything. Then you start the car and wait a few and its fine.