Driver side door doesn't unlock with key fob or center console unlock button

[simon_c]

Looks like my drivers side door is no longer able to unlock using either the key fob or center console unlock button. Locking works fine though it's just unlocking is an issue (drivers side door only and passenger door locks/unlocks just fine). Inserting the key I can lock and unlock. Trying to figure out if this is a GM5 issue, fuse, or door actuator. Any ideas?

[chalaka]

suspect it might be GM5 module's fault(the infamous Relays), or the actual door lock actuator ..

i am debugging my passenger side right now ..

unfortunately, i didn't fix mine after replacing with a used GM5 i purchased from many years ago ~~~

so, it could be dual issues as well ..

[simon_c]

If it was the door lock actuator wouldn't it not lock either though?

[Ramps]

It could be either the lock actuator only locking but not unlocking OR the GM5 module. The GM5 is way easier to change out. Any friends with an E46 coupe you can swap in their GM5 and see if the door unlocks? If it doesn’t you know it’s the actuator.

[trigtm]

Does the center button work at all? Those can blow out along with the hazard switch and cause issues. Take it out and have a look not sure if it is wired in line with the whole locking system though. If the passenger side locks and unlocks with the center button it's probably not your issue tho.


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[simon_c]

Does the center button work at all? Those can blow out along with the hazard switch and cause issues. Take it out and have a look not sure if it is wired in line with the whole locking system though. If the passenger side locks and unlocks with the center button it's probably not your issue tho.


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You know what the center button doesn't work at all (for either driver or passenger door or locking/unlocking) now that I've checked it.

[sapote]

You know what the center button doesn't work at all (for either driver or passenger door or locking/unlocking) now that I've checked it.

If the console sw doesn't work, then maybe the key fob unlock button is bad. SAme with another key? If all keys can't unlock, then I tend to think it's the GM5 driver door relay contacts are bad. Just locate the correct relay on the board, then cut open the relay plastic cover and clean up the pitted contacts and it should work again. I had done this twice for 2 cars.

[Mystic03]

Mine behaves the same, except its the passenger door. I hear the relays buzzing though, so I plan to replace the relays this winter and code my new keys. Hopefully that fixes it.

[simon_c]

Mine behaves the same, except its the passenger door. I hear the relays buzzing though, so I plan to replace the relays this winter and code my new keys. Hopefully that fixes it.

I think this is going to be my first troubleshooting step (cleaning the relays). I need to remove the driver door panel to fix the common speaker/door card rattle at some point too.

[sapote]

You know what the center button doesn't work at all (for either driver or passenger door or locking/unlocking) now that I've checked it.

Then it's better to edit the top post and the title as they are misleading.

[sapote]

Mine behaves the same, except its the passenger door. I hear the relays buzzing though, so I plan to replace the relays this winter and code my new keys. Hopefully that fixes it.

Fixing the relay is 10x easier than replacing it. Unsolder the many pins device is not an easy job and can cause damages to the signal traces on the pcb.

[sapote]

I think this is going to be my first troubleshooting step (cleaning the relays). I need to remove the driver door panel to fix the common speaker/door card rattle at some point too.

Have you tried with other keys?

[Mystic03]

Fixing the relay is 10x easier than replacing it. Unsolder the many pins device is not an easy job and can cause damages to the signal traces on the pcb.

Sorry..I should have said repair. Yes, I am not intending on replacing them. Thank you!

[Barracooda]

Mine is doing the same thing on the driver's side, locks fine but won't unlock with the fob or the center button. I can hear it trying to unlock, so I'm fairly sure it's the actuator. I believe the drivers side actuator does wear a lot quicker since it gets cycled more than the passenger door from normal use.

[simon_c]

Then it's better to edit the top post and the title as they are misleading.

Technically it's still true because it doesn't work for unlocking no?