locked out but I have the keys!! - Root cause discovered!

[bloc]

@fasteddie2015 just rebuilt his driver door actuator.. he may have some insight on whether there is a direct mechanical connection or just switches and a motor.

Mine definitely feels mechanical, though there is also the obvious electric switch that senses 2 key movements and triggers the rest of the doors to copy whatever I’m doing with the physical key.

 

[fasteddie2015]

The key is a physical connection right into the actuator. The outside door handle connects to the latch via a rod about 5 inches long. I think if that was disconnected you would not have been able to open the door from the outside. I suppose it could have broken when the lock problem occurred. The inside lock and handle are connected to the actuator by cables like handbrake cables.

Can you open your windows using the fob? If so, open the window and reach in to use the inside levers. This might take the motor out of the equation, as both levers are purely mechanical connections.

 

[fasteddie2015]

And as far as electrical, there’s a pos a neg and 4 pins that I assume allows the ecu to communicate with all 4 or 5 doors

 

[fasteddie2015]

There’s a special tool made for situations like this....

 

[Loyota]

Mystery solved! I replaced the actuator today. There are 2 rods that connect to the actuator - one for the handle which was connected and another very short rod that goes from key to the actuator. I never connected this one 2 years ago when I replaced it the first time. There are zero side effects - no rattle or any other issues - EXCEPT that the emergency key does not work!

In summary, root cause was failing actuator and incorrect install of actuatorl last time. Lesson learned - always make sure you check that the key works!

Also, I found a guy on eBay who rebuilds actuators. It was about $50 for a rebuilt actuator with a lifetime warranty if you return the core. Its more expensive than replacing just the little motor (which I did last time and is a pain) but its much cheaper than a whole new assy - ~$250.

 

[GordJ]

Just wanted to clarify, your fob was set to open the drivers door only? If it was set to open all it would have done so? Im not suggesting anything, just wondering.

 

[Loyota]

It was set for driver door only but in my strange lock out case it would not really matter. If the truck is on or running, the FOBs don't do anything.

 

[GordJ]

It was set for driver door only but in my strange lock out case it would not really matter. If the truck is on or running, the FOBs don't do anything.

Thanks

 

[Markuson]

Finally its fixed (or at least usable)! Locksmith used 2 small air bladders on passenger door then a fancy coat hanger to move mechanical door lock. It took about 30 seconds total. Once in the car, I can turn start/stop off and the FOBs work fine. The driver door lock actuator is still intermittent. I set smart access to unlock all doors for now so at least if the driver door fails, the other doors unlock.

BTW, all personalized data (startup image, radio pre sets, maintenance info, etc.) is all saved via the hard drive. Having battery disconnected all night did not matter.

The mechanical key still does not seem to be working. Not sure if its electrical or mechanical. When I replace actuator next week, I'll figure that out. Locksmith said BMWs use a key to activate the electric motor so if the battery is dead and/or actuator dies, then the key does nothing. That is my guess on this truck also.

The bottom line - if your driver door actuator is acting strange, fix it ASAP!!! I'm just thankful this happened in my garage and I did not need truck. This could have been a mess if out in the middle of nowhere. I guess I'd just break the window.

Nice.
I actually keep one of those air bladder things in my drawers and have gotten into 4 cars for strangers with it. Won’t help me get into my own truck...

 

[LBridges]

Mystery solved! ...

Thanks for the follow-up.

 

[PDoyle]

So the question is... What battery is keeping the computer alive after pulling the cables off the main battery?

 

[GordJ]

Nice.
I actually keep one of those air bladder things in my drawers and have gotten into 4 cars for strangers with it. Won’t help me get into my own truck...

Two things, my understanding is if the actuator is correctly installed the key will open the door so the air bladder thingy may work?
And secondly, won’t the air bladder thingy be locked in the truck?

 

[Markuson]

And secondly, won’t the air bladder thingy be locked in the truck?

Yep. It’s used to help others.
But... if you’re wheeling in a group? -I’m also helping myself, because the whole group gets stuck if one truck is stranded. This helps us get going again. Plus...it’s a happy, easy way to help strangers...so I do get nice guy brownie points... haha