Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: 1998 E46 Unable to re-initialise key

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1998 E46

    1998 E46 Unable to re-initialise key

    Hi guys,

    Having an issue with my E46 key fob at the moment. Remote lock/unlock was having sporadic issues over the last few months, changed batteries and it seemed to be resolved for a few weeks but now the issue is back.

    One other thing I have noticed is the automatic door locking once you start driving has stopped.

    I have attempted to re-intialise / re-code the key (Key in, turn to ACC, turn off. Hold unlock and tap circle button 3 times, let go of both). After following these steps, the light on the key will flash which should confirm the coding has been succesful, though the doors do not lock/unlock as I have read should happen. I then put the key back to ignition, back to ACC, then back off to complete the process. The remote locking & unlocking will still not work.

    Is there a module within the car that could be at fault that I could test? Or a fuse responsible for this system? Google searches have not proven to be very fruitful.


    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    130
    My Cars
    2002 BMW E46 SALOON 325i
    Check central locking fuses?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1998 E46
    Haven't specifically checked, them no. But when unlocking car by key, or using the door lock button, all doors will lock & unlock simultaneously.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    130
    My Cars
    2002 BMW E46 SALOON 325i
    Got a spare key?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Sayre
    Posts
    11
    My Cars
    2006 325ci Vert

    1998 E46 Unable to re-initialise key

    I think your missing the first step. You must lock and unlock the door with the key, get in the car and close the door and then insert the key in the ignition etc.
    Last edited by kwise1258; 03-06-2016 at 10:22 AM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1998 E46
    Quote Originally Posted by SamDK View Post
    Got a spare key?
    No spare unfortunately.


    Quote Originally Posted by kwise1258 View Post
    I think your missing the first step. You must lock and unlock the door with the key, get in the car and close the door and then insert the key in the ignition etc.

    Can't say I read anywhere about locking / unlocking the door... did read about opening it at certain points throughout the process. Will try the key unlock/lock thing.

    I just thought the since the key is getting to the flashing point that the re-code process being used must have been correct, and there was a fault elsewhere.

    Will try this tonight after work.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Sayre
    Posts
    11
    My Cars
    2006 325ci Vert
    Well?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1998 E46
    Quote Originally Posted by kwise1258 View Post
    Well?
    Sorry forgot to reply. Tried this and had no luck either

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Zimbabwe
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 320i
    If your e46 key fob is the infrared type like in the pic and not the microwave type then that initialisation process wont work,your receiver wont be at the c pillar of your car but in the clown nose under your rear view mirror.So when initialising follow all the other steps but this time when you remove the key,point at your clown nose not more than 10cm from it and when the led starts blinking let it blink for at least 3 seconds then press the lock button,you shoul continue to point at the clown nose throughout the process.Hope its clear enough
    e46.jpg

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Zimbabwe
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 320i

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    do the locks work when you press the central locking button in the center console?
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    topanga CA
    Posts
    483
    My Cars
    84 728i,325Ci, 77 R100RS
    First issue is to verify your recoding procedure and check ALL fuses. Much written.
    Is it a convertible? If yes, the antenna for the key is in the floor of rearview mirror. If no, the antenna is in the driver's C pillar behind the trim and can have dirty connectors which are easy to clean.
    Since you know all 4 doors lock with the key and the central button, maybe the GM module is fine, and I'd be looking at the signal between key and car. If you have a friend with the same setup, borrow a key and program it to your car or try your key in their car. If your key works in their car but not yours, your antenna/mirror is bad or has no power from module. If their key works in your car, your key is bad. Often a repaired/repowered key will quit after a while. Did you solder the new battery or just snap in a new one? Did you use a rechargeable battery? Could it have lost contact inside?

Similar Threads

  1. Unable to initialize the key on e60
    By boon63 in forum 2004-2010 (E60,E61)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-10-2016, 05:02 PM
  2. Help with re initialising key
    By kulgan in forum 1995 - 2001 (E38)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 10-27-2014, 05:46 PM
  3. Possible to upgrade E36 key to E46 style key?
    By Rakshas in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 01-31-2012, 09:38 PM
  4. [ PROs NEEDED ] E46 Unable To Start!
    By hellgrace5 in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 09-20-2008, 09:02 AM
  5. Unable to use ice link on E46 Coupe
    By tomatot in forum Car Audio & Electronics sponsored by Bavsound
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-05-2006, 04:53 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •