Door sensor

[crusher]

Anybody knows where the door sensor (detects door open) is located on my E36 325i ? Or better yet have a picture?My interior lights are not going out so I think its the sensor.

 

[JFT63]

The thing is attached to the body of the car. i had this issue once, yes, the switch is worn out..One common failure point of the E36 BMWs is the small switch located inside the power lock assembly. These switches get a lot of use, and when they wear out, they can cause all sorts of problems. Switches that are stuck open tell the car the door is ajar all the time. The dashboard chime may ring continuously, or the gauge cluster may experience some erratic behavior. If the switch is stuck closed, then coupe and convertible owners may have a heck of a time opening and closing their doors because the window won’t roll down that 1/4-inch or so to allow you to pull it away from the car.

 

[crusher]

So there is no way except to change the whole lock assembly?

 

[affan66]

Try spraying with wd40 first. If it does not work, likely the door sensor is worn out, requiring a replacement. Better this because you have comfort that the alarm works when the door is closed and the battery does not drain out as the cabin dome light is always on