Experiencing issues with your BMW X5 after plugging in an OBDII device? You’re not alone. One BMW X5 owner recently encountered a perplexing problem after installing a SAVVY module for their Valentine V1 radar detector. Initially, everything seemed to work perfectly. The concealed display of the radar detector, powered through the OBDII port, was functioning as expected in their 2016 BMW X5. However, the convenience of this setup soon turned into an unexpected embarrassment when they found themselves unable to lock their car using the key fob.
The problem arose after parking at a restaurant. Attempts to lock the doors with the key fob were met with the car alarm repeatedly going off. After some troubleshooting, the owner realized the newly installed SAVVY module, plugged into the OBDII port, was the culprit. Unplugging the SAVVY module immediately resolved the issue, allowing the doors to lock normally. This experience highlights a known incompatibility issue between certain OBDII devices and some BMW models, as noted on Valentine One’s website. Despite prior testing where the radar detector and SAVVY module seemed to function correctly, the crucial detail of testing the door locking system while the OBDII device was connected was missed.
Fortunately, the owner discovered a solution through online forums and YouTube videos, pointing towards the use of BimmerCode and OBDII scanners to modify vehicle settings. This revelation led them to order a Veepeak OBDCheck Bluetooth scanner tool and download both BimmerCode and BimmerLink applications. The hope is that by using these tools, they can adjust the vehicle’s coding to eliminate the conflict between the OBDII port accessory and the car’s locking system.
This BMW X5 owner’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for anyone using OBDII devices for displays or other accessories in their vehicles. While OBDII ports offer convenient access to power and vehicle data, compatibility issues can arise, leading to unexpected problems like malfunctioning locking systems. Tools like BimmerCode and OBDII scanners offer a potential path to resolve these issues and even unlock further customization options, such as tinkering with the Heads-Up Display (HUD), demonstrating the power and versatility of OBDII interfaces for car enthusiasts willing to explore beyond the surface.
