E46 318i Hazard & Central Locking buttons

[jimo]

2000 E46 318i auto. The hazard warning flashers button and the central locking button next to each other on the central consol behind the gear lever, have both stopped working at the same time. But the indicator signal lights all work normally and when the car is locked from the outside with the remote, the hazard flasher lights all flash once as they should. Also all central locking with the remote, to lock and unlock the car works normally.

I'm new to the car, so can anyone please help with suggestions on what I may have done to cause this, or what the problem could be?

Thanks

 

[zaleonardz]

Both of them stop working, and being indpendant systems could mean that perhaps the plug pulled out somehow.

It could be from a valet that it was never put back properly, or some other work, other then that I have no clue.

 

[DonovanPorter]

sounds like the plugs have come loose or pulled out some how

 

[jimo]

sounds like the plugs have come loose or pulled out some how

Can you perhaps say where such plugs are located?

jimo

 

[Jacques668866]

Pull the switch out, I'm sure you're find it right there by the switch.

 

[E39 Ian]

How do you remove those buttons, I have a similar problem, but it only my central locking button. It just stopped working all of a sardine, hopefully plug is just loose.

 

[Raybimmer]

Can you pull the gear lever surround ( leather ) away and then see the underside of the switch ?
If there is no plug attached then push the switch up and check for the plug below and connect . check operation and then replace .

 

[jimo]

Thanks for all the interest and the replies in the right direction. The gear shift boot can be lifted and the cover loosened by two screws. The console can then be lifted enough to push up the switchbox. The bottom of the switchbox is held in by a very flimsy clip arrangement which breaks because we push down against it when pressing the switches. The bottom of the box then slips out and the switches lose electrical contact. It can be fixed by glue and tape. So my switches are working fine.(I hope it lasts!)

For a good explanation with photos, visit this thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=665037&highlight=console+buttons

Cheers!