So the other day my brother was driving his 89 325i to go get something to eat, we get back in the car and he tries starting it and it doesn't start....starter just makes a clicking noise so we got it towed back home. We checked the battery, check the fuses and relays and its all good, changed the starter, and even swapped the whole wire harness. The car still doesn't start, makes the clicking noise and doesn't even crank....does anyone have any idea what else it could be or how i could diagnose the problem?
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Bad relay? Check the ground connections, is your battery putting out enough amps ? Check the basics good luck -
When you say you checked the battery, what did you do?
Let me know if you want me to come check it out.Comment
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Have you checked to see if your getting system voltage to the B+ @ the Starter Solenoid? It takes allot of Voltage to to turn a car over (especially us guys who run heavier oils like 20w50) and especially when its cold (up hear in the Bay Area its been getting down in the low 40's/30's at night). Clicking sound could be the Starter Solenoid not able to complete the connection (plunger connecting and disconnecting is the clicking sound). I'd def check your Battery Voltage though with a DVOM and make sure you have enough supplied voltage to turn the car over (minimum and thats pushing it would be roughly 9.6v-10v). If your replaced your starter with a known good one, and your still having the identical issues, Its more then likely the battery. Sounds like MR325 though is down to help you out, so thats cool. :)
Good Luck! Let us know what it was once you figured it out. ;)Comment
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I'd say that minimum battery voltage to start the car would be 12.0 volts, and that far discharged it would be iffy.The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
Jim Levie, Huntsville, ALComment
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Status: HG repair. 488wtq though!Comment
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Originally posted by MR 325 View Post
I have a battery and alternator testing device. It has 6 lights on the side. 3 for the battery level and the other 3 for the output of the alternator.
the battery level was at the 1st light.. So I charged the battery ,but still the same problem.
I changed the main relay but the problem is still there.Comment
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I would check the ground strap running from the frame to the motor. If it isn't connected, this will happen.Comment
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Im sure i replaced that wire. but ill double check everything you guys have given me, and give an update.Comment
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Cleaned the ground connections and the car doesn't want to spin.
I heard that there might be something wrong with a tranny sensor? maybe that could be a problem? I have to investigate. Matt if you want you can come down and help us find the problem.. btw me and my bro saw you at o'reilly haha We were testing the starter... it passed twice.Comment
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do you have an eta? if not, there is no sensor in your crank. Don't just clean the contacts. replace the ground. It's like $5 for a new wire at an auto store.
Status: HG repair. 488wtq though!Comment
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No my brothers car is an i.. i guess ill pick up a ground wire then.Comment
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Send 12v strait to the signal wire on starter. If that doesn't work make sure starter is getting 12v and good ground. if thats good, replace starter.Comment
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try turning the motor just a bit with a big socket on the crank. May be that the flywheel is just not quite in the right spot for the starter to engage...happened to me!Comment
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Thanks for the help guys, It ended up being the ground wire.....Can't believe I went though all this trouble of changing the starter and swapping the wire harness because of one f**kin wire. lolComment
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