Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

No start...and it gets worse...

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    No start...and it gets worse...

    '86 325es, stock

    So I just got back from a long trip for work, took a short drive to pick up my dog from the sitter and the car wouldn't start. I've been having issues with it starting lately, but I replaced and cleaned all my grounds and that seemed to fix the issue.

    Here's how this is going:
    - Turn the key, hear the relay click and the starter click once and nothing. No starter engagement.

    - Double check all connections and all looks fine. Try again, same thing.

    - Car starts reluctantly and I drive it home. Turn it off in the driveway. Go back out and turn the key, same thing. I grab a hammer, hit the starter and it fires right up...so I'm off on a drive to make sure everything is kosher. I am starting down my hill to my house and the car just shuts off.

    - Turn the key, no crank. I let it roll, dump the clutch and if fires up.

    - If the RPMs fall below 2500, it shuts off.

    - The car sounds like it is running on 3 cylinders and has no power.

    - There is an insanely high pitched squeal coming from the airbox area (it's been doing this for a while but is now WAY worse).

    Any help you can provide would be great. I am planning on replacing the starter but what the hell is up with the rest of this stuff? I need to get to work tomorrow so if you're bored, and suggestions are welcome.

    Thanks in advance!
    Tags: None
    #2
    This could be a dead battery, which could be the result of an over-age battery or a dying alternator. Or it could be a dying starter. Before replacing the starter have the battery and alternator tested.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
    Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

    Comment

      #3
      high pitched squeal from the air box you say?

      check for a clogged/blocked air filter/afm

      Comment

        #4
        Maybe the alternator belt squealing because the alternator is not turning? This in turn, causing the battery to not charge?

        Comment

          #5
          I had just replaced the battery and alternator about a month ago. Forgot to mention that. I made a thicker main engine ground and finally realized my mistake...

          ...when I took the leads off the starter to be cleaned up, I found a break in the black/yellow wire that connects to the bottom. Fixed it and it fired right up.

          The only issue I have now is after the car has been sitting overnight or for an extended period of time it takes a few cranks to start and I hear the starter clicking like crazy. It eventually fires up, but doesn't make me feel very good.

          I think it's about time to replace my AFM, so thanks for the advice there!

          Comment

            #6
            It really sounds like you have voltage issues somewhere still.

            Got a DMM?
            -Dave
            2003 Lincoln Towncar | 1992 BMW 325iC | 1968 Cadillac Deville

            Need some help figuring out the ETM?

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by DaveSmed View Post
              It really sounds like you have voltage issues somewhere still.

              Got a DMM?
              I do. Replaced my AFM last night and tested everything the Bentley could suggest. Everything was in spec. I still think regardless I have grounding issues but I'm not sure what else to repair/replace.

              - Battery to body ground
              - Oil pan to frame ground

              But I don't see any other main grounds. Am I missing one here?

              Comment

                #8
                There is a hood ground but I still think it's your alternator. Check the new alternator again.

                Comment

                Previous template Next
                Working...
                X