Troubleshoot problem here...

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  • discopete
    Member
    • Jul 2011
    • 59
    #1

    Troubleshoot problem here...

    A guy contacted me about his E30 as he knew I was into them. He sent me the message below...

    ive got a 1990 e30 325i straight 6 5 speed.
    the factory radio was ripped outta it. and an aftermarket was rigged in. my battery died & tripped the security run through the radio. no biggie if you still have the factory radio harness ( hacked up).
    so is there any way to fix my ecm without fixing my radio wiring harness and buying a stock radio just to enter the "unlock codes"?
    my only solution is to do a stand alone propane fuel cell. it would actually pay for its self in the long run. but the fuel pump works, its getting fuel to the engine, its got spark, i can take fuel and put into the intake of it and it will run for only a second. so this means that the security isnt sending an electrical pulse to open the injectors therefore no fuel............

    i told him i would ask around...few days later he says hes selling/scrapping the car so it can be mine for just over salvage. I just dont understand why the radio security trip would affect the injectors? but then I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination so figured I'd ask around here and see what you guys thought...would love to go for it but have no idea how serious the issue is!

    Thanks in advance!
    Tags: None
    • dogsbark26
      E30 Addict
      • Nov 2008
      • 533
      #2
      Radio code is anti theft for the radio only. Has no effect on engine, fuel or spark. There IS however an anti-theft function integral to the OBC.

        Comment

        • discopete
          Member
          • Jul 2011
          • 59
          #3
          Originally posted by dogsbark26
          Radio code is anti theft for the radio only. Has no effect on engine, fuel or spark. There IS however an anti-theft function integral to the OBC.
          Can the obc be easily repaired/replaced? Trying to figure out if this is a good deal or whether it will be more trouble than its worth.

            Comment

            • dogsbark26
              E30 Addict
              • Nov 2008
              • 533
              #4
              Originally posted by discopete
              Can the obc be easily repaired/replaced
              Not repaired AFAIK. Replaced, yes, but you might first try disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes or so, see if it resets.
              Originally posted by discopete
              Trying to figure out if this is a good deal or whether it will be more trouble than its worth.
              I understand. Hard to tell from here. How proficient are you at tracing circuits and repairing them?

                Comment

                • discopete
                  Member
                  • Jul 2011
                  • 59
                  #5
                  Originally posted by dogsbark26
                  Not repaired AFAIK. Replaced, yes, but you might first try disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes or so, see if it resets.
                  I understand. Hard to tell from here. How proficient are you at tracing circuits and repairing them?
                  Not very proficient to be honest. A relative newbie to car mechanics. Always willing to learn and put the hours in though!

                    Comment

                    • dogsbark26
                      E30 Addict
                      • Nov 2008
                      • 533
                      #6
                      No, not mechanics. Electronics/electrical wiring.

                      Didn't you say in the original post that it runs if you manually give it fuel? So either fuel pump, injectors, ECM, or WIRING.

                      Could be either A) no better time to learn or B) he knows more about cars than you and knows it is junk. What do you risk by choosing A?

                        Comment

                        • discopete
                          Member
                          • Jul 2011
                          • 59
                          #7
                          Originally posted by dogsbark26
                          No, not mechanics. Electronics/electrical wiring.

                          Didn't you say in the original post that it runs if you manually give it fuel? So either fuel pump, injectors, ECM, or WIRING.

                          Could be either A) no better time to learn or B) he knows more about cars than you and knows it is junk. What do you risk by choosing A?
                          I would be inclined to say he knows very little about cars because originally he came to me asking for help...anything i know is learned from online forums, service manuals or tinkering. Still, hard for me to jump at something like that with the limited knowledge i have. I'm also an international college student from Ireland so I'm not exactly loaded if you get my drift!

                            Comment

                            • TobyB
                              R3V Elite
                              • Oct 2011
                              • 5163
                              #8
                              Oh, heck, you'll never go wrong with a $500 E30 if it hasn't been used as a chicken coop... the stupid bumpers are worth close to that.

                              ...and propane is carried around in tanks, not fuel cells, so figure you're buying it from someone who knows
                              almost as much about cars as I know about the internet.

                              I say do it. But asking us if you should buy a cheap E30 is
                              like walking into a bar and asking the inhabitants if you should have a drink.

                              t
                              now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

                                Comment

                                • dogsbark26
                                  E30 Addict
                                  • Nov 2008
                                  • 533
                                  #9
                                  discopete: Cars are relatively simple creatures. None of us knew a great deal when we started. You buy a car and begin trying to fix what needs it worst/most, learning as you go.
                                  Some people's mind turns to mush though when it comes to electrical systems (as opposed to mechanical systems).

                                  TobyB, your post hit the nail on the head. I agree with what you said.

                                    Comment

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