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Late model M20 no start issue *lots of info and ;'s*

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    Late model M20 no start issue *lots of info and ;'s*

    1990 325is - 153 ecu

    As the title states, about six months ago I was just pulling into the driveway after returning from town and the car started idling very roughly; ~600 rpms if even, motor became very shaky, bad miss, no thottle response, all before it eventually shut itself off whether you gave it throttle or not. After a couple more shaky starts and repeated results it ceased to start altogether. It would however turn over but not start.

    Video of rough starting and idle leading to the no start issue. old motor


    I had another built M20 at the time ready to swap in along with a new ignition system (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coil), new alternator and starter, new fuel pump and filter, pink top injectors, fuel regulator, new rubber boots and vac. lines, and air filter; about everything has been replaced besides the factory harness and ecu.

    Now on to what diagnosing I have done. I know I have spark because the car will start with ether and run for a couple brief moments before shutting off again. That should also mean I am getting signal from the CPS. I know the injectors are not firing when the starter engages because I pulled the rail off and placed a paper towel over the injectors and I saw no moisture and smelled no fuel. I am however getting plenty of fuel to the rail. I tested the main ecu harness connector as instructed by RTSauto.com for continuity throughout the harness as well as to ensure all sensors are correctly functioning and everything seemed to check out, including the two injector bank circuits which do engage and I can audibly here the injectors "click" when I ground them. The C191 injector harness connector also tested good for continuity. I also ensured no fuses were blown.

    Im not left with too much besides a faulty ECU, which I have a functioning unit on the way. I should probably replace the engine bay relays, but for the meantime i'm sure they are functioning. Anyone else have any ideas if for some reason this isn't it?
    Last edited by THCRocco; 09-12-2013, 04:46 PM.

    #2
    I had a hellish experience like this recently, replaced everything but nothing worked. Turns out it was the relay for the OBC security box thing underneath the drivers side kick panel with a burnt/corroded connection. Not too many have ever heard about the problem that I had with that relay I guess its not too common but, if all else fails Id check that box.

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      #3
      Have you checked that stupid C191 connector under your intake? That's always a culprit. If that seems okay, I would say most likely the ECU or perhaps the fusible link... Maybe clean up your main relay contacts?
      My 325iX DIY Threads:

      Front Wheel Bearing Replacement

      325iX Rear Subframe Bushings and MUCH more w/pics!

      325iX Steering Rack Replacement, Suspension, & Oil Pan job w/pics!


      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Jodecious View Post
        I had a hellish experience like this recently, replaced everything but nothing worked. Turns out it was the relay for the OBC security box thing underneath the drivers side kick panel with a burnt/corroded connection. Not too many have ever heard about the problem that I had with that relay I guess its not too common but, if all else fails Id check that box.
        I do have a 13 button obc so i'll check that in a couple minutes.

        OP EDIT: C191*

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          #5
          Jodecious, do you remember what color the wires were going into the relay?

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            #6
            With spark present when cranking, but the injectors not firing (check with a noid light), the cause (on this engine) will be the C191 connector, a fault in the engine or injector harness, or a bad DME.
            The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
            Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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              #7
              Originally posted by jlevie View Post
              With spark present when cranking, but the injectors not firing (check with a noid light), the cause (on this engine) will be the C191 connector, a fault in the engine or injector harness, or a bad DME.

              Business just took me to Huntsville. I have a 173 ecu coming in the mail tomorrow and that's the last thing on my list. It's my birthday tomorrow and all I want is my no-start issue to be fixed so can get on with my life.

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                #8
                I replaced the ecu with a functioning 173 ECU and the issue was not fixed. I know there is fuel getting to the rail now as well as the ECU is pulsing the injectors. My coil tests show it should be functioning properly. Lets assume I am getting spark to since it will fire up with starting fluid but shut off soon after.

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                  #9
                  you may be getting fuel but insufficient fuel pressure. check that.
                  1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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                    #10
                    what would go wrong to cause low fuel pressure?

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                      #11
                      new fuel pumps CAN be faulty off the shelf
                      1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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                        #12
                        update ?

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