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E36 318i Starting Trouble

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    #1

    E36 318i Starting Trouble

    Hi guys.

    I've got a 95 318i automatic sedan (lame) that I'm having some issues with. A month or so ago, I replaced the head gasket and the car was running great. Last week, I had a lot of trouble getting the car to start and it was throwing a CEL for 1226 (I think) which is the knock sensors and it created a giant oil leak for itself. Well, this weekend I tore the car apart, replaced the knock sensors and the oil filter housing gasket & o-ring, but still the car is having trouble starting. It's now throwing a code for 1223 which is the coolant temp sensor. I verified on realoem that this is the same for the M20 which I have plenty of laying around so I swapped them out. Same problem.

    Finally the car stumbled to life and I was able to keep the revs up for a few seconds before letting it idle until warm on its own. Drove the car around my neighborhood and it felt great. Even better than before, honestly. After pulling into my garage again, I tried starting it. Again, it won't start and the only code it's throwing is for 1223. The issue I'm describing is exactly like the one here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...nsor-code-1223

    If anyone has any ideas, I'd really appreciate them. In the last month I've replaced the following:
    -Rebuilt head
    -ALL top end gaskets
    -New knock sensors
    -Vacuum lines (long skinny one, ICV hose, intake boot, valvecover hose etc)
    -New battery
    -New brakes
    -New snow tires

    Please help.
    Tags: None
    #2
    I would post this on bimmerforums, but I hate that place and I'm pretty sure I got banned for saying exactly that.

    Comment

      #3
      I am not sure where this one is headed as I don't recall reading or having this issue before. But I have a couple of suggestions.

      Did you replace both sensors on the head (if I am right thinking both are for coolant temp)? On E30s there are two right next to each other.

      Disconnect the battery for however long it takes to clear the memory on an E36 (only if there are no serious side effects (radio, SRS, etc) on that chassis). Try to start and see what happens. If all is the same go to the next step.

      Unplug the CTS plug(s) and see how the car starts/idles. If it behaves differently your problem is probably elsewhere.

      Comment

        #4
        Whenever I run into an issue with this, I double check all my work.

        Take the ECU out and measure the sensor outputs at the connector. You will most likely find your issue there if you don't find anything obvious looking over your work.

        The pinouts are all in the Bentley.
        -Nick

        M42 on VEMS

        Comment

          #5
          I like the air leak theory. The E36 has a real habit of developing them.

          But a marginal CPS would do it too. As would oil in the spark plug wells.

          I wonder... if it's throwing coolant temp sensor, maybe the wiring harness to the
          nose of the engine is messed up- like, a ground's not making solid contact...

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

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by roguetoaster View Post
            I am not sure where this one is headed as I don't recall reading or having this issue before. But I have a couple of suggestions.

            Did you replace both sensors on the head (if I am right thinking both are for coolant temp)? On E30s there are two right next to each other.

            Disconnect the battery for however long it takes to clear the memory on an E36 (only if there are no serious side effects (radio, SRS, etc) on that chassis). Try to start and see what happens. If all is the same go to the next step.

            Unplug the CTS plug(s) and see how the car starts/idles. If it behaves differently your problem is probably elsewhere.
            Yes - I replaced both sensors with spare OEM parts. They were used, but were good when they came off the M20s I pulled them from. When I unplug the CTS, nothing changes.

            Originally posted by wazzu70 View Post
            Whenever I run into an issue with this, I double check all my work.

            Take the ECU out and measure the sensor outputs at the connector. You will most likely find your issue there if you don't find anything obvious looking over your work.

            The pinouts are all in the Bentley.
            This past week, a friend who owns a shop came and picked up the car and checked it out for me. He explained that the DME is getting the signal from the sensor and even tried a replacement DME just for giggles - no change. He did discover that I have a pretty serious vacuum leak where my upper and lower intake manifolds meet that I'm going to address. I'm not sure how considering all gaskets are fresh, but that's neither here nor there.

            I'll report back after I change them out again.

            Originally posted by TobyB View Post
            I like the air leak theory. The E36 has a real habit of developing them.

            But a marginal CPS would do it too. As would oil in the spark plug wells.

            I wonder... if it's throwing coolant temp sensor, maybe the wiring harness to the
            nose of the engine is messed up- like, a ground's not making solid contact...

            t
            When the car was at the shop, he pulled the spark plugs and they looked fine. The VC gasket isn't leaking a drop (surprisingly). I ordered a new engine ground cable because this one's insulation was cracked and the wires were spread a little, but the connections were cleaned when I put the motor back together.

            I will report back later this week after I've got the known issues fixed. Thanks!

            Comment

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