RIP e30

[bzboardz]

So the other day I tried to start my car and nothing. I dropped in a new charged battery and still no luck. When i turn the key half way, all the lights turn on and work beautifully.

When i try to start, the engine doesn't even try to turn and all power shuts off and doesn't come back on. If reconnect the battery power comes back and process repeats. Anyone have any insight to my problem. Thanks

[etexis]

HAS HAPPENED TO ME check your fuses PLZ check your fuses and your NEG cable

[etexis]

its the fuse to your ECU

[bzboardz]

thanks for the fast replay. i will look at the fuses tomorrow because now in the dark they all looked good:)

[EightiesBaby]

happened to me, make sure your battery cables are tight

[bzboardz]

after i charge the battery it starts fine but if i leave it sit for a day then i have problems starting. i hooked up the volt meter and with the car off and key out the car is drawing around 10mA and around 6mA if i turn off the trunk light. So still something is on i think. ill try again today to figure it out if not anyone recommend any places in OC to have it checked out

[Too Short]

mine did this because my antenna was getting stuck. so i just disconnected it. and now its fine. happened with one of my brothers e30s as well.

[e30nub]

Voltage regulator?

[AndrewBird]

6mA is practically nothing. The clock in the radio probably draws that much.

I would check the ground strap on the motor. If it isn't connected, the starter wont turn over.

[Van Westervelt]

A car with a seized motor will act this same way, lol

[bzboardz]

1mA is normal for clock/OBC

i spent weeks figuring out my electrical issues

yup looks like i will be doing the same.

if i unplug the ground on the battery overnight it starts up fine in the morning, something stays on, ill try the power antenna next.

[Goya20]

check the ground cable attach to the oil pan happened to me when i broke my pan it disconnected just check if its connected to the pan.

[EWAustin]

This is easy to trace, put your ammeter in there again, and start pulling fuses one at a time until the draw goes away. When it does, look at what the circuit powers, and start tracing it from there.

Good Luck!