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Can't start with the key

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    Can't start with the key

    So I'm able to jump start my car with the ol' pin 14 to pin 11 diagnostic connector deal. Does this mean the ignition switch is fried? Before I go tearing apart the steering column, does anyone know of any other reason why the car wouldn't start with the key?

    It's a 1991 325ic, automatic. I just replaced the lock cylinder using the allen wrench trick (wouldn't even spin), car worked fine for about two days, now it won't start. The key turns normally, i.e. it doesn't just spin freely or anything. It goes to accessory position, then to ignition, I can hear the ICV kick on, but nothing. Starter works, due to the aforementioned pin trick proving so.

    Any help is appreciated. And FYI, my bentley is currently in the mail. Hardcover too!

    #2
    Maybe the neutral safety switch?
    sigpic"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." -Ferdinand Porsche
    The ugly car: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=209713

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      #3
      The park/neutral switch or the ignition switch are obvious candidates.
      The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
      Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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        #4
        Oh RIGHT, damn automatics. Where is that switch, I assume under the gear selector?

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          #5
          Alright so it started, briefly, when I jiggled the wires under the shifter. Now I'm trying to troubleshoot... but all the info online seems to be for manual-auto swaps or says that it kills your cruise control?

          Also, the two lockout wires were snipped already when I got in there, dammit... just snipped and chilling next to eachother all frayed. I hate previous owners.

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            #6
            Apparently my Bentley manual comes tomorrow, not today :( Someone mind giving me a few pointers as to what to check here? Gotta have this running by tonight for my lady.

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              #7
              Use the wiring diagrams from http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm to find why the signal isn't reaching the starter solenoid.
              The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
              Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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                #8
                For any future searchers, found a nice DIY on ignition switch:



                I'm thinking it's the ignition switch now, all the wiring in the shifter checks out (aside from the cut ones, which aren't necessary anyway). Will report back if replacing the ignition switch solves it.

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