Car won't start..

[aschmidt]

Well, I got my new 173 motronic/MarkD chip and decided to install it not too long ago. It was a quick install, but after it was all plugged in and ready to go, I tried to start the car and it wouldn't turn over. I unplugged the battery beforehand as a precaution and made sure to let it sit to reset and to let the system adjust, but still...no good. Anyone know what's up?

[MR 325]

Is it just cranking and cranking?

No effort to start at all?

[aschmidt]

Yep, I pumped it 3 times and then held it for a couple seconds, but it kept cranking.

[aschmidt]

Anyone?

[RobertK]

Did you install the chip yourself?

I've heard of people easily making the mistake of installing the chip in backwards and having the problem you just described.

Otherwise pop the old DME back into you're car and see if it cranks back up.. process of elimation will do wonders in the world of E30 troubleshooting.

[aschmidt]

I stuck the old one in and it had the same effect. :(

[Dave]

Uh-Oh Spaghettio.

Sounds like a problem.

[lordofthewaters]

It turns over but no start? Do you have a spark? Getting fuel? And you said you reinstalled the original right?

[RobertK]

I stuck the old one in and it had the same effect. :(

Oh Snap!

I would start at the fuses to make sure nothing was shorted. Is there anything thing else that you disconnected in the process of messing with your car?

[aschmidt]

Oh Snap!

I would start at the fuses to make sure nothing was shorted. Is there anything thing else that you disconnected in the process of messing with your car?

Nah, I'll check the fuses though.

[RobertK]

Another thing to check is you wire harness for the DME. Make sure nothing has been pulled loose or snapped in or around it when you swapped the two.