Car Cranks, Won't Start (I know, I know)
I recently bought a 1991 325i Convertible and am slowly learning about the car/how to fix the car.
Two months ago, I went to start the car and it just wouldn't start. After several attempts, it finally started up, but would die while idling, would intermittently start back up and struggled with idling.
Took it to my mechanic who said I needed a new fuel pump, which he replaced. Driving off his lot, car seemed to be working great but then starting having trouble starting again (especially if the car hadn't been running for a day or so). This went on for a few weeks, but found that I could usually get it started by pumping the gas a few times.
That fix lasted me about 2 weeks but now won't start. Cranks, but won't start.
After pouring through the various message boards...and wanting to learn more about the car and how to fix it myself, I've since done the following:
1) I took off the idle control valve and gave it a thorough cleaning.
2) I tested the fuel pump relay and, finding that it was bad, just bought a replacement from the dealership.
3) I've done the spark test and found there's no spark.
4) I've yet to check for an injector pulse signal (per Bavarian Auto's News letter's suggestion) but will tomorrow when my stethoscope arrives.
5) Using a multimeter, checked the Ignition coil. The outer terminals read as .5 ohms and the center terminal was just above 6,000 ohms
Things that were replaced recently:
1) New Battery
2) New Starter
3) New Alternator
Things I've narrowed it down to:
1) Faulty wiring (possibly when the fuel pump was installed?)
2) An issue with the ECU/DME?
3) The Crank Position Sensor?
4) Vacuum leak?
5) Possibly bad Ignition Coil?
I know there's been a million posts on this issue, but also feel like every car is unique with regards to replacement parts, service records, etc.
Just looking for some help/guidance on what to try next. Trying to avoid another pricey mechanics bill and want to try and see if I can get to the bottom of this myself.
Thanks!
Ian
Two months ago, I went to start the car and it just wouldn't start. After several attempts, it finally started up, but would die while idling, would intermittently start back up and struggled with idling.
Took it to my mechanic who said I needed a new fuel pump, which he replaced. Driving off his lot, car seemed to be working great but then starting having trouble starting again (especially if the car hadn't been running for a day or so). This went on for a few weeks, but found that I could usually get it started by pumping the gas a few times.
That fix lasted me about 2 weeks but now won't start. Cranks, but won't start.
After pouring through the various message boards...and wanting to learn more about the car and how to fix it myself, I've since done the following:
1) I took off the idle control valve and gave it a thorough cleaning.
2) I tested the fuel pump relay and, finding that it was bad, just bought a replacement from the dealership.
3) I've done the spark test and found there's no spark.
4) I've yet to check for an injector pulse signal (per Bavarian Auto's News letter's suggestion) but will tomorrow when my stethoscope arrives.
5) Using a multimeter, checked the Ignition coil. The outer terminals read as .5 ohms and the center terminal was just above 6,000 ohms
Things that were replaced recently:
1) New Battery
2) New Starter
3) New Alternator
Things I've narrowed it down to:
1) Faulty wiring (possibly when the fuel pump was installed?)
2) An issue with the ECU/DME?
3) The Crank Position Sensor?
4) Vacuum leak?
5) Possibly bad Ignition Coil?
I know there's been a million posts on this issue, but also feel like every car is unique with regards to replacement parts, service records, etc.
Just looking for some help/guidance on what to try next. Trying to avoid another pricey mechanics bill and want to try and see if I can get to the bottom of this myself.
Thanks!
Ian