Ignition sometimes just well does nothing :S - BMW Forum

mmclaren · 12-18-2005, 02:16 AM

Ok some times when i go to start my car, the first turn of the key works... which shows all the pretty little lights on my dash, but when i go to the next click nothing happens, kills the power completly...
After 3-5min i can then try again usually successfull.

Its happened a few times, anyone have any idea

WardJ · 12-18-2005, 07:50 AM

voltage regulator maybe? loose wiring in the ignition housing?

tomctx · 12-18-2005, 02:37 PM

Ignition switch going bad?

WardJ · 12-18-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomctx

Ignition switch going bad?

bavauto.com 34.95 for a replacement. not a bad investment if you think about it . you dont know if anyones done work with it. i took a look at mine while i was doing work on the speedometer, and i think i'll replace it once i get the money. i mean its in ok condition but why take the chance? cause you'll think your battery is dead when you turn the key and nothing happens. it was happening to me and it was because the clasps on the electric housing had started to go, and when i was turning the key the metal wasn't in the housing and it was pushing the electric housing out further

BImmerN2B · 12-18-2005, 06:50 PM

maybe not what you want to hear but check it out with a proffesional mechanic. I think that also could be your crankshaft or camshaft sensor. Or Get the Bentley manual from the Forum and find out how to test these things and save some dough.

SpooldUp · 12-18-2005, 07:16 PM

sounds like the starter is drawing too much current from a dying battery. Or... there is an intermittent short somewhere and the battery is fine. auto parts stores will test the batt and alt for free. is it now cold in your area?also, does the ignition feel sloppy?

mmclaren · 12-21-2005, 06:36 AM

Honestly i think its my wiring, i recently changed my dashboard and well its sorta been happening since.
Did a little electrical work the other day and hasnt happened again.

And cold here ummm 40 degrees celcius "im aussie "

so that isnt an issue

its just random when it happens, different weather conditions, oh well hasnt happened again, ill get upset next time it happens

318itx · 12-21-2005, 08:27 AM

you said that all of your lights turn off when you turn the key to start it? because if so then thats not your igniton switch. i'd check your battery and all your cables, sound likes your ground isn't getting a solid connection. if i were you i would check your terminals for corrosion and make sure they are tightened sufficiently, maybe when you were changing out the dash you didn't put the cables down as tight as you should have. hope this helps.

mmclaren · 12-22-2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 318itx

you said that all of your lights turn off when you turn the key to start it? because if so then thats not your igniton switch. i'd check your battery and all your cables, sound likes your ground isn't getting a solid connection. if i were you i would check your terminals for corrosion and make sure they are tightened sufficiently, maybe when you were changing out the dash you didn't put the cables down as tight as you should have. hope this helps.

This weekend "xmas weekend" i will get to work and do exactely that i will remove the dash again, did a quick 3 hr job on it :P

Thanks i think you are onto something