2001 540i starting problem - BMW Forum

kshollywood · 09-13-2009, 11:58 PM

Ok it first happened a few weeks ago. It would start, run for 2 seconds and stop. Over and over again. Then it would start just fine for weeks then,it won't start at all. Now when you turn the key to start it it turns over but doesnt start,and if you let go of the key it continues to turn over, you have to turn the key to the off position to stop it from turning over. Yes if you turn the key all the way to start it you have to physically turn the key one spot backwards to stop the engine from turning over. Please help me.

marti5 · 09-14-2009, 06:55 AM

Ignition switch, which is not the barrel you put the key, if you drop the steering column trim underneath, you will see a box with wires coming from it, thats the switch, on some models its black,some white or grey, if you replace this I would think from what you have explained this should solve your problem,the new switch does not need to be programmed.

kshollywood · 09-14-2009, 12:46 PM

I'll try it and let you know.

kshollywood · 09-17-2009, 10:23 PM

I bought the ignition switch,that wasn't it. Just going to tow it to the shop.

bmwbmc · 11-28-2009, 12:50 PM

what was the outcome?
i suffer from something similar with my '97 520i

Dirty_Tool · 11-28-2009, 01:12 PM

your car has the 1-touch starter so once you turn it to the crank position it will keep cranking unless you turn it back. thats normal. As for the no start maybe a bad fuel pump? Let us know what the shop says.

kshollywood · 12-03-2009, 07:20 AM

It was the fuel pump

bmwbmc · 12-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kshollywood

It was the fuel pump

thanks for your feed back.
on the other hand, i could always hear my pump humming when turning the key. i know that's not to say it's working properly. i'll have a look at that. was just waiting for the bmw 1.3.6 diag tool to see if there's any codes that might make it easier but it turns out that i need a laptop with a serial connection as it doesn't work properly with the usb to serial adaptor. so i'm on the look for a ibm thinkpad which i was told is perfect for such job. as well as that i might get another code reader program cause apparently the bmw 1.3.6 doesn't explain you the meaning of the codes. but all this for another thread.
anyway the it's too cold out there at the moment to start any work on the car so i'll just be a walker for another while

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will let you know what was the prob.