Starting Problem

[95540guy]

Once in a while I have a problem starting my 1995 540I it happens when the car is both cold or warmed up.If I wait 10 or so minutes the car normally starts up .Once in a while when i turn the ingintion key nothing happens makes me wonder if i totally reset the key position .What can the problem be is this a common problem in 95 5 series

[OWarrior]

does crank and just not start? or it does not crank? if it does crank, and does not start, immediately after check your exhust for unburnt fuel smell or fumes. if it has unburnt fuel fumes, check your vacuum hose, and other engine area for leaking air

[95540guy]

The car will crank and not start if left for 10 or so minutes it will start up no problem .Some times the key needs to be turned a few times

[OWarrior]

if u get unburnt fuel fumes, your car is flooding if not check your engine control relay

[95540guy]

how do i check for either

[95540guy]

O WARRIOR IM AN IT GUY AS Well

[OWarrior]

Good. sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy right now. bye

[OWarrior]

Originally Posted by 95540guy

how do i check for either

when u crank the car, step out and check the exhust for the smell of unburnt fuel!! if u do, look for a leak in your vacuum hose. its on the fuel rail on the side of the hose that returns fuel to the tank. it should be a small air hose pipe. check its not broken.

on other hand check your fuel pump relay!!! it may have delayed action syndrom (whatever that is)

[Fab418]

I do have a similar problem with my e46 328i

I turn the key and there's no lights in the cluster. Radio and external lights work. Car won't start. Starter runs but fuel pump is not.

Turn the key on and off a few times until the cluster ligths come on and car will start like nothing happened.

I checked so far;
replaced the pump relay; no change
fuel pump; I wired a meter to it and saw that there's no voltage when in trouble; hence pump is fine.

Maybe you can run theses checks 95540guy.

I haven't found the actual trouble yet but will keep searching...
suspecting the ignition key barrel...

[OWarrior]

Originally Posted by Fab418

I do have a similar problem with my e46 328i

I turn the key and there's no lights in the cluster. Radio and external lights work. Car won't start. Starter runs but fuel pump is not.

Turn the key on and off a few times until the cluster ligths come on and car will start like nothing happened.

I checked so far;
replaced the pump relay; no change
fuel pump; I wired a meter to it and saw that there's no voltage when in trouble; hence pump is fine.

Maybe you can run theses checks 95540guy.

I haven't found the actual trouble yet but will keep searching...
suspecting the ignition key barrel...

your key (or starter reley) module is either lose or faulty. when u turn key, it should complete the circuiu for the ignition. quick check... turn the key on (if lights do not come on) and crank the car from the engine bay (requires someone who knows how like a mech) if the car starts, the problem is at the key. if it does not start, check your ignition relay. (BE CAREFUL DO NOT HARM YOURSELF IN THE PROCESS. U COULD LOSE AN ARM OR SIZABLE AMOUNT OF FLESH AND BLOOD IF U CONTACT THE FAN) BE WARNED. its most likely your key barrel

[Fab418]

OWarrior by cranking the car from the engine bay do you mean to jump the starter motor?

[OWarrior]

yes

[OWarrior]

just be careful not to damage anything. please do not wear w watch when u do this. they seam to go cokoo after...