No Start Issue

[Boxer2]

I picked up an '89 325ix 5spd that had a no start issue....here is what I've done so far to try and figure out what is going on....

First I have determined that there is no power going to the coil and distributor, and no power going to the fuel pump.

I tested the fuel pump and it works fine, next I tried changing the ECU with a known working one, but still no start, I have changed the coil, crank sensor, throttle position sensor, afm, and still nothing.

There also is an alarm system on the vehicle which I have disconnected thinking it might be faulty cutting power to the fuel and ignition systems, and still nothing.

I have also tried changing fuel pump and ignition switch relays.

I have also checked the obvious things like fuses and oil levels which all check out ok.

I was also going to see if the car would send a fault code using the check engine light, but it also does not work, the bulb is good but I guess the socket is faulty.

I'd like to get this car running soon, any help on this issue would be great!

cheers

Rene

[supernaught]

i think you know what my suggestion will be

[supernaught]

But... check continuity from the crank sensor(connector under the test socket) to the ECU connector. It will cause no spark/fuel if its broken, or if the 2 sensors(CPS, Low oil) are mixed up on the 2 connectors.

edit: I forgot to ask if its cranking? I assume it is if you are looking at fuel and spark. If the ECU sees the clutch switch pressed AND there are pulses coming from the CPS, it will enable the fuel pump spark and injectors

[supernaught]

if its still giving you problems, its probably best for everyone if you just let me take it off your hands.

[InfiniteDice]

Check the fusible link in the trunk. It's north of the battery 1.5ft on the small black + cable.
It will be a flat fuse 50A under some shrink tubing.

Other than that... main relay.

[Boxer2]

Originally Posted by supernaught

i think you know what my suggestion will be

Good try Rob, but I'm really hard headed and determined when it comes to stuff like this, trust me it will live again

and yes it is cranking over.

thanks for the tips, I will see what I can do this weekend....

Mike, thanks for reminding me about that fusible link, I had forgotten about that, I'm hoping it's just something like that..

[cisco911]

older BMWs like that have grounding issues. it could be a broken or corroded ground cable. Check that out.

[supernaught]

Never had this go in my car, but it looks like it shouldn't even turn over.

[InfiniteDice]

Yes it will crank over... but not start. I had that fusible link issue kick my ass for a week before I discovered it even existed.

lol

[Brent]

Hey Rene,

I had a similar issue, my fuel pump worked on the battery but not wired in. I changed the fuel filter, and it has started everytime since. I think if it becomes clogged the fuel pump requires too much energy to run, so it stops, but I'm not sure. At any rate, if the filter is clogged the pump stops working and the car won't start (in my experience). It is a simple answer compared to those above but it worked for me...also check your connections. Good luck!

[Boxer2]

IT LIVES!!!!!

thanks for all the tips and advice guys, it was InfiniteDice who hit the nail on the head, thanks Mike I'm sure you just saved me several hours of tedious diagnostic work.

cheers

Rene

[InfiniteDice]

No prob Rene... I'll have to drive out there some time and see what goodies you have lying around

[Boxer2]

Originally Posted by InfiniteDice

No prob Rene... I'll have to drive out there some time and see what goodies you have lying around

Lots of other goodies since you were here last, your welcome anytime

[everlast]

So was it the fusible link or the main relay? He suggested both.

[InfiniteDice]

It vas ze link...