What would cause a BMW not to start?
What would cause a BMW not to start? BMW won't start or is making a clicking noise
Subject: BMW - Sub Subject: Not StartDate: 10/24/2019 Status: SOLVED
8 answered / 4 voted, 464 viewed.
Troubleshooting BMW No Start Problem
Symptoms of BMW no startproblems vary and range fromyellow exclamation mark on the dashboardto clickingwhen you press start or you may even hear several clicks.
In many cases, BMW will not start when it is cold, lights and radio work but the engine still doesn't start. BMW may not start even with a jump start.
In this guide, we are going to look at some of the most common problems that can prevent a BMW from starting and possible ways that you can troubleshoot or fix these problems yourself.
Bmw Service Light
BMW / Not Start Symptoms of BMW no start problems vary and range from yellow exclamation mark on the dashboard to clicking when you press start or you may even hear several clicks.
Questions about the picture: BMW Problems and Troubleshooting
ANSWERS Write an Answer
❝What would cause a BMW not to start?❞ answers. Askme asked first. Total 8 replies.
Symptoms
BMW no starting symptoms can vary.
Here are some of the most common symptoms you may experience if your BMW won't start.
- Pushing START will not start the engine
- BMWwon'tstart all lights are dead / off
- You insert the key and nothing happens
- BMW engine won't turn over, makes a clicking noise
- Car won'tstart after changingthe battery
- BMWwon'tstart shows an exclamation mark
- BMWwon't start in cold weather
- EML Light On, BMW refuses to start
- BMW lights flashing, no start
- BMW won't start shows key symbol on the dashboard
BMW no starting symptoms can vary.
BMW / Not Start This problem is in most cases is caused by a partially discharged battery. Charging the battery will allow you to start the car. Other possibilities include a bad starter, no fuel pressure or spark and in rare cases a damaged engine.
Common Causes
A BMW may not start for various reasons.
- Weak fuel pump
- Engine temperature sensor / PCM Coolant Sensor
- Worn spark plugs
- Bad ignition coil
- Defective starter
- Electrical issues
- Damaged key
- Bad Fuel Pump or Relay
BMW Common Causes
BMW / Not Start A BMW may not start for various reasons.
Check Battery
BMW / Not Start Next, you need to check the battery. If your lights or dashboard does not power up, the problem is usually the battery.
Next, you need to check the battery.If your lights or dashboard does not power up, the problem is usually the battery.
SIGNS OF BAD BMW BATTERY
Completely dead battery
- No noise, no lights, no radio, no dashboard, no click
Partially Discharged Battery
- Lights on, a car will crank or click but not enough power to start the engine.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Jump Start BMW
Trick Charge BMW Battery
The battery should still be checked. The battery may haveenough power for low consumer electronics such as lights and radiobut not power to turn over the engine.
The is usually a problem with BMW that has a battery that is over 7 years old or has aparasitic drawproblem.
CAUTION!
- Use the jump starting terminals under the hood. Do not connect the jumpercablesdirectly to the battery.
Trickle Charge BMW Battery
This procedurerequiresanywhere from 5 to 24 hoursbut is preferred a method to bring a discharged BMW battery back to life.
Once the battery is fully charged, it should start the car without any issueunless your BMW battery has a damaged cell.
If the samesymptoms comeback in a few days, there is a chance that the battery is not holding a charge.
If the battery is new the problem can be due to aparasiticdrain.Your battery may be at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
If your battery is over 7yearsold, considerchangingit so that you don't get strandedaway from home.
Check Fuses / Relays
BMW / Not Start Your BMW may not start due to a blown fuse or bad relay. Checking the fuses on a BMW is very easy.
You can remove the fuse and visually inspect fuses. You can also check with adigitalmultimeter. BMW fuse boxes can be found on one or more of the following locations:
- Engine Bay
- Side or under the dashboard
- Trunk area
Below is a list of fuses that you need to remove and check.
FUSES TO CHECK
- Starter Fuse / Relay
- Immobilizer/SecurityFuse
- Fuel Pump Fuse / Relay
- DME / DDE / Engine Electronics Fuse
- Ignition switch control module
- Alarm system
- Main Relay
- Engine control module (ECM)
- Ignition switch control module
- Central locking system
- Engine management
You also want to check the relays, especially for the starter and fuel pump. Relays cannot be visibly inspected.
You can either swap identical replays or simply replace them.
Check Fuel Pressure
BMW / Not Start If your BMW cranks but it will not start, you need to check the fuel pressure. The test is very simple and takes about 15 minutes.
If your BMW cranks but it will not start, you need to check the fuel pressure. The test is very simple and takes about 15 minutes.
Remove the engine cover and at the end of the fuel line, you will find aSchrader valve.
Most BMWs will have a Schrader valve, but a few models don't.
Connect your fuel pressure gauge to the port and look at the gauge when you turn on the ignition or try to start the car.
Typical BMW Fuel Pressure:50-65 PSI (+/-3)
Key / Immobiliser / Anti-theft
BMW / Not Start BMW alarm system or the key itself may be the reason why your car won't start.
Try locking and unlocking the car a couple of times then try starting it.
In some cases, a defective key can unlock the car but still not be able to start the engine.
This problem often happens if the key gets wet or is stored in a humid environment.
Don't drop your BMW key in water or let it get wet from the rain. It can stop working. You may think the key is fine but in fact,it is not.
Grab your spare BMW key and test to see if it will start the car.
wait for me Minneapolis, MN?
- Dead battery
- Faulty ignition switch
- Fuel system issues
- Ignition system problems
- Starter motor failure
- Alternator malfunction
- Faulty spark plugs
- Fuel pump failure
- Engine immobilizer error
- Crankshaft position sensor failure
- Camshaft position sensor issues
- Failed fuel injector
- Broken or worn-out timing belt
- Faulty crankshaft sensor
- ECU (Engine Control Unit) problems
- Security system interference
- Fuel filter clog
- Faulty ignition coil
- Faulty throttle position sensor
- Fuel pressure regulator malfunction
- Wiring harness issues
- Vacuum leaks
- Failed mass airflow sensor
- Transmission problems
- Clutch or transmission interlock switch failure
- Faulty key fob or remote
- Anti-theft system activation
- Exhaust system blockage
- Overheating engine
- Low engine oil level
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