Car won't start

Scott94 · Post by **Scott94** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 5:20 pm

Hi folks,

Tried to start the Z4 this morning and the engine turns but doesn't quite start!

Any ideas what to check first?

Going to get multimeter to battery tonight but doesn't sound like battery as it's turning? ..fuel pump? Air intake?

Doesn't sound like spark plugs as unlikely all go at same time?

Thanks,

Scott

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:11 pm

Which engine?

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:29 pm

Some things that might generate an answer from someone:

Engine type
History leading up to this point
More thorough description of what is happening (e.g. Can you smell fuel? Does it attempt to fire at all? Are you certain you have fuel in the car?)

Scott94 · Post by **Scott94** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:09 pm

3.0 litre auto
71k miles used daily apart from weekends!
Fuel is in the car! Can't smell fuel!

Battery is reading 12.3 volts with no key in I presume this is too low and cause of the problem? If this is the issue should I jump it and go a run to let it recharge!? Battery is pretty new I think (looking at history now) bought it in January!

Boot was left open all weekend by accident which probably cost the battery charge with the boot light!

Thanks,

Scott

Post by **srhutch** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:14 pm

Do you have the ignition lights on the dash?

If not then probably your ignition switch.

Fox889 · Post by **Fox889** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:19 pm

I would rather put a battery charger on for a few hours.
A lot of people have had problems jump starting modern day cars [spiking ecu's etc], something I used to do without hesitation years ago, but not now.

rooha · Post by **rooha** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:37 pm

you say its turns over but doesn't quite start - likely culprit is the starter motor - give it a few taps with a hammer and see what happens. Usually the bushes have gone and a few taps will dislodge enough of the crap to let the windings do their job a few more times. Its not a long term fix and is most useful in terms of diagnosis. Get a new one from ECP and make sure you give them your old one for a discount/rebate. you will also need some TORX sockets and a wee socket wrench with adjustable angle head thing to get the old one off. Not a hard job, just a pain if you dont do a quick google first for instructions. If i remember right there is a decent tutorial on pelicanparts.

basil the dog · Post by **basil the dog** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:40 pm

My e86 used to turn over without starting, it was the ignition switch as suggested above, cheap replacement and doesn't take long at all

Jl-c · Post by **Jl-c** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:06 pm

Possibly the start inhibitor circuit. If it won't start in Park try it in Neutral. You never know!

Scott94 · Post by **Scott94** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:39 pm

Gave it a jump start and it started up!! Went out a drive in hopes it recharges and works tomorrow morning if not I'll try some of the above!! Thanks!!!

Scott

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 11:06 pm

Great news - I hope it starts tomorrow.

Scott94 · Post by **Scott94** » Tue Mar 12, 2019 8:46 pm

Started fine this morning and tonight!! no problem - thank you all!

Scott

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:15 pm

New battery then?

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