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Cranking but won't start

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deandln
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Cranking but won't start

Post by deandln » Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:02 pm

Hello everyone.

I have had my Z4 for about 3 years and had 0 issues. Today, I was replacing the aux cable and suddenly the whole radio went off.

Next thing, I try to start the car and it doesn't start at all :headbang:.
-- video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9SWCnRuMc58EBu7F9

Any ideas on this?

Thank you!

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enuff_zed
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Cranking but won't start

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:45 pm

That clunking is telling you that the starter gets enough power to try to engage but not enough to turn it over.
I think you'll find it's nothing more sinister than a low battery.
But if it's dropped that quickly then it may be time for a new one.
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deandln
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Cranking but won't start

Post by deandln » Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:49 pm

Thank you for your reply. I replaced the battery last year and just before touching the aux I had no issues at all. I don't think it's because of that.

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Cranking but won't start

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 2:03 pm

deandln wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:49 pm Thank you for your reply. I replaced the battery last year and just before touching the aux I had no issues at all. I don't think it's because of that.
OK, but until you stick jump leads across it or at least check it's voltage, you won't know. Need to rule it out before you dive in deeper.
I suggested that because it's exactly the symptoms of a low charge battery that's all.
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Paul_RK
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Cranking but won't start

Post by Paul_RK » Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:22 pm

Very simple - acc battery. Use the battery charger or replace

deandln
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Cranking but won't start

Post by deandln » Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:24 pm

Checked the battery with a multimeter.

Reads 0 with ignition off, ~7 with ignition on :S.

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Cranking but won't start

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:36 pm

deandln wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:24 pm Checked the battery with a multimeter.

Reads 0 with ignition off, ~7 with ignition on :S.
What are those figures? Not voltage?

Have you tried to jump start the car?
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Paul_RK
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Cranking but won't start

Post by Paul_RK » Wed Sep 21, 2022 4:53 pm

deandln, just trust me - try another battery or jump starter. It's standard BMWs problem , when the acc is not fully charged.

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pvr
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Cranking but won't start

Post by pvr » Wed Sep 21, 2022 5:12 pm

If you worked on the audio, and had the igniition on (or the lights), that is enough to drain the battery.

Did you replace the battery by any chance with a Bosch unit as they are notoriously bad with this.
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enuff_zed
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Cranking but won't start

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 5:17 pm

Step 1 always has to be try a jump start surely! :roll:
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pvr
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Cranking but won't start

Post by pvr » Wed Sep 21, 2022 5:24 pm

No, that is step 0 :lol:
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spazmochad
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Cranking but won't start

Post by spazmochad » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:06 pm

Radio is one of the first things to switch off when the battery runs out of charge. Power steering is last. Found that out after work whilst travelling down the M3 :D

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Cranking but won't start

Post by enuff_zed » Wed Sep 21, 2022 7:09 pm

OP, are you starting to see a trend of thought here. :wink:
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