2003 e85 no crank no start

[BeemerBob]

I went out Saturday and my car slow cranked like the battery was dying. I went to run an errand and then it slow cranked and slowly stopped cranking like the battery failed.

I bought a new battery, the starter would click but not crank. I bought a new starter and now it won’t even click. Checked the engine ground. Disconnected the EWS and plugged a 30a fuse in the connector to bypass it, still no crank. I have 12.5 volts to the starter.

I ordered a new key on line, but it sounds more mechanical than electrical.

I did have the battery disconnected for a few weeks but I have driven since then with no issues.

What am I missing? Please advise!!

 

[Jas- USA]

Given what you've replaced, done & checked, I'd change out the ignition switch. They are not costly and EZ to install. Hope this does the trick for you.

 

[BeemerBob]

Going to replace the ignition switch tomorrow. Didn’t start there because of the way it slow cranked. Thanks for the reply.

 

[BeemerBob]

Going to replace the ignition switch tomorrow. Didn’t start there because of the way it slow cranked. Thanks for the reply.

 

[BeemerBob]

Replaced ignition switch and still no crank.

 

[Mike6]

I would recheck all connections at battery and on starter motor. They need to be fairly tight .

 

[enuff_zed]

Apologies if you've done this, but have you checked for any codes?
Could it be something like a crank- or cam-shaft sensor?

 

[bigwinn]

Sorry- may have missed this

Is the starter dead?

 

[BeemerBob]

New starter. It seems like I am not getting power to the solenoid ignition posts but I can hear the relay clicking in the ews module. I am thinking it may be a wiring issue.

 

[enuff_zed]

New starter. It seems like I am not getting power to the solenoid ignition posts but I can hear the relay clicking in the ews module. I am thinking it may be a wiring issue.

From a previous tinker with DME and EWS issues, bigwinn and I discovered that the EWS doesn’t stop the starter turning. It just prevents the DME from providing a spark or fuel.

 

[BeemerBob]

That is good to know and supports my thoughts on a wiring problem to the solenoid.

 

[bigwinn]

New starter. It seems like I am not getting power to the solenoid ignition posts but I can hear the relay clicking in the ews module. I am thinking it may be a wiring issue.

Sorry buddy I did miss that

 

[Jas- USA]

When you first turn the key can you hear the gas pump starting? There is a safety crash system build into the positive battery cable that isn't generally a common failure but, it can fail or begin to fail and cause starting problems. Give what you've done and replaced already you'll need a code reader to determine if you have any related codes to this battery safety. The code reader might also rule this out as the problem. Do you have a seat belt light on? When you had the battery disconnected for a while you weren't working on any part with an air bag??

 

[BeemerBob]

Yes fuel pump and smg pump are working. I did not work on anything while the battery was disconnected. All dash lights are normal. Relay in the ews box is clicking.

Can a low or dead battery in my key fob cause it not to signal the dme?

 

[enuff_zed]

Yes fuel pump and smg pump are working. I did not work on anything while the battery was disconnected. All dash lights are normal. Relay in the ews box is clicking.

Can a low or dead battery in my key fob cause it not to signal the dme?

No the battery in the key is only to lock and unlock. There is a separate transponder chip in it which the car sends a signal to for starting. This needs no battery.

 

[BeemerBob]

Ok thanks.

 

[BeemerBob]

Update: Fixed!! Lesson learned. Don’t trust cheap starters off Amazon! Two bad ones out of the box.

Thanks for all the support! Great forum!

 

[enuff_zed]

Update: Fixed!! Lesson learned. Don’t trust cheap starters off Amazon! Two bad ones out of the box.

Thanks for all the support! Great forum!

Really!
Thanks for letting us know. What a pain!