On occasions recently I’ve found the car doesn’t start first time. This usually happens if I’ve just turned the engine off (say at a petrol station and fill up) then put the key in the ignition a couple of mins later and it doesn’t turn over. But then does the second time without a problem. Is the battery going? Anyone else had the same problem?
Engine doesnt start first time on occassions (now fixed)
- Thread starter jamiecarpenter
- Start date
1. So you put the key in, turn it and nothing happens at all?
2. Do you hear a "Click" noise from inside the engine bay/under the car?
3. Do the lights dim when 1/2 happens?
Edit:
If Yes to 1&2:
Dodgy starter motor (maybe badly attached bellhousing) - Visual check on Bellhousing & Primary Cable
or
Dodgy Immobiliser - Try another key
If Yes to 1&2&3:
Dodgy battery
2. Do you hear a "Click" noise from inside the engine bay/under the car?
3. Do the lights dim when 1/2 happens?
Edit:
If Yes to 1&2:
Dodgy starter motor (maybe badly attached bellhousing) - Visual check on Bellhousing & Primary Cable
or
Dodgy Immobiliser - Try another key
If Yes to 1&2&3:
Dodgy battery
Never had that problem in the BMW. Happened sometimes in my Smart. Solution was to turn the ignition on, wait for all the lights to go off, then start the engine.
Try that, it worked for me. Failing that, it could be anything from a spark plug to the fuel pump :?
Try that, it worked for me. Failing that, it could be anything from a spark plug to the fuel pump :?
It happened now and again on my old celica on cold mornings. It sounds like its going to turn over but doesnt. So turn it back to first position then retry and it works. It first happened when I had the flat tyre indicator come up a week ago or so. I thought then that it was the car having a default that you couldn't start the car unless the flat tyre indicator had been reset. But since I've had the tyres replaced and the indicator isn't lit it's not down to that. Assume its the battery or starter motor just hoping it wasn't.
I'm with Ed on this one and woudl start by thinking in terms of the imobiliser or if not then the ignition switch, finally solenoid on the starter
Unlikley to be anything to do with the battery or internals of the starter.
Thsi is going to be tricky to track down without putting it onto something to read for any codes :thumbsdown:
Unlikley to be anything to do with the battery or internals of the starter.
Thsi is going to be tricky to track down without putting it onto something to read for any codes :thumbsdown:
Had this problem with my Coupe for a couple of months ago.
1.turn (ACC) ererything looks normal.
2. turn (ign) only the airbag symbol lights up. Nothing else is lighting up or moves (gauges).
3. turn (start) the starter runs but no firing.
Switched off the ignition and tried again, and it fired up in 90% of the time. Some times I needed to do this 2-3 times before starting.
Now it has been ok for about two months.
Didnt show anyting on the diagnosis.
if I would guess Id believe it would have something with the immobilizer or something in the steering column.... :scratchhead:
Also tried the other spare hkey. Same thing happened with that.
1.turn (ACC) ererything looks normal.
2. turn (ign) only the airbag symbol lights up. Nothing else is lighting up or moves (gauges).
3. turn (start) the starter runs but no firing.
Switched off the ignition and tried again, and it fired up in 90% of the time. Some times I needed to do this 2-3 times before starting.
Now it has been ok for about two months.
Didnt show anyting on the diagnosis.
if I would guess Id believe it would have something with the immobilizer or something in the steering column.... :scratchhead:
Also tried the other spare hkey. Same thing happened with that.
Thanks for all the advise folks intresting that it has happened to others. Was thinking of getting one of those gadgets that tell you fault codes by plugging it into your car. Anyone tried doing this? If they show up, do these machines allow you to do anything with the codes, like put them right or is it still a case a case to going down to the stealer?
I've still been having this problem on occassions but have noticed now that when it happens the only light that comes on the dash is the air bag light. The sat nav still pops up and the lights turn on. But car wont start. I then turn the ignition back and try again and all dash lights come on and the car ignition works. I have changed my Keys so I Know its not that. Any further ideas?
Its going to Bmw tomorrow to hopefully get this sorted. Yesterday it took around 10 attempts before it started, so finally arranged it to go in. Just hope it's not a big bill. Did think about getting the 3 blink indicator done at the same time, while its in if its not too expensive, anyone had thid done?
Well my problem is now said to be sorted. After 5 days of BMW testing it, they finally tracked the problem down to a faulty ignition switch. Funny that as that I would have thought would be the first thing they would of tested. Firstly they said it was something to do with a fuel sensor which would cost £400. They then changed their minds saying it was a relay, which cost £10, then said it wasn’t. Finally it was discovered it was the ignition switch costing £40. So picked it up yesterday and all seems fine. They did however forget to refit the boot carpet but I'll forgive them as they valet the car. 
Unfortunately not under waranty so had to pay them. But at least I didnt have to pay for the fuel sensor thing as they thought better of it. So bill was £250, so not as bad as it could have been.
