Suddenly will not start

[kyounger]

2007 Z4 roadster manual tranny, 110,00 miles: Two days ago it suddenly would not start. There was basically no forewarning of an issue. The battery is two years old, had it tested today, and it is fine. There was significant voltage at the "jump box" under the hood. All the electronics are working accept for the solenoid on the starter apparently. I have tested all the large orange fuses in the fuse box behind the glove box, along with the smaller ones which sound like they could have anything at all to do with starting, and they were fine. I tested all the fuses in the black box under the hood, on the driver's side and they were all fine. I have an extra key, which I have not used in many years, and of course it was of no value now. I asked at a "Battery and Bulb" store if they had a new battery for the fob, and the gentleman there told me that would be a dealer item, since it had to be soldered in. I have not contacted the local dealer yet. I have checked the black box in the battery compartment which is supposed to "blow apart" when the air bags inflate - not that they have - and it was fine. Everything is fine, accept for the one thing that is keeping the car from starting!

Is there something I am missing that could cause this? Is there any way to narrow the search for culprits down to the fob for sure? The key fob I am currently using is the one that the previous owner was using for daily driving the car. I have had it for a little more that four years. Sorry for the long thread, I am desperate thanks - Kyounger

 

[kyounger]

Someone wrote that if the key fob is able to unlock the doors and truck, then it's ok and should be ale to start the car. Is that accurate?

 

[bigwinn]

When you turn the key do you get a click?

My immediate thought is that your starter motor has failed as opposed to the fuse routes you have looked at?

 

[Zedebee]

Starter motor failure is not uncommon. Sometimes a sharp knock with a big hammer and a piece of wood will revive it temporarily. They are not massively expensive or difficult to replace. It’s located under the inlet manifold and bolted on to the gearbox housing, accessible from the left hand side of the car.

 

[salfer]

Since it’s a manual, you could prove it’s the starter failing by push or roll starting your car…?

 

[Rockhopper]

Tell us exactly what happens when you turn the key. Just saying it wont start could be numerous different things.

 

[colb]

Not unknown fotr the starter motor to die without any advance warning, had this happen to mine, did revive it with a couple of blows wth a hammer but it failed completly after a couple of test starts. Fitted a replacement and starting restored, been fine ever since.
As to the keys, put them on a toothbrush charger overnight to svharge the batteries. You may have to sync the keys once they are charged and remember you have to sync the keys one after the other to get both synced to the car. Method on here if you search key sync, you will find previous posts.
Here you are found my old post with instructions on how to sync keys
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1920022&hilit=key+sync#p1919772

 

[kyounger]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping it was not the starter. I am thinking that it probably is now however. I did use a long stick and hammer to tap the starter and silinoid, and nothing happened. There is no 'clicking' as if the battery was low or dying. The only noise is a "plastic" sounding clicking from the front of the engine, near the intake manifold... no clicking from the starter. We did push it to get it started the other day so I could drive it home. It fired right up. So, now shopping for starters. I will probably not order one until I get this one off, and have it tester, or test it here with a 12 volt battery. However, I think I know what I will find. It looks like a real pain to get to and remove... but I am in no hurry. Again, thanks so much...

 

[enuff_zed]

I think you are over thinking it. By bump starting the car you’ve proved the rest works. Why wait? Starter motors are relatively cheap. Buy a new one and you can easily have the whole job done in an hour.

 

[kyounger]

Pulled the wire off the solenoid, and it has voltage when the key is in the start position, but no action on the part of the solenoid. Battery cables going down to the back of the starter are hot with over 12 volts. I am assuming is it safe to say the solenoid / starter are dead... thanks for the help... and support.

 

[kyounger]

The new starter came Wednesday, installed it today, and she fired right up! Thanks so much for the help and the patience...