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Andrew_Edwards
Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 42 Location: Australia
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:24 pm Post subject: Ignition Switch/Starter Failure Solved |
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I own an automatic 1990 325i Convertible.
Over the past 12 month I have been experiencing intermittent failure of the starter motor to operate when the ignition key was turned to start. This situation would only present on days of hot weather and at first I suspected a problem with the starter solenoid.
I removed the starter and cleaned, lubricated and tested the solenoid all OK.
I soon discovered that when this problem presented I could start the car by turning on the ignition and jumpering terminals 11 & 14 on the diagnostic connector.
Upon examining the wiring diagram for the stater circuit I suspected a faulty starter relay but over time this proved not to be the cause.
Finally after testing and cleaning all earth points and leads I tested the operation of the ignition switch by connecting a test lamp to the starter relay terminal 86 ( connected to the ignition switch) and operated the key. I discovered the lamp would be bright on some occasions and considerably dull on others. Joy at last the cause of the problem was a worn ignition switch and not a starter motor or relay.
Replaced the ignition switch and problem fixed. Hope this helps others experiencing this condition _________________ 91 325iC
95 525i
Last edited by Andrew_Edwards on Tue Feb 18, 2014 6:14 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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idanity
Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 3097 Location: N.W.U.S.A.
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 12:11 am Post subject: |
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it is beneficial.
however, it would be improved if it was:
- not a run on paragraph
- had another word in the header (like SOLUTION, or FIXED, or SOLVED).
- had a picture of your car _________________ .......... |
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dale
Joined: 22 Aug 1999 Posts: 3087 Location: Seattle, WA USA
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Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 1:57 am Post subject: |
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I've seen this problem twice with our Pro3 race cars. Both times it was after the car sat all winter with some weather exposure. Corrosion build up, and the start portion of the ignition switch was dead.
After working the key back and forth 30-40 times, it started to work once in a while. I added an aftermarket push button switch as a different way to supply 12V to the starter solenoid. _________________ http://www.unofficialbmw.com
UnofficialBMW.com Webmaster
dale@unofficialbmw.com
sold in 2016
87 325 5spd eta |
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