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Engine fails to crank

 
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tbailey4



Joined: 03 Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Livonia, Mi

PostPosted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:50 pm    Post subject: Engine fails to crank Reply with quote

I am working on a friends 89 535, automatic. It has failed to crank. I am not getting voltage to the solenoid. Starter fires if I hot wire voltage to the solenoid. I have no wiring diagrams but I assume the energizing line should pass through a neutral safety switch. My questions are, 1. Where is the neutral safety switch? 2. Are these cars equipped with a low voltage relay circuit that prevents the vehicle from starting when battery voltage is too low? After an hour of trouble shooting, I realized that the alternator is not charging the battery so battery voltage was down to 10.3volts. Any advice or wiring diagrams will be much appreciated. Thanks, Tim
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1979 r65
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edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

First, charge the battery.

Does the dashboard shift indicator agree with the shift lever position? If not, the trans switch is bad or misadjusted. It's concentric with the shift selector on the side of the trans.

If you think you may be wrenching on this car in future, get the Bentley's. Your friend can pay for it.

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/bmw/5-series/535i/1989-1993/BMW-5-Series-E34-1989-1995-Repair-Manual.html

BTW, the most common reason for no alt output is worn-out brushes, which are part of the regulator.
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'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.
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tbailey4



Joined: 03 Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Livonia, Mi

PostPosted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I will check the shift indicator, thanks.
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1993 K1100 R/S
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