4.8is Cranks over but engine won't start

[crystalworks]

^Did you ever get the codes read? Upallnight dispelled my original thought of the EWS (key) being an issue almost immediately.

You can ohm out the crank sensor with a multimeter... but I'd get the codes read and see what pops up before going any further.

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

^Did you ever get the codes read? Upallnight dispelled my original thought of the EWS (key) being an issue almost immediately.

You can ohm out the crank sensor with a multimeter... but I'd get the codes read and see what pops up before going any further.

Ya but I didn't see that before going to town tearing up the key. I was too eager to get going on A fix. No worry, it's my mistake. I hope to somehow get the key fixed otherwise, it looks like $280 key with programming. Outch!

My OBD2 shows no codes, I don't have access to a better reader unless I get the car towed to the dealer which about another $250 including towing and dealer diagnosis. Trying to avoid that if I can and do some diagnosis in my driveway, otherwise this is going to be an expensive repair when all said and done. Sucks!

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Ya but I didn't see that before going to town tearing up the key. I was too eager to get going on A fix. No worry, it's my mistake. I hope to somehow get the key fixed otherwise, it looks like $280 key with programming. Outch!

My OBD2 shows no codes, I don't have access to a better reader unless I get the car towed to the dealer which about another $250 including towing and dealer diagnosis. Trying to avoid that if I can and do some diagnosis in my driveway, otherwise this is going to be an expensive repair when all said and done. Sucks!

Each time the engine is shut off, some of the engine codes are reset. Engine misfire is one code that is reset when an engine is turn off. That's why people always say that shutting down the engine and restarting the car and the engine run beautifully. That's because after so many misfires, the engine will shut down an injector(s). Now with an injector turn off by the computer there's a noticeable misfire, but shutting down the engine will reset the misfire count so now the injector is working again. There may still be a misfire, but the misfire is imperceptible to us, but not to the computer.

A scanner that can read the history of trouble codes along with data as to what was happening with the engine and car threw up the code is invaluable it determing what is the problem and the final solution. Everything else is just a wild ass guess. The days of the "Shade Tree Mechanics" are limited.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Ya but I didn't see that before going to town tearing up the key. I was too eager to get going on A fix. No worry, it's my mistake. I hope to somehow get the key fixed otherwise, it looks like $280 key with programming. Outch!

My OBD2 shows no codes, I don't have access to a better reader unless I get the car towed to the dealer which about another $250 including towing and dealer diagnosis. Trying to avoid that if I can and do some diagnosis in my driveway, otherwise this is going to be an expensive repair when all said and done. Sucks!

I hear you. That key should still be fixable unless you damaged it during the opening process. I've opened many of them and put them back together after soldering in new batteries. Hope you can get it fixed. I think I paid $190 for a new key from the dealer here in SA (previous X only came with 1 key). Maybe try another dealer. Sorry about that...

As for the codes... yeah a generic OBD2 reader isn't going to get you far. Bluetooth (or USB) OBD2 dongles are ridiculously cheap and can be used with Torque or other programs. That's an option. I use Carly BMW which, with cable & software, was about $70. I use it on my tablet and have good results with it.

[jfoj]

You can watch the tach and see if there is output from the crank sensor.

You should see the tach pretty steady at 100-150 RPM while cranking.

We have been seeing BAD KEYS that will allow the engine to crank, but not start. The EWS usually inhibits the fuel pump, injectors and starter, but for some reason we have seen cases that are crank, no start that are key related.

As for a replacement keyfob, for around $135, a Valet or Plastic Emergancy key if available are about $50 online if you READ this thread -

what did you pay for your E46 diamond key replacement? - E46Fanatics


The other simple tool to use for no starts is a can of starting fluid. A solid 2 second burst in the intake preferably at the MAF opening and crank the engine. If it starts and dies, you have a fuel problem. Either no fuel pressure, contaminated fuel or injectors not triggering.

Cutting open a key is the LAST thing you want to do.