Random starting problems

[AV8R4AA]

Not all the time, but maybe one in 25 I get a start fail.
My 2003 4.6 does this:
Sometimes the engine will start and then immediately die.
I have found that if the AC is on it doesn't die.

Also, I have turned the key, and nothing.
No crank, no click, no nothing.

ALWAYS, starts on the second try.
Battery is Interstate and 6 months old.

Car has 62 K miles and idles rock steady, no check engine lights,
Runs like a scalded Impala.

Wanting to track down this intermittent problem.

Any thoughts?

[crystalworks]

Car storing any codes?

Possible something is going on with the fuel pump. Was thinking failing ignition switch as well since you say you get no crank, click, etc.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

Not all the time, but maybe one in 25 I get a start fail.
My 2003 4.6 does this:
Sometimes the engine will start and then immediately die.
I have found that if the AC is on it doesn't die.

Also, I have turned the key, and nothing.
No crank, no click, no nothing.

ALWAYS, starts on the second try.
Battery is Interstate and 6 months old.

Car has 62 K miles and idles rock steady, no check engine lights,
Runs like a scalded Impala.

Wanting to track down this intermittent problem.

Any thoughts?

Could also be EWS. You need to check for the codes as a starting point. Hook up the scanner next time it exhibits the same problem.

[upallnight]

Ignition switch???

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Ignition switch???

[kmm111]

Do the problems happen with both keys? If you only have one key, get another key & see if the problems still exist.

[smokeyyank]

Mine does the same, interested to see what get's said. No codes and happens more often when it sits for a while.

[AV8R4AA]

If I don't have a "check engine" light.
Does that mean I don't have any codes?

Fuzzy area for me.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

If I don't have a "check engine" light.
Does that mean I don't have any codes?

Fuzzy area for me.

Nope. You have stored error codes. I have never read the modules/computers on a modern BMW and not seen any errors at all. Even if you clear them you will still get some random stuff that comes back up immediately... usually for instrument cluster randomness, HVAC, or the like.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

If I don't have a "check engine" light.
Does that mean I don't have any codes?

Fuzzy area for me.

Yeah you got codes. Break out the scanner and begin the debugging.