04 X5..Cranks but no start

[2555 john]

Yep another issue...Car cranks real strong...Take your hand off key and key stays in the extended position in ignition and keeps cranking....Car does not start...New battery last month...

Wtf? Sounds like its not getting fuel...Anybody ?

[upallnight]

Might needs a new ignition switch.

[StephenVA]

TEST DO NOT GUESS
Pull plugs confirm spark,
measure fuel pressure at fuel rail test port

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by 2555 john

Yep another issue...Car cranks real strong...Take your hand off key and key stays in the extended position in ignition and keeps cranking....Car does not start...New battery last month...

Wtf? Sounds like its not getting fuel...Anybody ?

When you release the key the engine shouldn't crank anymore. That's why I said it might be the ignition switch, not the key tumbler. Something is sticking inside the switch to prevent it from switching to the run position.

[Clavurion]

What engine are we talking about? Doesn't V8's have automatic start were starter is activated via relay until engine has started so you just have to trigger key in the start position?

[StephenVA]

Yep
Need more info from OP...

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by upallnight

When you release the key the engine shouldn't crank anymore. That's why I said it might be the ignition switch, not the key tumbler. Something is sticking inside the switch to prevent it from switching to the run position.

The V8 or maybe just with the high cluster will auto crank for a few seconds upon a momentary touch of start. I don't know if the DME is actually waiting for some confirmation of running or it's just a times pulse.

As already covered above: check for fuel check for spark.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The V8 or maybe just with the high cluster will auto crank for a few seconds upon a momentary touch of start. I don't know if the DME is actually waiting for some confirmation of running or it's just a times pulse.

As already covered above: check for fuel check for spark.

The OP never identified his model X5. Since he noted that the key didn't return to the start position when he let go of the key, but continue to cranks the engine I'm assuming that this was something new to him. On my previous X5 3.0I the key would always return to the run position once I let go of it from the start position. I am only assuming that he also has a 3.0I engine X5.

[aureliusmax]

Originally Posted by upallnight

The OP never identified his model X5. Since he noted that the key didn't return to the start position when he let go of the key, but continue to cranks the engine I'm assuming that this was something new to him. On my previous X5 3.0I the key would always return to the run position once I let go of it from the start position. I am only assuming that he also has a 3.0I engine X5.

If you take out the key does the starter keep cranking ?
I had a shorted solenoid coil last year on my starter and once I engaged the starter, it would not stop unless i disconnected the main battery ground.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by aureliusmax

If you take out the key does the starter keep cranking ?
I had a shorted solenoid coil last year on my starter and once I engaged the starter, it would not stop unless i disconnected the main battery ground.

That reminds me of a scientific experiment done on frogs. They taught the frog to jump when they said jump. After the frog learned the command they cut off one of it leg and said jump. The frog proceeded to jump on three legs. They cut off another leg and said jump. The frog jump on just 2 legs. They cut off another leg and said jump. With great effort the frog was able to jump on just 1 leg. They proceeded to cut off the last leg and said jump. The frog just sat there. The scientist conclusion was that after removing all the legs of a frog, the frog become deaf.

Too answer your question no, the starter or the engine does not keep cranking or running if you remove the key. Obviously you have a problem in the circuit and you found the cause of the problem.