M54 no start problem, ideas?

[SBBimmer]

Tried to perform the EWS adjustment by inputting a variety of build dates on either side of the real one (May, 2005). The Foxwell consistently got me as far as the screen that says "establish switch on terminal 15 (I think that's position 1 but i tried position 2 as well), turn off engine then press continue". After that it always gives me a "No Communication" message.

Did a spark test with a piece of paper and no sign of any spark. That would make sense if I have an EWS problem, but that may not be my only problem.

The Foxwell recognizes both my keys, but I reinitialized one just in case and still no start.

Did I say I was feeling optimistic? Ha.

I have the cable for BMW Scanner 1.4 but have never used it (I'm a Mac guy). Is that what I should try next?

I've been keeping my battery on a charger so that shouldn't be an issue. It was never flat, but I did have an incident when I was working on the fuel filter where I had accidently locked the car before jacking the front and it set off the alarm. Could that be the source of this?

[andrewwynn]

Check your obd port for issues. Others have had dirty/bent pins or even a broken socket cause your can't connect to module situation.

[andrewwynn]

Usually extended battery disconnect is the cause of EWS sync problems but likely many ways.

Somebody very recently posted he was able to resync EWS with no tools just the key. I'll look for the thread

[SBBimmer]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Check your obd port for issues. Others have had dirty/bent pins or even a broken socket cause your can't connect to module situation.

Okay, thanks. I'll see what I can determine. It just seems odd that it sees the error and gets me as far as it does if it's not actually connecting.

[andrewwynn]

Maybe because the error stored in DME

[SBBimmer]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Maybe because the error stored in DME

I see. I will make a close physical inspection, not sure how else to check the OBD port, I have tried three scanners recently (Foxwell, BluDriver and Creator - only the Foxwell can fix the EWS) and none reported any problems scanning, but this is beyond my brain.

Thanks for your help.

[workingonit]

I'm following this thread with some interest. Specifically re: anything concerning the M54, fuel pressure testing, Foxwell scan tools, and EWS problems.

At the current time, my M54 starts fine, never misses a beat, and so far my self-repaired (single) diamond key always works. And my Foxwell NT510E scanner works fine, if a bit slow. Since you mentioned Foxwell updates in post #30

Originally Posted by SBBimmer

...(I) decided to try updating the Foxwell. That update has been running for hours but it says not to disturb it....

I updated mine today. It only took <10 minutes. First update I did a while back took longer, though.

I wish someone could tell me the specific thread of the adapter for the fuel pressure Schrader valve on pre-facelift M54's. I've seen recommendations for the OTC 5630 kit, but I also read that the fitting doesn't work (on other forums), and ECS Tuning offers only one adapter, and it says it doesn't fit my 2001 M54.

[andrewwynn]

My kit from harbor freight worked.

[SBBimmer]

Originally Posted by workingonit

I wish someone could tell me the specific thread of the adapter for the fuel pressure Schrader valve on pre-facelift M54's. I've seen recommendations for the OTC 5630 kit, but I also read that the fitting doesn't work (on other forums), and ECS Tuning offers only one adapter, and it says it doesn't fit my 2001 M54.

Hi Workingonit:

I'm not an expert, but from recent experience I can tell you that I've looked all over the internet for a spec on the Schrader valve and never found one. Some people say they're all the same (any bicycle valve is the same), others say they're all different, but I have found no specs. I can say that what was labeled as a "Ford Schrader Valve Adapter" on the O'Reilly's kit did not work. On my '05 it clearly didn't depress the valve enough to register, on my '01 it did register but spewed fuel like Niagra Falls (shout out to my Canadian friends).

The 5630 kit reads pressure on both cars. But it still leaks fuel. I put plumber's tape on and tightened every bit as far as I thought was safe. If you don't mind breaking your Schrader valve off you could tighten farther, but I wasn't willing to take that risk. I think the numbers the 5630 produced were probably close to accurate.

There are a zillion kits on Amazon that seem to be capable of this sloppy fit. I mostly bought the 5630 because Amazon said it was for Volvo and BMW and somewhere on Xoutpost someone said it was great. I don't think it's great, but it works better than the stuff from O'Reilly that they claim is worth $150.

Hope this helps.

[X5chemist]

SBBimmer,
A procedure is available on how to test the EWS. I found it while looking for a replacement EWS. PM me your emails address. I’ll mail a file. I’ll look for the original link and post it too.