Starting problem using Foxwell, or from the ignition switch

[workingonit]

I was out working/experimenting on the X5, trying to solve the MAF mystery, troubling myself and another https://xoutpost.com/1229029-post22.html. I cleaned the MAF, ran it for awhile while monitoring it on Torque Pro, then tried running it awhile wih the MAF unplugged. Ran fine either way.

Then I unplugged my OBDLink LX bluetooth dongle (for using Torque Pro on my Android tablet), plugged in my Foxwell to monitor codes (BMW-specific, no generic ones shown in Torque), and it kept having problems connecting. I tried several OBD2 extension cords (my bluetooth dongle operates fine on any or all of them), but the Foxwell wouldn't connect until I used the main underdash port (never had a problem before). Still had problems with it not autoscanning the VIN (failed 3 out of 5 times), and it took 10 minutes to load and read data.

Then, I moved the selector from BMW to the OBD2 selection, and again, the Foxwell failed 4 of 7 tries, to go thru the list of obd protocols, just to get to where I could view "live data". Then I went back to more attempts using the extension cables.

Just before disconnecting the Foxwell for the last time, I tried restarting the engine, but not even a click was heard. Tried several times, sometimes foot on brake, sometimes jiggling the shifter, sometimes neither = no start. I had a similar start problem one time before, over a year ago https://xoutpost.com/1218382-post1.html, but none since then.

I guess I turned on the ignition maybe 25-35 times today, to position 1, 2, and engine running, while testing. That's what reminded me of my previous no-start...turning on the key multiple times in a fairly short time (maybe 1-1.5 hours, this time).

I tried starting with my "small battery-saving device to allow my electric (aftermarket) cooling fan to run after the ignition was turned off" disconnected, but it didn't help. But 10 minutes later, having given up, I put my tools (and Foxwell) away, switched the battery-saving device back on, plugged the bluetooth dongle back in, and tried the key again. It started. I tried successfully again (and tested that the dongle & OBD data was working, once more) and came inside to write this.

Questions:

• 1) does anyone have similar ignition switch problems (normally starts on first try, better than two tries a year ago), that occur only during extended testing periods (only, I hope, from "overheating"), or
• 2) is my Foxwell going bad, after only maybe 20-30 hours of use? and is causing the start problem somehow (I was using it the previous occurrence, too), or
• 3) did fiddling with the OBD port + extension cables interfere with the EWS?, or
• 4) did the glitches I saw using the Foxwell tell the EWS to not start?, or
• 5) combinations of some of the above.

Another thing...I saw every combination of warning lights on the panel everytime the Foxwell was trying to connect, and the Foxwell continually clicks when it is stuck loading the CAN protocol. Surely not normal.