2002 3.0 X5 engine stops while driving

[kfm]

X5 E53, 2002
Engine: M54
Trans: GM 5L40E
76K miles

The car has seen little driving in that last couple of years, just occasional runs to stores etc. never more than 30 miles each trip.

Yesterday I took a longer trip. 60 Miles highway driving 75% at ~70 mph, 25% with traffic jam going as slow as 25 mph. Arrived at destination no issue.
Two hours later, start driving back. Driving slowly (<40mph) for about half a mile, the car lost drive. I gave it some more gas, but rpm was not responding. Then the engine just stopped and "service engine" light came on. Coasted to a stop. Attempted to start the engine twice. It started to run, but then immediately dies. No error msg other than the "service engine light". Had the car toweled back home.

Next day I tried to use a Foxwell scanner to read diagnostic data. But for the three key items
• Motor Electronics2 DME
• Transmission Control EGS
• Transmission control unit EGS
I got no information because the scanner says no communication with these units. Tried multiple time with key in different position.

Finally I decided to try start the engine again and it started right away. But it was running rough especially when the engine speed start to drop from the initial higher rpm. Eventually it settled to a smooth idle. I tried to engage both reverse and forward gears, could move the car ok, but didn't want to risk to drive it more than a few feet. During this time, the "service engine" light didn't come on.

Tried to use the scanner again with engine running, still no communication. All this took about 15 mins, then the engine started to run rough, and the "service engine" light came on the engine shut off itself.

One other interesting thing was that when I turn the key to run position, I hear a high pitched whistle, last may be 10 seconds. This was something I never heard before, it is on top of the normal sound a X5 makes when you turn the key to run position.

Now I have no clue what is wrong with the car, hope someone could give me some hint.

Thanks!

[80stech]

I would suspect the fuel pump for starters. The Foxwell fans can maybe help with the scanner.

[kfm]

Thanks 80stech.

That is a good one. I was wondering if the ECU are dead, but then the car should not start at all. I will go investigate how to diag fuel pump problem.

[EODguy]

+1 on the fuel pump

I guess I'll step in as the Foxwell fan
But honestly I recommend you choose the auto option for reading the VIN as sometimes a low battery will let a VIN from another installed car part shine thru and that causes something like a logic loop (guessing the term)

I would also check your battery/alternator voltage, function.

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[kfm]

Originally Posted by EODguy

+1 on the fuel pump

I guess I'll step in as the Foxwell fan
But honestly I recommend you choose the auto option for reading the VIN as sometimes a low battery will let a VIN from another installed car part shine thru and that causes something like a logic loop (guessing the term)

I would also check your battery/alternator voltage, function.

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It did the VIN reading fine. I first did the quick scan option and it scanned a bound of stuff and came back with no error code reported. That was when I went to the specific module scanning mode and got no communication error.

Very disappointed with the Foxwell scanner. Supposed to be a way better scanner compared to the generic ones. But it hasn't given me more info then the generic every time I used both, now it does not even work. I was using it simply based on the believe it is supposed to be better because it costed more, with specific software module for each car make, which of course one has pay for each. The generic scanner works for any car.

One other thing with the Foxwell is that it takes forver to read anything...

[cn90]

How much fuel is in the tank?

This could be the infamous O-ring issue that happens when fuel is low (< 1/4)...

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by cn90

How much fuel is in the tank?

This could be the infamous O-ring issue that happens when fuel is low (&lt; 1/4)...

That's another +1 I don't know why I didn't remember that one.

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[kfm]

Originally Posted by cn90

How much fuel is in the tank?

This could be the infamous O-ring issue that happens when fuel is low (< 1/4)...

What is this O-ring issue? Indeed the fuel was just less than 1/4 tank.

[X5chemist]

The start up whistle may be the auxiliary engine blower fan. Located on the fender right side. It runs a few seconds at start up to add air into the exhaust. Mine failed a while back. Took three units to keep the service light off. A Hella replacement air pump works great. Two other brands didn't work. If the noise is inside, it's probably the blower motor fan. Mine does it too. Mostly while driving though and not often.

Fuel and bad battery are my primary guesses. Check the battery voltage. If the battery is over three years old, I would definitely keep it on a trickle charger.

Wow, low mileage survivor. Post a small pic or two of it.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

The start up whistle may be the auxiliary engine blower fan. Located on the fender right side. It runs a few seconds at start up to add air into the exhaust. Mine failed a while back. Took three units to keep the service light off. A Hella replacement air pump works great. Two other brands didn't work. If the noise is inside, it's probably the blower motor fan. Mine does it too. Mostly while driving though and not often.



Fuel and bad battery are my primary guesses. Check the battery voltage. If the battery is over three years old, I would definitely keep it on a trickle charger.



Wow, low mileage survivor. Post a small pic or two of it.

I replied to the OP about his problem on another forum earlier, suggesting that his problem might be electrical in nature. And that the whine he heard was possibly the alternator or Secondary Air Pump.

I also said that when my battery went bad (failure to retain above 12 volts for long after charging), I also had the codes he posted. I think that he needs to check alternator output, and localize exactly where the whine originated. I would think that if the fuel pump was whining, he should be able to instantly recognize that it was inside the cabin.



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