Cranks but wont start.

[01 BMW_X5]

Originally Posted by weasel56

If it cranks, it won't be the starter.

+1

ENOUGH SAID

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by 01 BMW_X5

+1

ENOUGH SAID

Just because you hear a spin, doesn't mean it is cranking. Did you read the post? He said it doesn't sound like it is spinning normally. Have you ever looked at a starter?

[primetime]

How about tow it to a shop and get a professional diagnosis? It could be the starter, it could be something else.

[01 BMW_X5]

Originally Posted by Wagner

Have you ever looked at a starter?

I can remove from ANY vehicle, test, strip down, repair, reassemble and reinstall.

[premierX5]

Originally Posted by primetime

How about tow it to a shop and get a professional diagnosis? It could be the starter, it could be something else.

[JCL]

We seem to have very different definitions going on here.

The original poster said that it cranks, that is the title of the thread. Starters spin if they have juice, then the starter engages the ring gear, and that cranks the engine. Cranking doesn't refer to a starter, it refers to a crankshaft.

If the engine is cranking, in our diagnostic process, by definition we are already past the battery, starter, and engagement of the ring gear.

If it doesn't sound normal when the engine is cranking, it is either because the compression isn't as expected (for a variety of reasons) or the engine just isn't catching as it usually does, and the noise is normal, but not commonly heard, ie just not the same as it usually sounds.

I'm with the above recommendations to get a professional diagnosis.

[01 BMW_X5]

Originally Posted by JCL

The original poster said that it cranks, that is the title of the thread. Starters spin if they have juice, then the starter engages the ring gear, and that cranks the engine. Cranking doesn't refer to a starter, it refers to a crankshaft.

If the engine is cranking, in our diagnostic process, by definition we are already past the battery, starter, and engagement of the ring gear.

+1
I stand by my 1st post on this thread!!

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by JCL

We seem to have very different definitions going on here.

The original poster said that it cranks, that is the title of the thread. Starters spin if they have juice, then the starter engages the ring gear, and that cranks the engine. Cranking doesn't refer to a starter, it refers to a crankshaft.

If the engine is cranking, in our diagnostic process, by definition we are already past the battery, starter, and engagement of the ring gear.

If it doesn't sound normal when the engine is cranking, it is either because the compression isn't as expected (for a variety of reasons) or the engine just isn't catching as it usually does, and the noise is normal, but not commonly heard, ie just not the same as it usually sounds.

I'm with the above recommendations to get a professional diagnosis.

Finally a smart post



http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repairqa/transmission/ques036_4.html

[mel23816]

Thnaks for all your replies. I was just wondering if theres an easy fix I can do myself or a temporary fix so I can drive it to the shop.

[01 BMW_X5]

Could be an easy fix if you knew how to do these things.
You need to check whether the no start is fuel related or electrical(no-spark)/EWS related. Check for fuel/fuel pressure at the fuel distribution rail. Press the schraeder valve and check if any fuel comes out. can you hear the fuel pump? Check if you have spark. Recalibrate your EWS system. Check your sensors(crankshaft/camshaft).



If you had a TIMING BELT I would be telling you to check if it hasn't snapped or taken a few teeth off. This would result in a quick swinging engine.

Edit: Have you checked engine fuses?