X5 WILL NOT TURN OVER

[RRATS4]

Hi all...I have a 2003 4.6is Dinan S3. I have an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes when I attempt to start it, I turn the key, and nothing happens...no crank no nothing. It's not like I have a dead battery or something. After a few attempts, and sometimes more, it will turn over and start like nothing happened. I plugged in my OB2 code reader and have no faults, and no SES light. Does anyone know why this happening? One day it's just not gonna start.

[ake53]

Originally Posted by RRATS4

Hi all...I have a 2003 4.6is Dinan S3. I have an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes when I attempt to start it, I turn the key, and nothing happens...no crank no nothing. It's not like I have a dead battery or something. After a few attempts, and sometimes more, it will turn over and start like nothing happened. I plugged in my OB2 code reader and have no faults, and no SES light. Does anyone know why this happening? One day it's just not gonna start.

when that one day comes. please sell me your dinan parts.

but for now check all you connection cables. starter, whats the temperature your starting at.?

next you need a gt1 dis laptop to hook up to the vehicle and run some tests and moniter perfomance.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by RRATS4

...no crank no nothing. It's not like I have a dead battery or something...

Can you qualify that comment in the quote above about the battery with more info or details? Like did you run OBC'S test 9, or did you check the battery with a multimeter and you have the battery's voltage at hand? Or do you have a brand new battery installed etc?

If your just going on that interior lights were on...that's not conclusive that the battery is ok. It could be at 10.8 volts and the lights cold be on, but not have enough power to start the car.

[Elvis 3.0]

Test no. 9 is pretty easy to run, and should be tested several times with the engine on and off. SlickGT1 has the test listed in his signature. It's also listed in the X5 Cool Hidden Features thread.

After you looked at how to do it (if you have not already) and need help let me know I can walk you through. Once you 'unlock' the test, you won't need to go through the unlock process again. You can simply scroll thought to Tr.9 and run it to check your voltage.

Get a few readings with the engine off ( one before you have driven, one after you have driven). Take a drive and note what the voltage readings are over the drive ( when you first turn the engine over, when you are on the highway, when you are parked after a drive).

Report the readings back and someone will be able to give you their two cents...

If it ends up being the battery you will want to take the look before you leap approach and just to check on the threads to ensure you swap out in the most beneficial way.

[RRATS4]

Hi...thanks for the replies? How do I run these tests you guys speak of? Do I need to buy this gt1 laptop thing? I just have a basic OB2 code reader. Can you supply more information on this testing stuff and what I need to run them?

[Qsilver7]

No equipment needed to unlock your instrument cluster to access the OBC's Tests. Just need to add up the last five digits if your VIN then enter that number following the procedure outlined below.

For an explanation of each of the 21 tests, click this link then click the thumbnails so that they explode into a larger view: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/313409...series/page-6/

[JCL]

These symptoms are often associated with a failing ignition switch. Could also be the key, so try another one to see if it makes any difference.

[SlickGT1]

Test 9 in my sig. The most important thing you should always refer to when you car does strange shit.

I am in agreement with JCL though. Sounds like ignition switch or the key. If the key battery died, same will happen. It seems to start after a while because the key will charge when in ignition cylinder.

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI on UNLOCKING the OBC: if you turn the ignition to KL R (ignition position 1 instead of position 2) you don't have to put the seat belt on.