Here we go again - Starter just cranks but no fire in cold weather - Page 2

TiAgX5 · #1 12-13-2013, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5SND

+1 to what up upallnight said.

I'd also throw a fuel pressure tester on and watch what happens when you turn the key/crank.

+1

Proper pressure readings will verify fuel pump electricals, both pumps, fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator are all operating within spec. A quick/easy test that verifies that much is a good place to start.

upallnight · #2 12-13-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

+1

Proper pressure readings will verify fuel pump electricals, both pumps, fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator are all operating within spec. A quick/easy test that verifies that much is a good place to start.

upallnight · #3 12-13-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omodos

well fella I have an e53. 3.0d 2004, and had the same issue, BUT only every winter for the last 2 years as temps dropped starting was laboured like it wasnt going to crank over, and in a few instances didnt at all , ...so I swapped out the oem battery (that was 9years old)and so far so good......sorry i cant be of more help

You have a diesel, the OP has a gas engine X, two completely different reasons why either one will not start, except for maybe running out of fuel.

He has a spark plug you don't. Your engine requires high compression to start the engine his doesn't. You have a glow plug for cold weather starting his doesn't.
.

Roadkill · #4 12-13-2013, 11:25 AM

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I tend to agree with some sort of fuel delivery problem. When it finally does decide to fire, it slowly sputters to life and then runs like its new. I'm wondering if something is freezing?

davewlee · #5 12-13-2013, 11:38 AM

This has been happening to me also for a couple of years... When It does I pull the fuse for the fuel pump (in Glove box) .. Try and start the car ( It starts right away when the fuse is pulled) , Shut the car off (since the fuel pump fuse is disconnected) , put the fuse back in and then it works until the next time. This usually happens when it gets cold . It is intermittent so it makes troubleshooting hard. Hope this helps...

bcredliner · #6 12-13-2013, 01:35 PM

I agree that a fuel pressure test is good to do, however, it is my understanding your problem only happens when the conditions are very specific. That says to me a fuel pressure test may show all is well. So, I would first check to see if the OBC is storing any error codes. It's always a good thing to do first anyway but I think more important here.

May not be the case for anyone other than me but I look for anything I can troubleshoot first where there is the least risk I can cause a bigger problem and is minimal cost. If you don't have diagnostic capability the pressure test will cost less as even if you don't have a fuel pressure gauge you can get a loner from many auto parts stores with a deposit that is returned when the tester is returned.

If you choose to do the pressure test first, I would do the test with the engine cold and in the conditions you experience the issue especially if it happens every time and always in those particular conditions.

dannyx5is · #7 12-17-2013, 12:27 AM

I have same thing.no codes got new fuel pump@relay now that its cold out its very hard to start,anyone have any other thoughts on what it could be,its been starting fine all summer it seems to happen only when cold out and after ii have driven it and then let it sit for a bit.

switchman · #8 01-01-2014, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyx5is

I have same thing.no codes got new fuel pump@relay now that its cold out its very hard to start,anyone have any other thoughts on what it could be,its been starting fine all summer it seems to happen only when cold out and after ii have driven it and then let it sit for a bit.

where is the fuel pump relay ? I have a '06 4.4i; i have changed fuel pump and filter but now getting no start condition on very cold mornings.

got stranded yesterday at hotel in Annapolis but after pushing the X into sunlight, it got warmed a bit and it started.

bcredliner · #9 12-17-2013, 12:30 PM

Other issues that could cause the cold start problem.

You could have an injector leaking. Next time it happens try holding the accelerator to the floor. That shuts off the injectors and puts in a cold flooding mode.

It could also be a coolant temp sensor that is sending wrong message. The result would be an improper air/fuel mix.

bcredliner · #10 12-17-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Other issues that could cause the cold start problem.

You could have an injector leaking. Next time it happens try holding the accelerator to the floor. That shuts off the injectors and puts in a cold flooding mode.

It could also be a coolant temp sensor that is sending wrong message. The result would be an improper air/fuel mix.

How do these silly links happen, like the one if you click on the work injectors above when I didn't put them in?