Diagnose EWS system
 

IS there a way to diagnose the EWS system without DIS software? My truck will not start and am thinking part(or all) of the problem lies there. I have a new IVM module coming, but want to try and eliminate the EWS as a possibility or not. Trying to avoid the "stealer" at all cost…..Thanks
2001 4.4 123K miles

DIS will tell you if the EWS is throwing any codes. generic scanners will not.

INPA has an ews sync and I'm sure it will read your code. It's also free. All you need is a 20 dollar cable and a laptop.

Heli, thanks for the info. We are all Apple connected here, will have to find a windows laptop to use. Source for free program and the $20cable? Thanks for the help.
PS, how do I add my info to my signature. I have looked and tried and am too stupid to figure it out.

You would want to edit your sig.

Ya give me a min and I'll dig up some links.

You can find used xp laptops super cheap....

Great thread here....

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...iabas-diy.html

Heli, thanks for that info. Tracking down a laptop now. I am a complete newbie to Windows software so will be interesting. Had car scanned last night with a Indie shop scanner(supposedly a very good one) and we showed no faults/codes in the EWS. But we did get a "shift lock solenoid" code. Trying to track that one down now…..getting sick of this no start problem. I know it is something simple.

Where is northeast exactly?

answer….
 

close enough answer?

Here is the scan

Slick has all the right software to help you...

He might be asking to meet and help you....

That was the thought. Give me an excuse to fire up that laptop.

I still have to get at it, to get the files for a few people with coded shit.

Slick, sorry for the vague answer. Internet paranoia……I am in Massachusetts. About an hour south of Boston. I would be so grateful to find someone with your knowledge and ability to help me diagnose this. I am literally at a standstill at where to go next.

Damn that is far. I was hoping LI, NJ close pa. I'm in NYC. You are like 3-4 hours away. With my schedule and two kids you are quite far. Sorry bud.

You don't need any crazy laptop by the way. Almost anything will run INPA. Installation instructions come with the cable. Nice little dvd with vids on it. Romanian guy on eBay. Buy that shit and get something up and running. My beast laptop bit the bug of death, and I was able to install and run INPA, and NCS Expert on a gateway shitbox notebook with a multimedia processor. No joke this is some cheap 1998 laptop that someone was going to throw out.

If you really must have DIS, SSS, then you will actually need a laptop that supports Microsoft Virtual Machine. My crap gateway processor won't support Virtual Machine. Romanian software dude sends virtual machine software as well by the way. So do a little Google foo, go to Microsoft, and search which processors will be able to run VM. Then buy that laptop. That's really all you need. Oh and a few USB ports are a must.

The EGS is the module that handles the transmission. The error you're getting is related probably to a solenoid valve not working properly. But, I don't think it'll prevent you to start the vehicle.

You need a scan of at least DME and EWS.

Also, there are variants of a non-start issue, for example if you turn the key to pos 2, and you can't hear the fuel pump running, then, probably the key isn't recognize for some reason, and the vehicle won't crank or a relay is bad. Or, if you hear the fuel pump but, when you turn the key, the car just makes a short click coming from the engine bay, but nothing else happens, then you might have a problem with one or more of these parts: battery, some relay, EWS, dead key fob (transponder not working anymore. It happened to me with one of the keys), or even the starter motor not working.

OR, if it cranks but can't start, then it could be a sort of other totally different issues, etc, etc, etc... You get the point.

What I'm trying to say is, with these cars you can't just guess and shoot in the dark to try find a problem, bc it would cost you a lot of time and money and you'll end up frustrated and with less money in your pocket.

I haven't seen any EWS modules failing in these cars just like that. It's not that common unless you have an electrical problem of some sort.

Be smart and scan her ASAP.

BTW, having a scanner with you can save you a fortune. Just learn how to use the tools available in the Internet.

Just a thought...try this......insert key on Ignition position 2.....put car in neutral....restart car.

Let us know what happens then.

Have tried this many times with no results. Thanks for trying. I am scouring forums as we speak. Considering taking to dealer since I don't know of anyone that can scan it. I have considered doing it myself, but after reading about it, I don't think I am capable of it and will screw something up. Just very frustrated. These cars shouldn't be this complicated.

Nothing to screw up by scanning the car. Not much damage can be done at all if you get DIS up and running. Don't be scared.

+1 on the package on eBay from the Romanian guy. Probably the easiest way to get setup for coding/diagnosis.