starting problem after device addition; could it be a coincidence?
 

A few days ago, I installed https://xoutpost.com/1218267-post86.html a small battery-saving device to allow my electric (aftermarket) cooling fan to run after the ignition was turned off. It used the existing "switched" wiring that I'd been using for months, and I tapped into an "always hot" cigarette lighter circuit to activate the timer/voltage limiter function.

It works as I had intended, and allows the fan to run until the shut-off parameter(s) are met. I've checked several times to make sure that the sleep mode hasn't been affected, and it hasn't.

However, just after I installed it, and was repeatedly turning the X5 on/off/on, and running it until the coolant was hot enough/cold enough to test the device fully (about a dozen cycles), there were 2-3 times that I turned the key to "start", and there was no function, just dash lights.

I've followed up on this, and started the X5 as it sits in the driveway, about 8 times since then. All successful starts...until I drove the wife to the store today (two different stops), and on two of the four start cycles, there were just dash lights (no clicks, buzzes. nada).

The X5 started up on the second attempt each time. But, on both second attempts, I also switched-off the battery-saver device, just because it was the only new item added recently. The X5 had been "sleeping", normally, on every first start attempt.

Other variables may be

• 1) the fact that I've started using the steering lock just last week, after there'd been unusual activity on our street (semi-rural), and
• 2) I've wondered if the key chip may not be being read by the EWS ring antenna, if I've not pushed the key in far enough (21-year-old original key into the original ignition switch, may have some extra space).

When I got the X5 in May, the (only) key went dead after two days, so I cut it open, replaced the battery, and also broke an internal wire inside it. I sloppily fixed it, but I carry a generic key with me to be able to use the remote entry, if that wire breaks again. The transponder chip wasn't disturbed, so it shouls always work in the ignition (the laser-cut pattern is a bit worn, though, so it's getting loose in the ignition). Maybe that's another factor?

Also, since I got the X5, there've been no "BMW chimes, gongs, or any other sounds", and I've also only triggered the alarm (honking horn, flashing lights) once, even though I always make sure the "clown nose" is flashing...is the immobilizer intermittently acting-up in the background, just now?

I'll keep testing it, but any ideas what it might be? The X5 always starts easily, no hesitation at all, everytime 'til just now. I don't want to get stranded for something simple, if I can rectify it beforehand.

I don't normally ignore coincidences but one possible (unrelated) issue is the electrical section of the ignition switch - they are known to wear out and cause intermittant starting (along with other occasional symptoms).

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/253489_x450.webp

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/61326901961/

https://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-Vehi...008B8ERIO?th=1


"Garbage/cheap/bad quality control"
"DO NOT BUY, DOES NOT WORK"
"CrapVue waste of money Junk Crap"
"TRASH!!"
"Works Perfect... edit: until it doesn't"
"Failed within half an hour of installation"
"Useless, cheap quality and overpriced"
"Dead on arrival. Replacement also dead on arrival!"
"Faulty"

locating the intermiitent start may take awhile
 

That's the problem here: the intermittent nature of the occasional non-start could be due to partial failures of one or all of several components. Which to focus in on first? or shoot the parts cannon, and replace everything? My "experience-with/time-with" this X5 (my first-ever BMW) is only 10 months and 500 miles, so to me, it could be anything (ignition, DME, starter/solenoid, or whatever else may be interconnected somewhere in the BMW module & wiring maze). For all I know, the cigarette lighter may be affecting some module somewhere that affects something else that affects....

If it was a starting problem in my old pre-electronics cars, it'd be easy to find & fix, and somewhat harder to do on my current stable of OBD2 General Motors vehicles, but with them, I'm pretty familiar with their electronics and/or have enough info sources to track the problem down. I don't yet have a Bentley manual, and though I've got access to WDS and NewTis, I'm struggling tracing circuitry, still. Perhaps I need at least one more symptom to be able to connect the dots in locating the source of the intermittent start?

I saw all the reviews before purchase, always reading the 1&2 star reviews, first. But, for $27, I figured there was little to lose if it was just a cheap, junk part (note: the reviews stating that it drained their battery don't quite apply here; my X5 is always on a charger at home, and I doubt the fan can drain the battery during any of my stops away from home base, usually less than an hour where I'm away from the truck.) And my battery charges at 14.2v-14.5v when driving, and is at 12.8v at rest, usually.

I also completely read-over the instruction flyer, that specifically warns you to never modify/change the dipswitch settings with the "on" switch active, or with the unit connected. I tried one setting before I plugged it in, and when I changed the setting, I did so with the plug out. I'm sure some people didn't follow those warnings, and may have fried the unit.

Another thing: I turn the device off when I plug in my charger at home, anyway, and also when I leave the X5 away from home, if the unit has already cycled-off before I get out of the truck (coolant temp goes below 174F, or 12.5vdc has been reached).