2002 3.0 X5 engine stops while driving
 

X5 E53, 2002
Engine: M54
Trans: GM 5L40E
76K miles

The car has seen little driving in that last couple of years, just occasional runs to stores etc. never more than 30 miles each trip.

Yesterday I took a longer trip. 60 Miles highway driving 75% at ~70 mph, 25% with traffic jam going as slow as 25 mph. Arrived at destination no issue.
Two hours later, start driving back. Driving slowly (<40mph) for about half a mile, the car lost drive. I gave it some more gas, but rpm was not responding. Then the engine just stopped and "service engine" light came on. Coasted to a stop. Attempted to start the engine twice. It started to run, but then immediately dies. No error msg other than the "service engine light". Had the car toweled back home.

Next day I tried to use a Foxwell scanner to read diagnostic data. But for the three key items
• Motor Electronics2 DME
• Transmission Control EGS
• Transmission control unit EGS
I got no information because the scanner says no communication with these units. Tried multiple time with key in different position.

Finally I decided to try start the engine again and it started right away. But it was running rough especially when the engine speed start to drop from the initial higher rpm. Eventually it settled to a smooth idle. I tried to engage both reverse and forward gears, could move the car ok, but didn't want to risk to drive it more than a few feet. During this time, the "service engine" light didn't come on.

Tried to use the scanner again with engine running, still no communication. All this took about 15 mins, then the engine started to run rough, and the "service engine" light came on the engine shut off itself.

One other interesting thing was that when I turn the key to run position, I hear a high pitched whistle, last may be 10 seconds. This was something I never heard before, it is on top of the normal sound a X5 makes when you turn the key to run position.

Now I have no clue what is wrong with the car, hope someone could give me some hint.

Thanks!

I would suspect the fuel pump for starters. The Foxwell fans can maybe help with the scanner.

Thanks 80stech.

That is a good one. I was wondering if the ECU are dead, but then the car should not start at all. I will go investigate how to diag fuel pump problem.

+1 on the fuel pump

I guess I'll step in as the Foxwell fan[emoji1787]
But honestly I recommend you choose the auto option for reading the VIN as sometimes a low battery will let a VIN from another installed car part shine thru and that causes something like a logic loop (guessing the term)

I would also check your battery/alternator voltage, function.

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How much fuel is in the tank?

This could be the infamous O-ring issue that happens when fuel is low (< 1/4)...

That's another +1 I don't know why I didn't remember that one.

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The start up whistle may be the auxiliary engine blower fan. Located on the fender right side. It runs a few seconds at start up to add air into the exhaust. Mine failed a while back. Took three units to keep the service light off. A Hella replacement air pump works great. Two other brands didn't work. If the noise is inside, it's probably the blower motor fan. Mine does it too. Mostly while driving though and not often.

Fuel and bad battery are my primary guesses. Check the battery voltage. If the battery is over three years old, I would definitely keep it on a trickle charger.

Wow, low mileage survivor. Post a small pic or two of it.

That or alternator. When that fails you'll get DSC/transmission errors.

The fuel pump runs approximately 6-8 seconds at key on.

Is the whistle coming from under the back seat right?

Fuel pumps act intermittent at end of life and last about 5000 hours on average.

Divide your odometer by your average speed to see how close to 5000 hours.

Example my fuel pump failed at about 134,000 and 27 mph average

134000/27=4962.963 lasted exactly the expected amount. Wife's also was within a couple percent of 5000 hours.

With pure gas 4000 hours. E20, 6000 hours. So they have discovered the only good thing about putting an entire year of food for a person into every suv fill up: longer fuel pump life.

My fuel pump has ~6,538 hours! :wow:
Yeah, it's on my to do maintenance list. :p:

Borrowed time for sure!


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