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Quote:

Originally Posted by workingonit (Post 1247701)

In celebration of my 1100th post here, I'd like to thank all who have helped guide me thru our mutual journey into E53-land, and state my hope that perhaps my sharing of my trials, tribulations, and many missteps may have helped others, and kept many from making similar mistakes. I'll say anything I believe might be useful, try anything (automotive) that might work, and report the results of such ventures, so you can see what not to do.

Right now, my X is down, and I've been ill (so's the wife), and the repairs scheduled are on a back-burner, therefore I'm reading and commenting on several forums, just to keep my hand in.

That's what makes this forum so great. We all learn from each others knowledge and mistakes. Sorry to hear you and the wife are ill. Hope you get well soon and you have great holiday!

Valet key works!

At last, I have a spare ignition/doorlock key. And it works!

Despite both my wife and I feeling very ill, we had to get our food and pet food (50% ratio), and other stuff, so we ventured out for 3 hours yesterday, and retrieved the Valet key I had ordered before Thanksgiving.

I just tested the key, and it worked fine, but it doesn't want to slide easily into or out of the door or ignition lock cylinders. I'll probably need to get some emery cloth to make the cut channel smoother, and round-off sharp edges.

Now, I can attempt to fix my OEM key, or at least install a new battery, and move the board and chip into the new shell I've had waiting for quite awhile.

Monthly update, reporting no progress, plus more expenses

from my post on 12/10/25, outlining my planned steps to get my X5 on the road again (undriven since late October...

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingonit (Post 1247615)

...maybe it's time to rethink my future steps to fix my X.

1) does the valet key need programming into memory? can my Foxwell NT510 do that?

2) if the valet key has the same intermittent problem as the OEM diamond key, then is the ring antenna suspect, or could it be the ignition switch failing?

3) once the above 2 have been solved, and the valet key works, then I'm cutting the diamond key open, and will resolder the board, replace the battery, and transfer the guts to a key shell I already have (blade is pre-cut), and hopefully it will work like new

4) if new and refurbished keys are working, antenna ring and/or ignition switch have been replaced (or not), and the X cranks every time, again, then

5) pull the new $160 Hella fuel pump, insert the cheaper (but free to me) $70 fuel pump, and see if the X can take sharp corners and curves without fuel starvation.

Like I stated in my previous post, this process may take awhile, and perhaps take months, so unfortunately, my X5 has become a true "project car".

If my present cold? doesn't kill me, I might be working on it again next week.

Wish me luck....

Well, my cold has passed, but my shoulder has grown worse (it's been bad since May or June), so I really don't feel up to resuming the work on my X, yet. So, I've been attending to my health, and acquiring tools, parts, and going to Drs (slowly, since our finances suffer until March, usually, not to mention my healthcare expenses).

First, I got the Valet key, and all I need to fix the OEM key, so steps 1-4 above are almost done. All I need to do is cut open the key and fix whatever I find there.

Second, I'm preparing to completely clean my fuel system, by siphoning all gas from the tank, and replacing the possibly-clogged filter & FPR with a new assembly, and maybe reverse-clean the injectors, etc, with an in-home kit. I've got a siphon, and will strain the old gas before re-use (I may have broken my cardinal rule of car repair/improvement...don't make more than one alteration at a time...when I used Cataclean the day before the fuel pump died).

Since then, I suspect, the extra-strong solvents may have loosened gunk and debris in the fuel tank (where I've been using Jectron regularly, already), and the now-freed gunk plugged my OEM fuel pump, causing its' death. And after I replaced the pump, the same gunk started to plug up the filter/FPR,and further downline, maybe the injectors, too, since my X has gone from smooth steady running (though always slightly lean), to a truck then has suddenly started stumbling on hard corners and turns, and now has set rich codes, for the first time. Coincidence? I doubt it.

I've got a cheap, new fuel pump to use after I siphon and replace the fuel, and a new filter/FPR to use, after I've eliminated the "contaminated" (if it is) fuel. I even bought a cheap electric ratchet to use under the X, since my good arm isn't good anymore. And a mat to lay on, out in the driveway workspace (plywood over sand and gravel).

But, back to my health: I got my first new glasses in 11-14 years, so maybe I can see the circuit board on the OEM key, and yesterday went to an Orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis and X-rays of my bad shoulder, followed by an MRI later in the afternoon (arthitic damage to my rotator cuff & collar bone, and the MRI was to better see the torn cuff muscle and the obviously torn/pulled bicep tendon, or whatever he spotted). I see surgery upcoming, which will definitely put a dent in my repairs schedule, and in my healthcare budget.

My new goal is to be able to resume the work in March, even if I have to get my wife under the X.

P.S. I had to drive my HHR Panel to the MRI center, and I was the last patient seen, so I drove home in the dark, for the first time in pure dark conditions in many years (I've been retired for 10, so I see no reason to drive at night). It was astonishing how little the HHR's standard Halogen bulbs lit up, compared to all the blinding oncoming lights I faced. And, like an idiot, I kept my eyes open in the very bright confines of the MRI tunnel, so my 75 y.o. eyes had trouble adjusting after 30 minutes in the tube.

So, as another project to come, I'm going to upgrade the weak Halogen bulbs (Hi/Lo combos) to brighter Halogens, though I'd like LEDs, but the advertisements say they're for off-road (who'll know the difference). If I can use the LEDs on my '09 HHR, then maybe the X5 (and my old '98 and '04 pickups, could benefit from them, too).

Anyone with an early E53 (or other early vehicle) convert to LEDs, and what does the law say (especially in Texas)? I'm not going to drive at night again, before I upgrade lights on at least one of my cars/trucks (the wife's '14 Lexus has better lighting, but I'm not allowed to drive it).

You really should do a fuel proper fuel pressure test before you go replacing a bunch of fuel system parts and fuel. Did you ever check the line from the pressure regulator going into the intake boot F connector ?

got side-tracked more than once

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80stech (Post 1248079)

I didn't. It was the next test I was going to try, on the last day I worked on it (before my OEM key didn't work, side-tracking me towards getting a reliable Valet key).

I was first hooking up my fuel pressure gauge, using a long hose from the Schrader to the gauge, and then taping it to the windshield, so I could observe the fuel pressure when going around corners, but the gauge failed and/or the Schrader/fuel rail got plugged-up, hence zero fuel pressure and no fuel out the release valve. I bought a new gauge, and decided to amend my repair plan. Haven't tried anything but the Valet key, since.

If the vacuum hose to the F-connector has a leak, or is semi-plugged, would that cause a rich fuel trim? I plan to replace the vacuum hose when I replace the filter/FPR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingonit (Post 1248078)

from my post on 12/10/25, outlining my planned steps to get my X5 on the road again (undriven since late October...

Well, my cold has passed, but my shoulder has grown worse (it's been bad since May or June), so I really don't feel up to resuming the work on my X, yet. So, I've been attending to my health, and acquiring tools, parts, and going to Drs (slowly, since our finances suffer until March, usually, not to mention my healthcare expenses).

First, I got the Valet key, and all I need to fix the OEM key, so steps 1-4 above are almost done. All I need to do is cut open the key and fix whatever I find there.

Second, I'm preparing to completely clean my fuel system, by siphoning all gas from the tank, and replacing the possibly-clogged filter & FPR with a new assembly, and maybe reverse-clean the injectors, etc, with an in-home kit. I've got a siphon, and will strain the old gas before re-use (I may have broken my cardinal rule of car repair/improvement...don't make more than one alteration at a time...when I used Cataclean the day before the fuel pump died).

Since then, I suspect, the extra-strong solvents may have loosened gunk and debris in the fuel tank (where I've been using Jectron regularly, already), and the now-freed gunk plugged my OEM fuel pump, causing its' death. And after I replaced the pump, the same gunk started to plug up the filter/FPR,and further downline, maybe the injectors, too, since my X has gone from smooth steady running (though always slightly lean), to a truck then has suddenly started stumbling on hard corners and turns, and now has set rich codes, for the first time. Coincidence? I doubt it.

I've got a cheap, new fuel pump to use after I siphon and replace the fuel, and a new filter/FPR to use, after I've eliminated the "contaminated" (if it is) fuel. I even bought a cheap electric ratchet to use under the X, since my good arm isn't good anymore. And a mat to lay on, out in the driveway workspace (plywood over sand and gravel).

But, back to my health: I got my first new glasses in 11-14 years, so maybe I can see the circuit board on the OEM key, and yesterday went to an Orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis and X-rays of my bad shoulder, followed by an MRI later in the afternoon (arthitic damage to my rotator cuff & collar bone, and the MRI was to better see the torn cuff muscle and the obviously torn/pulled bicep tendon, or whatever he spotted). I see surgery upcoming, which will definitely put a dent in my repairs schedule, and in my healthcare budget.

My new goal is to be able to resume the work in March, even if I have to get my wife under the X.

P.S. I had to drive my HHR Panel to the MRI center, and I was the last patient seen, so I drove home in the dark, for the first time in pure dark conditions in many years (I've been retired for 10, so I see no reason to drive at night). It was astonishing how little the HHR's standard Halogen bulbs lit up, compared to all the blinding oncoming lights I faced. And, like an idiot, I kept my eyes open in the very bright confines of the MRI tunnel, so my 75 y.o. eyes had trouble adjusting after 30 minutes in the tube.

So, as another project to come, I'm going to upgrade the weak Halogen bulbs (Hi/Lo combos) to brighter Halogens, though I'd like LEDs, but the advertisements say they're for off-road (who'll know the difference). If I can use the LEDs on my '09 HHR, then maybe the X5 (and my old '98 and '04 pickups, could benefit from them, too).

Anyone with an early E53 (or other early vehicle) convert to LEDs, and what does the law say (especially in Texas)? I'm not going to drive at night again, before I upgrade lights on at least one of my cars/trucks (the wife's '14 Lexus has better lighting, but I'm not allowed to drive it).

Sorry to hear about your shoulder. I had to have shoulder surgery for "frozen shoulder". A couple of years ago. They said I also had a small tear in the rotator cuff, but it was small enough to leave it alone. My surgery wasn't bad as rotator cuff surgery, but I've known several people that have had it and they were very happy they did after the long recovery period and painful physical therapy. You'll be glad you did it and be back to crawling under your X in no time!

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingonit (Post 1248080)

If the vacuum hose to the F-connector has a leak, or is semi-plugged, would that cause a rich fuel trim? I plan to replace the vacuum hose when I replace the filter/FPR.

I was thinking more about fuel coming up from the regulator if the diaphragm is shot causing the rich mixture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80stech (Post 1248082)

I was thinking more about fuel coming up from the regulator if the diaphragm is shot causing the rich mixture.

Possibly, but what I don't get is WHY the (less than 6 y.o, and less than 4k miles) Bosch FPR diaphragm would rupture when a new Hella fuel pump was installed. Coincidence? And why did the fuel rail lose pressure, that last "work day"?

I'm sure I'm mis-thinking this, and I miss the old days when I could install, plumb, and wire a new tank, braided fuel lines, fuel pump, filter, pressure regulator, pressure gauge, carburetor, and fine tune it all in one afternoon. That was a long time ago, in a Galaxy far away....

almost ready to begin again

refresher post, from another thread: https://xoutpost.com/1248213-post75.html

As I stated in the last line of the post from the other thread, above, I am feeling semi-OK, and finally went out to the X today, to see how I left it. The ice is gone from the yard/driveway, so I had no excuse (to self), not to at least pop the hood, start it (if able), and check it out.

I didn't check the fuel pressure, nor vacuum at the F-connector, but it strated up instantly, and I ran it for about 30 minutes, letting the O2 sensors heat up, and the engine running at operating temperature for half that time (after sitting unused for months).

The fuel trims stayed normal (for a change), with the LTFTs at zero, and the STFTs around +/- 1-3. Not at all what I last saw. The MAF at 700rpm read 3.6gm/s to 4.2gm/s, also better than normal. O2 sensors were fine, withthe front sensors on point immediately, while it took 1-20minutes before the rear sensors toact right. Overall, I was pleased.

Since there was no hesitation whenever I pressed the accelerator, I'm assuming that the cause for zero pressure at the Schrader valve, last time I was testing, must be due to a restriction in the 5-ft extension hose, and/or the old fuel pressure tester gauge I was using.

My follow-up visit with my orthopedic doctor is next Tuesday, so if he doesn't plan any surgery, i'll start my planned course of checking everytime related to fuel, from

1) draining & filtering the fuel (checking for particulate matter knocked loose by Cataclean in the tank),
2) pressure testing the vacuum hose from the F-connector to the FPR (and/or replacing the hose),
3) once the fuel has been judged to be free from particulate matter, then I have a new Hengst filter/FPR to install, and
4) then i can roadtest it again, to see if the fuel trims stay neutral (or even revert to lean, which I'm used to), and perhaps the X won't stumble on hard turns and curves.

Of course, I will have to get a special permit to drive it even for inspction (overdue since Oct.), but at least I have a short 1/2 mile neighborhood loop I can drive for minimalist testing (no traffic in mid-day). At least it will be a start.

Maybe I'll just wailt until next Oct, after my X5 gets to be 25 y.o., and get to skip emissions testing altogether.

another month gone by, with no progress

I've got all the tools and parts I need, to fix my X's fuel problem, but no desire (due to health) to resume the work. The shoulder has intermittent pain (Dr. said there was a 50% chance it would get better in the next few months (as long as I don't aggravate the injury), or I could get surgery (which would be a lot of $$$ out-of-pocket, and I really don't want to do it), so I was waiting for a few days where it felt consistently better, to resume the work.

Then, last Friday, I had a severe attack of Vertigo, and I can barely function, much less crawl under a vehicle. The last time my vertigo was this bad, it lasted a week, so maybe it'll pass soon.