X5 stalled/set codes while being inspected!
 

I drove to get my '01 E53 inspected (emissions, safety) for the last time (it'll be 25 years old next year, and not subject to the emissions requirements). It drove fine, all the parameters I monitor at all times were within specs (I use a tablet with Torque Pro running on it), and even the "emissions monitors" were reading "complete".

Then, when the inspector plugged his inspection computer into my OBD port, the engine started to stumble (never had done that before) and eventually died, with no response to me pressing the accelerator pedal. it set a MIL light, would crank OK, but no start.

After we pushed it out into the parking lot, I checked underhood, and found nothing amiss, but since it seemed like it was not getting air/fuel/spark (it has to be one of them!), I tried using my backup MAF sensor (my first response, due to having MAF problems for the past 4 years). No change, so I re-installed the Siemens MAF, since it has been working great, prior to this.

Torque Pro reported the MAF problem (because I had unplugged it), and for some reason the code reader function stalled-out at 79%, so I got out my Foxwell NT510 Elite, and went thru everything for an hour. There were 10 codes in many modules, including motor, immobilizer, Kombi, etc., none of which had been there before (except for a BD code in the Kombi, which comes and goes, but means nothing).

I reset everything, and no code returned while cranking, but still no start. I looked at BMW-specific, OBD, and even History sections, and nothing showed up as an error, but the MIL never went off.

I tried some bi-directional tests, and the SAP never tried to start, nor did the fuel system relay ever kick in. Individual injectors went active upon testing, but I never heard the fuel pump whine. Is there a specific activation for it?, I never saw one.

i had it flat-bed towed home, $120 out-of-pocket (never could reach AAA), so now it sits where it got dumped in my driveway.

Where do I go from here: fuel system relay?, check the fuel rail Schrader for pressure?, spray starter fluid into the intake while cranking? HELP

my bet is just horrible odds of coincidence and fuel starvation.

Siphon jet? Main pump? Relay?

If there's a vacuum port downstream of the MAF that's where to spray some start fluid but just key on/ key off and that will prime fuel and poke the shraeder valve with something pokey (i use a torx driver) with paper towel around to catch the spray.

Check EWS for errors if it's not happy you'll get no fuel. Usually this only happens if the car doors long enough for the battery to go flat but rule it out.

Call AAA; they should reimburse for tow, my insurance does.


–awr–

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I don't believe in coincidences, though I'm always the victim of them happening
 

My first instinct is to fire the parts cannon at it, but I can't afford to do that these days.

I'm leaning toward fuel starvation, not air or spark, but surely the ignition didn't fail when the inspector plugged his computer in, and wouldn't the DME show (and retain) a code for that?

At first, before even scanning for codes, I thought the inspector's "plug" may have temporarily shorted some pins in the OBD port, but since my Foxwell had no problem, that couldn't be the case?

off-hand chance that an additive killed my fuel system?
 

Just thought about the above; I used a bottle of Cataclean two days ago, in lieu of my semi-yearly use of Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner. I had been meaning to try Cataclean for some time, since a friend had used some and it helped with his car (2008 Chevy).

I didn't get a chance to drive my X5 the way the instructions said to do, so could there be a chance that the additive dissolved a component in my fuel system?

It's possible that the fuel filter became clogged (with only 7 miles and 15-20 minutes run time), but shouldn't the fuel pump or relay would still try to work?

The only other item I changed, a month or two ago, was a new fuel cap, but it has had no ill effects on the X5 after installation.

Just scattershooting ideas, trying to reason why the sudden failure occurred.

I've stalled out due to a faulty siphon pump. Check the cluster OBC tank level readings, the pump side (right IIRC) will be 0 and the left will show fuel, if the siphon pump fails.

I've also had a fuel pump die on me once. Truck wouldnt start leaving from home. Verified no fuel pressure in the rail by depressing schrader valve and verified fuel pump relay was working. Decided to try the pump first and it turned out to be it in my case.

EDIT: Also, I remember the broken siphon pump only caused a stall condition for me if you got below a certain fuel level, around half tank. Above that the truck ran fine in my case.

It sounded like you didn’t hear the pump priming. Suggests electric or mechanical fault.

You can confirm no fuel pressure at the rail.

You can jumper the relay or at the pump to force the pump on in case it’s not getting power however the symptom suggested pump failed or siphon jet (you may not hear the pump if it's dry). If the tank is close to 1/4-1/3 tank it's very lightly siphon jet and you just need to add gas.

If so don't clear codes it'll delay getting emissions


–awr–

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this may take awhile to diagnose and/or repair, darnit
 

I spent all afternoon cleaning-up my '09 Chevy HHR Panel, in order to go shopping for the wife (sick), and to get gas (last time she drove the HHR, she didn't put gas in it...as is her habit when she drives a back-up vehicle), and to drive to the tax assessor/registration office, to pay for and pick up the sticker for my '04 Chevy 2500HD (15 days after I got it inspected, so the grace period was long past to drive it).

I couldn't take her Lexus (I've only been allowed to drive it once...turn-about for fair play is that she isn't ever allowed to drive the X5, hahaha), nor the '98 GMC 1500 (her truck, but I'm allowed to drive it), which has a bed-full of landscape timbers and pavers. With my bad right shoulder and bad left wrist, it took me forever to wash the HHR, after it had been sitting for 4 months, under an oak tree. No time to even look at the X5 today.

What was the fuel tank level when the engine died?

My gauge isn't 100% accurate, but it is between 3/4 and 1/2 full, maybe higher. I reset it once, but have forgotten how to use the OBC list. Mine is the low display, without the MID.

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The mid cluster OBC is confusing for me too. I tried to use it on an E46 once and couldnt find what I was looking for lol.

The tank doesnt need to come down for fuel pump or float service, it's all accessible under the rear seat cushion. Lifting the rear seat cushion up when checking for fuel pump function might help make it easier to hear.

Sorry to hear about your tinnitus, going through that as well.