cold start troubles

[tj88]

95 325i- during cold starts the lights on the dash go dim and it acts like its not getting enough power. Once its started its good and for hot starts it will start right up. No check engine light at all . it also has a brand new battery in it & the terminals look good.

[dworthy]

Have you checked the output while the car is cold? Shouldn't be below 13.6v, however you can try to blip the throttle and see if the lights get brighter.

[tj88]

So Went to oreilys they tested the brand new battery i just got 2 days ago and it says needs to be charged. They tested alternator and starter in car. It poped up the voltage regulator bad. Iv had them go bad before, but never had one act like this before. Usually once running the voltage fluturates and dash light go dim , bright, dim etc. thats how u know. But for it to act like battery not getting enough juice and lights going dim on starts is weird. . Cold starts the worst. Lights only go dim during cold start. During driving nothing fluctuates though, like i can have a/c on, light on and radio

[dworthy]

At idle, the alternator is on full load, so the output will be lower. When you are driving down the road, it can still be a full load, but the output will be higher as the RPM's increase. That is why you get lower lights at idle when cold as the battery just got zapped from starting the car.

[tj88]

Alternator and battery good just had it re tested. And still hard start on cold and hot starts. No check engine. Im thinking ignition switch or neutral switch. There a pop sound when i step on brake to start and i use to be able to turn key harder then normal and it would start better. now thats not really working. Sometimes the key locks up if i turn key to on position but dont start it immediatly.

[dworthy]

Is the ignition switch turning 360 degrees? If so, then it is time for a new tumbler and key. I don't see too many ignition switches go bad on the E-36, tumbler yes.

[tj88]

No it doesnt turn 360°.

[Bowhunter566]

When you say hard to start are you saying its turning over slow like a weak battery or dragging starter or spins over and no start? Before it was cold start and now its cold or hot start? Just to clarify. If ignition is locking up then key tumbler needs replaced. Its possible that switch could cause a no start. More info needed. Thanks

[tj88]

Before i thought it was just cold start but it does it both hot n cold start. When i turn key it turns slow crank like if the battery is weak and lights are dim. Once started it is good but every so often act like it going to stall. Maybe once or twice a week. I noticed it is getting worst and worst. My airbag light is on and all light on dash go out when trying to start. In on position all lights on. As for radio i dont know i have a deck in it. Before i noticed if i turn key and held it on start a little harder it would start faster/better but now that doesnt work. I was doing key on key off key on then start and that was working but now that not working anymore. Also now if i turn key and wait for like 5 seconds and try turn key to start it wont budge so i have to turn key off and then turn key again and it will go all the way to start. When i turn key it doesnt go past the norm. Or spin or it wont lock up if i go from on to start in all in one motion. Im really thinking just needs a new ignition switch. What tools would i need?

[dworthy]

To replace the ignition switch you will need a cross tipped screwdriver and a 4mm or 5mm hex head to remove the switch itself. You will need to remove the lower kick panel and then the bottom black steering column panel. You will see the ignition switch, and follow the cables down to the connector.

[tj88]

So to you it sounds like a switch then? Not trying waist $58 lol if i dont have to

[dworthy]

You can test it first before condemning the switch of course. Do you have a multimeter? With a multimeter you can do a voltage drop test and I would check the wiring diagrams to ensure you are testing the proper wires.

[tj88]

No dont got a volt meter. What if i take off the black steerring colume and touch the switch? if bad, it will be hot right if its bad?

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Lol this shit .. Found out a new trick for now, if i go to start and let it snap back to "on" once it begines to crank then go to start it .. It starts right up and air bag light will go off.shots a pain .. Still a step up from ford lol

[dworthy]

Yeah the switch is bad for you shouldn't be able to goto start a second time unless you turn the car completely. And no, on the E-36 there is not auto start as in once you hit the bump and release before the motor catches.

[tj88]

Ok. yeah I had a feeling it was that soon as battery/starter/alter good, Just with no volt meter and it being 60$ I wanted to know for sure. I had read to try have it snap back and see if it starts for second time. Of course they say if it snap back and light go off but mine stay on still. Ya only the newer cars you can click to start and let go and it starts still. Seen from post usually air bag on is a sign to and doing this little trick and light going off I was like I got ya bi***. A guy with a e39 I believe did it and was like if horn goes out( mine still works) and you open and close your visor mirror and steering wheel moves. Of course e39 not e36 but still same sh**. Ok il order one and let you know.. Thank you for the help. You by any chance know any place cheaper then autozone($60)?

[WadiM3]

Once a part is damaged, faulty, worn, or due for replacement dont ever try use tricks or push it above the limits to when it gives away as this will cause you more problems. For example my bmw 328i has the original cooling system it came with from the factory and hasnt been changed ever! Its sitting on 160k miles.. Nothings wrongn with it no overheats or anything but as soon as i found out it hasnt been changed i started looking for a replacement kit. Dont ever try to do things the cheap or temporary way it will affect you when it does go bad. When a sensor/switch is bad you just typically replace it.

[tj88]

Noted i will, im use to fords my bad.. Bmw more touchy, i know. Going to store to order soon as im done with my coffee. Hopefully be here by tomorrow. Il let ya guys know. Ya i know bmw/ benz and higher up cars are like that, soon as something goes out of speck replace or suffer more problems.

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Its funny though ever since last trick of letting it snap back starts perfect now. Lol still faulty just ordered. Wont be here til 6th 😩