EWS Signal??

[MORRIE]

After the snow the other day, I turned on the ignition switch but nothing happened...no sound at all. I tried to jump start it, but still nothing. All the lights work and the volt meter shows good power from the battery. The CEL was on, so I took a reading with my peake diagnostic tool. It read 19 80. Page 19 selection 80 shows EWS Signal. I haven't a clue what this indicates. Since the lights are working and gauges are working, my guess is the starter. Before I plunk down the $$ for a starter, I thought I would run this by you guys. Anyone know what is causing my problem? Thanks in advance for the help.

[BimmerBreaker]

Did you search first? EWS is a very common issue on these cars and the diagnostic process for establishing what went wrong is well reported. EWS is a system in the car relating to how the key communicates with the car... when the EWS is not syncing or operating properly, the car will not start. Nothing you mentioned suggest a starter is the problem. I'd run a quick search, or even search the peake code you have and your model, and read through some threads. You'll at least know where the problem is

[328 Power 04]

This is where you may need more than Peake. It simply does not give you enough data.
EWS is the vehicle immobilizer. But this may be an old code, or something new. It may even come up from low voltage. Hard to tell with Peake.
You may need a tool to read the EWS module errors, or see if it's even working.

I would make sure you have really good power to vehicle first.

[bluptgm3]

Internal volt meter may not be a good measure of what is going on.

How old is the battery?


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[rasmuw]

When this happened to me, it was a fuse.

[bluptgm3]

When this happened to me, it was a fuse.

A fuse box fuse or the line fuseable link?


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[rf900rkw]

While checking fuses is always a good step, the M54 6cyl and S52 M are very different electrical systems with totally different EWS.

[rasmuw]

A fuse box fuse or the line fuseable link?

It was a fuse box fuse. Why it blew I do not know, but it has not done so since. I'm not familiar with fuse boxes in BMW other than my own.

[bubbafett]

It was a fuse box fuse. Why it blew I do not know, but it has not done so since. I'm not familiar with fuse boxes in BMW other than my own.

What fuse number was it?

[rasmuw]

What fuse number was it?

It was either 31 or 45. Since 31 is a newer style fuse, I suspect it was that one.

[MORRIE]

So where is the fuse located?

[328 Power 04]

31,45

[LannVouivre]

Why it blew I do not know, but it has not done so since.

That's my favorite type of repair: fixes itself after upsetting you and after you give it attention, leaving you troubled for a few days.

[MORRIE]

31,45

Isn't 31,45 the clock???

[Ateyourv8]

Isn't 31,45 the clock???

Yes and also the immobilizer
fuse.JPG

[MORRIE]

oops....didn't see that one. Thanks for the info....will check those 2 fuses tomorrow...hope that's the problem.

[MORRIE]

Checked both fuses....good. Engine still won't turn over. Taking battery to be checked. If battery is supplying enough voltage so that the lights, radio, clock still works fine, I think it could be the starter. Any thoughts??

[328 Power 04]

If you still have EWS codes, it's likely not the starter.



EWS module itself controls starter relay. EWS needs power and a matched key to allow starter to spin.



(Then if starter spins and car won't fire, then the DME to EWS link is lost.. part 2 of vehicle immobilization)

[khammack]

...If battery is supplying enough voltage so that the lights, radio, clock still works fine, I think it could be the starter. Any thoughts??

I have seen it, many times, where the accessories still work, but the starter won't. It has always been a bad battery. Not saying yours is, but it could be.

[MORRIE]

If you still have EWS codes, it's likely not the starter.



EWS module itself controls starter relay. EWS needs power and a matched key to allow starter to spin.



(Then if starter spins and car won't fire, then the DME to EWS link is lost.. part 2 of vehicle immobilization)

Before I have the car towed to the technician, is there anything I can do to resolve issue?.

- - - Updated - - -

I removed battery and took it to place of purchase where they charged it (12.57 volts) I installed it and still the engine does not turn over....just dead silence. All accessories still work.

[Mr Bingley]

Do you have a second key you can try? Has anyone been fooling around in the area of the column and ignition (where the key inserts)? Any recent messing about under the dash on the driver's side? Did anything happen to your key recently? Is your car an automatic, and if so, is it squarely in park? If not, are you fully stepping on the clutch?

[MORRIE]

Do you have a second key you can try? Has anyone been fooling around in the area of the column and ignition (where the key inserts)? Any recent messing about under the dash on the driver's side? Did anything happen to your key recently? Is your car an automatic, and if so, is it squarely in park? If not, are you fully stepping on the clutch?

No 2nd key...no messing around with column/ignition or under dash. I replaced the battery in the key FOB. Sometimes it unlocks/locks the car and have to manually unlock/lock... planning on getting a new one from dealer. Car isn't automatic and yes depressing clutch to floor.

[MORRIE]

Apparently, my car doesn't recognize the key and refuses to start the engine. I be damned if I know how this happened.

[Mr Bingley]

When did you change the fob battery?

[328 Power 04]

Apparently, my car doesn't recognize the key and refuses to start the engine. I be damned if I know how this happened.

How do you figure this?
The only sure fire way is to read key signal in diagnostics of EWS module itself. It still can be many other things.
You wouldn't happen to own a Windows laptop and somewhat OK at computers?