EWS Signal??

[MORRIE]

When did you change the fob battery?

3 days ago

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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?

sorry but don't own a laptop....guess I will be taking it to a tech next week.

[328 Power 04]

Let me know if you need any help with anything. I can clone EWS modules into used ones (if yours had an internal problem), thereby retaining starting and keys matched. Or more advanced stuff with the DME, etc.

[rf900rkw]

On EWS3d? You've been busy.

[328 Power 04]

On EWS3d? You've been busy.

Yea, there are some simple tricks to read into their data:

IMG_20170216_085709re.jpg

[MORRIE]

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-faq-ews Is this my problem?

[328 Power 04]

Can't be sure until proper diagnostics. No way I would start throwing parts at it.
Some EWS3 modules had a chip that overheated and eventually fails.. but it's still not the first thing I would blame.
It may not even be the EWS module at all.

You have EWS3 by the way, which gets much more complicated than EWS2 and earlier.

[rf900rkw]

NO! It does not apply to your car at all.

[Mr Bingley]

3 days ago

When did the start issue occur?

[MORRIE]

I went to a BMW tech that has worked on my car before (not a dealer) and told him about my problem. He said the Electronic Immobilizer chip embedded in the key is probably not working or there is a problem with the ignition switch in the steering column. We both agreed that a new key would be the place to start. Although a pricey item (stickily a dealer item $247) it could save me from paying more $ for unnecessary parts and labor cost to deal with the ignition switch. I have been procrastinating about replacing my existing key (soft buttons and very worn) It sometimes works and sometimes it doesn't when locking/unlocking the door. I am thinking the chip has been damaged and is preventing a signal to be sent to the DME. Without this signal, the engine will not start. So, next week, off to the BMW dealer. I'll post the results on this thread. I hope it will be positive.

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When did the start issue occur?

I believe it started when I replaced the battery in the key. I could have accidentally damaged the chip inside the key FOB.

[rf900rkw]

After market key? You may have moved, or lost, the chip. Try tapping the key blade down on a table. You want to move the chip towards the blade end. I have on key that does that.

[khammack]

I believe it started when I replaced the battery in the key. I could have accidentally damaged the chip inside the key FOB.

Could you have put the battery in backwards?

[rf900rkw]

That would not effect starting. The fob is only for the alarm and locks. EWS/starting is an entirely unrelated system.

[z3forlife]

A new key is not that expensive. I paid around $68 from the dealer. I think you've found the real problem

[Mr Bingley]

So, if I understand it, the fob you changed the battery in is in fact the key handle in your picture, and the problem with the ews occurred simultaneous with changing the battery. Before buying a new key, try removing the battery you put in the handle and visually locating the transponder and confirming its location. It will look like this (photo sourced from Google images search):



The transponder could have become dislodged when you swapped batteries, especially if yours is an aftermarket key (as it was moved once before). If it's not there, it may still be on the table or on the carpet around where you did the battery swap and you can find and reinsert it.

[MORRIE]

I think the transponder fell out of the key when I put in the new battery, because it is not there now. Looks like I may have caused my own problem :-(

[Mr Bingley]

I think the transponder fell out of the key when I put in the new battery, because it is not there now. Looks like I may have caused my own problem :-(

That means all you have to do is find it and your problem is solved. It still exists and must be somewhere-don't give up.

[MORRIE]

That means all you have to do is find it and your problem is solved. It still exists and must be somewhere-don't give up.

Thanks Ralph for the encouragement, but I went to dealer today and ordered a new key FOB....been meaning to do that for a long while. I did find that my particular key FOB can be ordered in separate parts...the removable tab that allows access to the 2 screws, the back side of the key FOB that allows access to the battery, and of course the electronic part. Also, BMW will only replace a key FOB exactly like the one that comes with the car. I was hoping for one with hard buttons...guess I will have accept what I have. So assuming the new key FOB resolves my problem, I will have a back-up key that will lock & unlock the car.... and that is a good thing.

[MORRIE]

Picked up key from Dealer today....initialized the key so memory functions can be activated. Doors lock and unlock and engine starts. Yep, I am a happy driver again.
Thanks to everyone for your comments/help.

[LannVouivre]

... I probably should have shared this:
http://unitedautosecurity.net/TRANSP...-P4470430.aspx