Following Up...At Last

[Muddywolf]

I posted a while ago about a no crank situation with my 2001 325ci, though I cannot locate the thread now. A number of folks stepped up to help...thanks. Frankly, I worked through some things and began driving another vehicle. Now I'm back to my 325. Just tested the voltage on the relatively thick black wire going to the starter terminal...with the key turned to start, I get battery voltage. With the thinner black wire with a yellow stripe, there may be a slight "bump" in voltage with the key so turned, but nothing approaching battery voltage. The Big A terminal where the alternator and battery come in show battery voltage.

Is this as expected? Is this a lead pipe cinch diagnostic finding for bad solenoid/starter?


I've got a fully charged battery, dash lights/ headlights all work...no click.

Thanks!

[MarcoZandrini]

The theft prevention system (EWS in BMWspeak) provides the exciter voltage to the starter. That’s likely the black with yellow stripe wire. Search for recyncing the key with the EWS.

[Muddywolf]

The theft prevention system (EWS in BMWspeak) provides the exciter voltage to the starter. That’s likely the black with yellow stripe wire. Search for recyncing the key with the EWS.

So, I jumped in, tore the car apart,removed the intake, when I removed the old starter, it came loose even before I totally loosened the lower bolt,...then I notice the much-discussed guide pin wasn't there, and my replacement doesn't have one either. I gather from what I've read it's pretty important. I also had nuts on the end of my starter mounting Torx bolts, which I don't see on several Youtube jobs i"ve scoped out. Any thoughts? Wonder if I could use a small bolt in place of the pin?

Or, maybe I'm just overthinking this...after all, I've driven the bejesus out of this car for years, evidently with no guide pin....




REPLY


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[legoman67]

the black yellow wire is the start signal. You should be getting battery voltage on that wire with the key in the start position. If your not then your problem isnt the starter, and is likely something to do with the EWS(immobilizer). Have you tried a different key?

[Muddywolf]

Yep, I got battery voltage...as I mentioned above, I dove in to replace the starter...that's when I encountered the case of the missing guide pin that I described above. Jeesh.

[Muddywolf]

And I did try another key...no help.