Help: car won't start after power steering fluid fillup

[bmwsmurf]

1992 325i (auto) with 130k miles won't start up now.. it turns over but dies pretty immediately after what seems like a start.

It was driven, parked... and power steering fluid was very low so it got filled. Then the starting problem appeared.

I'm thinking that the fuel filter, air filter, and sparks should be checked as well as vacuum leaks. But it seems a bit of a coincidence that the problems happened right after the power steering fluid got filled (BMW ATF)
No drippage onto other components as far as I know.

Any ideas!?!?!? Could air have been trapped somehow into the power steering system when it was low or something??

Thanksl.

[Bernman]

My guess would be that something got disconnected when the fluid was refilled. The reservoir is not exactly easy to access. It's been a while so I can't remember exactly what is around that area, but it is worth a look.

Good luck!
Bernman

[Robert]

I bet someone removed something like the idle control valve, etc., to get to the steering fluid canister thats under all that stuff..
Just to add fluid to my 97 328is, I usaully unhook and unplug the ICV and set it aside for easy access to the canister. Im not sure if your 325i has the can in the same area..

I seriously doubt anything within the power steering system can cause this problem. Just sounds to me like someone removed/moved some stuff to get to the canister really easy. Check all the stuff around the throttle body, make sure it is all plugged in tight.. Get out a bently, start checking to pics to make sure all the hoses and stuff are in the right place..

[bmwsmurf]

Haven't found anything loose or dislodged yet.. double and triple checking :/

[tomas3314]

I bet someone removed something like the idle control valve, etc., to get to the steering fluid canister thats under all that stuff..
Just to add fluid to my 97 328is, I usaully unhook and unplug the ICV and set it aside for easy access to the canister. Im not sure if your 325i has the can in the same area..

I seriously doubt anything within the power steering system can cause this problem. Just sounds to me like someone removed/moved some stuff to get to the canister really easy. Check all the stuff around the throttle body, make sure it is all plugged in tight.. Get out a bently, start checking to pics to make sure all the hoses and stuff are in the right place..

If he was just adding fluid he wouldn't have needed to remove anything on the 92 325i. Just take the top off and fill. I pretty sure fill up and the problem was just a coincedence. How was the car running before this happened? Could be your Mass Air sensor went out. Try disconnecting it and starting/running the car this way. Had similar problem and found out what it was after $1500 in troubleshooting. Ended up being the MAS. Found out by disconnecting and car running fine. When was the last time you changed your O2 sesnsor??

[tminus3]

I had the exact same problem when I changed my airfilter. I just reseated the filter and all was well. So I think it is probably something very very simple in your intake section.

[bmwsmurf]

O2 sensor: I don't think it was changed in a long time,car has 130k miles.
Will look at the air filter and Will try disconnecting the mass air sensor.
No fault codes using the Ignition 1 +5 full presses of the gas pedal within 5 secs method for OBDI.

Thanks!

[Robert]

lol thats a really sucky spot to put the steering fluid canister.. i need to get a funnel with a really long spout on it so i dont have to remove shit to add some juice..

[bmwsmurf]

Disconnected the the MAS from the engine intake and car still won't start. I guess I have to check fuel delivery (fuel pump, fuel filter) and maybe spark plugs now?

Thanks.. mechanic I'm not that's for sure!