E30 Zone

Hi Guys,

Please help with a major problem with my '86 325..

The orange warning light (left on dash) flicks on sometimes while other times car stops dead and has to be re-started (which it does). This has only happened twice for the first time today..weird?

The car is an Auto

Thanks in advnace

it seems like a loss of power to the ECU (hence the light comming on - is it the ABS light or does it have a circle and triangle sign?), inspect the earth connection at the battery and alternator, and look to see if the DME relay is loose (its found in the cover next to the Air flow meter, you will see three relays (or place for three relays - you may only have two. the one closest to the radiator is the DME relay and check this one (or replace it) the middle one is the fuel pump relay and the one closest to the driver is the relay for the oxygen sensor heater.

Thanks Lee,

The sign is the orange circular one with a '!' in the middle. I tried the bits you mentioned and they seem ok so will order a new relay and give that a go.

Many thanks mate - will let you know how I get on

Hi All

The light you are referring to is the fault indicator for the switchable auto ECU.

I would think that in the UK at the moment, the ECU, which sits in the boot, is probably cold and damp and may need the large connector removing and reseating.

Mark

I thought that was the Auto box light, the "left on dash" gave it away. Mine comes on with the Ignition, then disappears when the engine starts.

Cheers Mark, will change the relays and reseat the ECU. That should cover all bases!

Update: I changed the white relay and as the cold snap has also cleared, all seems to be working ok with no cut outs whilst driving.

However, it used to start on the button but is taking a few starts to fire up. Is that someway connnected or is that a seperate issue?

Thanks!

which relay did you change?

If its the DME relay then it will not have any effect on starting problems as it only powers the engine electronis control.

poor starting can be down to many different things such as poorly charged battery, inlet air leak etc etc etc

It sounds like you might have a loose connection around the DME relay...

When the car does start, does it still take the same amount of turns but more tries? If so check that it engages when you turn your ignition on (you should hear a couple of clicks and a quiet buzzing).

I hope this makes sense!!

Oh sh*t I just saw the date on the thread!! Hope its all sorted anyway