1990 E30 Auto Not Starting, and electrical issues

[adil325i]

Hi all,

Looked at the archives and followed the Wiki, but still having issues.

The electric windows, mirrors and blower are not working, with the exception of the blower which works on two settings.

Can anyone shed some light on next steps? Its an auto if that makes any difference.

Hoping Brianmooore sights this post!

All the Best,

Adil

[TPS]

Starter Motor Connector is loose/off, 8mm nut needs to be put back on

[Brianmoooore]

Starter Motor Connector is loose/off, 8mm nut needs to be put back on

The fatal flaw in that theory is that the OP says that the heater fan works on a couple of settings.
Is there a click from the mirrors when you move the control around?
What settings does the fan work on?
Do the windows not work with the ignition on or the front doors open, or both?
Do the reverse lights work?
And finally, you say it's an auto and 1990, but what engine?

[TPS]

Well Spotted Brian, Thanks

[adil325i]

The fatal flaw in that theory is that the OP says that the heater fan works on a couple of settings.
Is there a click from the mirrors when you move the control around?
What settings does the fan work on?
Do the windows not work with the ignition on or the front doors open, or both?
Do the reverse lights work?
And finally, you say it's an auto and 1990, but what engine?

Thank you Brian,

To answer these questions

- No clicking from operating the electric mirrors
- Fan is working on 1 & 4 (will verify tomorrow)
- Windows do not work doors open/closed ignition on/off. Back-light on window switches are on.
- Will check the reverse lights tomorrow
- Its an M20 325i

All the best,

adil

[adil325i]

Hi all,

So now the car has decided it does not want to start. Was turning over perfectly yesterday - today is another story.

Symptoms are, turn key to ignition, and all dash lights turn on. Turn key to start, and nothing happens - lights don't dim, no sign of the engine being turned over, or any stress on cranking. Feels something electrical as its almost like the starter isn't signalled.

Bearing in mind it is an auto, and needs to be in 'P' to start. It does feel like the car is in gear when attempting to start.

I'd like to think all these issues are related, but will continue to look.

Can anyone shed some light on what process to follow when fault finding on the ignition system?

Thanks & Regards,

Adil

[daimlerman]

There is a start inhibit circuit fitted to auto's to prevent you starting the car in gear.

So you first need to be sure that N or P is selecting properly.

Once you are satisfied that the selector is engaging correctly and you still have no starter motor,you will need to dis-connect the inhibit circuit to test if that is your problem.Access can be gained by removing the glovebox and it's liner,look for a black/yellow cable,this is split by a black wire,un-plug the blacks and join together the two black/yellows.
Be aware that the car will now start with the selector in any position,so please take great care!

[adil325i]

Thank you Daimlerman - will give this a try, and report back.

All the Best,

adil