E36 M3 Help wanted

[blaqboi]

Hi Guys. I was driving on the N1 Highway last night and my car just lost drive. The engine was running while the gears were enganged but as soon as it went to neutral it cut out completely and has would not start again. Would any of you guys point me in right direction as to what the problem could be. Please excuse me i am technically challanged

 

[freerider]

1)Do all the dash lights come on as normal when you turn on the ignition
2)were there any noises associated with the engine dying before or after
3)does the engine swing freely or seem stressed when you try to start now?
4)When last have you replaced battery?

Crank position sensor failed maybe. (car will swing over nicely but just keep flooding, unplug the MAF and see if it starts)

 

[Hellas]

+1 on MAF (if the engine still turns while trying to start)

 

[blaqboi]

1)Do all the dash lights come on as normal when you turn on the ignition
2)were there any noises associated with the engine dying before or after
3)does the engine swing freely or seem stressed when you try to start now?
4)When last have you replaced battery?

Crank position sensor failed maybe. (car will swing over nicely but just keep flooding, unplug the MAF and see if it starts)

Thanks Don.

1) The lights come on ok.
2) I was on the phon but i did not hear any odd noises.
3) The engine swings freely. It started once and cut out immediatley.
4) Changed the battery 4 months ago (Mind you i used it for sound in my golf) Will double check this evining.

My ignorance is being exposed here:mmm: what is MAF

 

[freerider]

Its the thingy that measures the amount of air coming into your intake, and then does your air fuel misxute according to those measurements and some other stuff.

On your intake there is a collar that has a plug plugged onto it, normally you just turn the threaded part and pull the plug straight up of the actual inside part, lemmi find a pic for you quickly

 

[blaqboi]

Its the thingy that measures the amount of air coming into your intake, and then does your air fuel misxute according to those measurements and some other stuff.

On your intake there is a collar that has a plug plugged onto it, normally you just turn the threaded part and pull the plug straight up of the actual inside part, lemmi find a pic for you quickly

Once again Don thanks. Will try the thingy route as well. Will get back to you guys later this evening.

 

[Hellas]

Inside the MAF housing is a mesh of very fine wires that 'monitor' the air flow together with the sensor. What you could do is take out the piece of pipe where the MAF sensor fits in, and clean it. BE VERY CAREFUL OF THOSE FINE WIRES!
Use electronic cleaner (in a spray can) and gently spray the wires.
You could also dip the mesh wire end into some 99% alcohol (not the 70% alcohol)

DO NOT TOUCH OR WIPE OR ANYTHING THE MESH WIRES.

If you damage those wires, you'll have to buy a new unit. There goes R5k...

 

[blaqboi]

Inside the MAF housing is a mesh of very fine wires that 'monitor' the air flow together with the sensor. What you could do is take out the piece of pipe where the MAF sensor fits in, and clean it. BE VERY CAREFUL OF THOSE FINE WIRES!
Use electronic cleaner (in a spray can) and gently spray the wires.
You could also dip the mesh wire end into some 99% alcohol (not the 70% alcohol)

DO NOT TOUCH OR WIPE OR ANYTHING THE MESH WIRES.

If you damage those wires, you'll have to buy a new unit. There goes R5k...

Warning noted. Much appreciated.

 

[blaqboi]

alright guys, the MAF route did not work. The battery also has a good charge so those two problems have been eliminated. Any other suggestions, alternativelly does anyone know of a good mobile mechanic around the randburg/jhb area?

 

[freerider]

That sucks, sorry to hear man.

Does the car even sound like its trying to start, or does it just swing over dead?

I'm sure some of the guys in JHB will have some good mechy suggestions

 

[blaqboi]

had time this morning to look at the car properlly. turned the ignition to on and there was a conspicuous sound missing. Petrol pump. this eventually led me to the fuse box and sure enough the fuse had blown. replaced it and car is healthy again.

 

[freerider]

haha, very nice man! I'm also glad to hear that it was not an expensive item

 

[444YYY]

Interesting indeed. Its strange that the fuse would just go, when driving on the hway as you mentioned....
I think you would need to look deeper, replacing the fuse is just a temporary fix....
The fuse would burn out if the current draw is too large.
It may have been a blocked fuel line, which caused the fuel pump to overwork and blow the fuse...just speculating, what do others think?
When was the fuel filter replaced? I know that this item is not on the scheduled replacement list on the E36 M3.

 

[SirSparky]

rule of thumb....always check the obvious first then if all fails panic like a biatch

 

[calypso]

My fuel filter is changed by my mech at inpection service. Sure it is something that could be changed.