Shes's not talking to me anymore

[samman325]

Hi guys,

Need some help please. The "she" as per the subject line is my wifes '97 e36 323i auto.

I took her out of the garage yesterday into the driveway to give her a wash. After i was done, started her up and reversed back into the garage (she was idling a bit rough but i figured it probably because i just drove her out (approx 5meters) and switched off).

When the wife and i wanted to go out later that evening, we got into the car, put the ignition on and all lights came on as per normal. When i tried to start... nothing!! The "check control" light remains lit but she's totally dead except for the ignition lights.

This morning i've tried the following with no success:
disconnecting the battery (for some reason i though it was worth a try)
swopping out the DME relay
checking all fuses

I dont have a diagnostic tool for the 20pin connector so its even more frustrating. To make matters worse, my wife needs the car tomorrow to get to work.

What else should i be checking? Is there anyone in the south of JHB (around The Glen shopping centre) with a diagnostic tool that can help?

Guys, please help!! Any assistance/guidance will really be appreciated.

 

[JodyD]

ish bud this is not too good,

my 2c thou I had the same problem a few months ago
and found out that there was some part in my ignition
that had broken maybe have a look at that :thumbdo:
sorry bud hope its something else

 

[samman325]

ish bud this is not too good,

my 2c thou I had the same problem a few months ago
and found out that there was some part in my ignition
that had broken maybe have a look at that :thumbdo:
sorry bud hope its something else

Thanks Jody

will have a look. Did you end up replacing the entire ignition?

 

[JodyD]

ish bud this is not too good,

my 2c thou I had the same problem a few months ago
and found out that there was some part in my ignition
that had broken maybe have a look at that :thumbdo:
sorry bud hope its something else

Thanks Jody

will have a look. Did you end up replacing the entire ignition?

No I didn't thou I did bypass this by installing a push button
start,:thumbs:

 

[samman325]

Any other ideas guys?

Nobody in Joburg South with a diagnostic tool for 20pin?

 

[Karthik]

Dude sounds like your battery's dead. Just jump start or use jumper cables. Is there any chance while you washed your car the door was open,etc which let the inside light stay on for long. I think its your battery.

 

[Mr H]

"She's not talking to me anymore.." ♪ ♫ ♪ Sounds like a good ol' country song by Mr Billy-Bob Ray Cyrus himself, daddy to chief twerker Miley herself..

:rollsmile::rollsmile:

 

[samman325]

"She's not talking to me anymore.." ♪ ♫ ♪ Sounds like a good ol' country song by Mr Billy-Bob Ray Cyrus himself, daddy to chief twerker Miley herself..

:rollsmile::rollsmile:

The song title may be country but it sure sounds like the blues!!
Thanks for the humour... needed it.

 

[Julius Punga]

Try using the spare key, had a similar issue on an e46 325i, where the primary key would not start the car but the spare worked

Long shot but worth a shot

 

[danieljames]

My experience..

When my battery eventually went towards the white light and I tried starting it, I just heard a "tick tick tick" sound from the starter. When I changed the battery all was sorted. Sounds more like your ignition switch is gone with the wind????????????

M50B25-L6

 

[Gizmo]

Im in Brackenhurst and have the diagnostics but your issue is the ignition switch, its a common failure point on the e36, can be corrected by fitting a starter relay or push button start button or buy a new ignition switch.

 

[samman325]

Many thanks for all the suggestions and assistance guys.

She's talking to me again!!

Turns out it was the 5amp fuse for the immobilizer which popped and hence the problem. Dont know how i missed it when checking the fuses but i am very grateful to Racing Snake who went out of his way to come and assist (and replace the fuse). Thank you very very much!!

 

[Solo Man]

Snake's the MAN!!

 

[JodyD]

Im in Brackenhurst and have the diagnostics but your issue is the ignition switch, its a common failure point on the e36, can be corrected by fitting a starter relay or push button start button or buy a new ignition switch.

HI Gizmo

Im sure you have a lot of experience with these stuff

what would the new barrel coast?

In mine the metal piece from were the key fits into the white
part is broken( its hard to explain when you clueless like me)

 

[Ralf*]

Snake's the MAN!!

THE FANATICS way !!! BRILLIANT

:bravo::bravo::bravo:

 

[AlexYannoulatos]

Does anyone know who can install the push start button?