Starter tries to work but motor just doesn’t run now

ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Depending on how hot it is outside and how hot the interior of your vehicle is, it may take as long as 5 minutes on some vehicles to get the interior cooled down. The hotter it is inside the car the more difficult it will be to cool that space. I would recommend letting all the windows down for the first couple minutes of driving and then try the air conditioner. The cold air may begin coming out much more quickly this way.

ANSWER : Hello. If all of your issues began after severely cold temperatures, then it may be possible that the issues are temperature or moisture related. It is important to keep in mind that at lower temperatures, especially those as low as you experienced, it takes considerably more effort to start a vehicle. It may be possible that the required effort is simply too much for the battery to handle. You can have the battery tested to determine if it is providing enough power to meet the requirement, as well as holding a charge. It could also be possible that there is an issue with the starter as well. I would also check to make sure that the key fob batteries are not dead as well, as that could also cause similar malfunctions. As electrical issues can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, if you are unsure, I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, visit your location to determine if the battery may need to be replaced.

ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Often when starters are installed they come with a shim. These shims need to be installed to help hold the starter at the proper angle. If the angle is off the gears may not mesh correctly putting excess pressure on it that the starter cannot compete with. If the starter did not come with a shim, or you do not have it anymore, you can likely purchase or fabricate one relatively easily. If this does not solve the issue, make sure there are no wires that are being pinched or shorted out when the full weight of the car is being supported. For more help diagnosing the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment. And thank you for you service to our country.

ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.

ANSWER : I would recommend replacing the starter relay in the engine compartment’s junction box. The relay may have intermittent relay contact issues. The relay may not be the cause but is the least cost alternative to being stranded in the future.

If you’d like a second opinion on this or need help with the replacement of the starter relay, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to service your vehicle.

ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.