95 530i Engine will crank, but not start

[eelley]

I stepped into my car this morning and it would not start. The check engine light had been on for awhile but I have been putting off diagnosing it. I performed the stomp test, and code 1231 was returned. (Oxygen 2 sensor lean/rich control stop) I believe it is not related.



I then consulted Bentley to orient myself with the standard electrical tests.

I started by checking the fuel pump. The pump is receiving about 10 volts at the connector in the truck.

However I do not hear it running. How loud is it supposed to be? My ear is about 6 inches away from the pump when someone cranks the car.

Eric

[632 Regal]

dont think the pump runs constantly once at pressure, pull the line at the drivers side fuel rail and turn the key and see if your getting fuel, would be nice to have help with that test of fuel can go everywhere. I can NOT hear my pump at all EVER.

After this reboot the computer and see if it stars if you have pressure, if not we can troubleshoot farther.

[eelley]

dont think the pump runs constantly once at pressure, pull the line at the drivers side fuel rail and turn the key and see if your getting fuel, would be nice to have help with that test of fuel can go everywhere. I can NOT hear my pump at all EVER.

After this reboot the computer and see if it stars if you have pressure, if not we can troubleshoot farther.

Will do. I will check it first thing tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

[eelley]

Will do. I will check it first thing tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

Sorry for the long delay in responding Regal. It took me a while to find a spot to work on my car. I just moved to a new area, live in apartment and can not work on the car in the parking lot of the complex (written in my lease).

Okay..

Later that evening I removed the ECM. Someone posted that if the car fails to start, disconnect the ECU and reconnect after thirty minutes. The next morning I reinstalled it, the car started and has been running ever since.

ECM brain cramp?

??? Ummmmm?!!!

What do ya think?

[632 Regal]

weird stuff....did you do the reboot?

[eelley]

weird stuff....did you do the reboot?

If rebooting is unplugging the computer and replugging it the next morning, yes.

I agree, a bit strange.

[632 Regal]

I do the shogun reboot

[eelley]

I do the shogun reboot

Whats that?

[eelley]

Whats that?

Found the thread! Thanks

[eelley]

Found the thread! Thanks

Well, rebooting the computer did not solve it. Darn. Just in case...I will perform the reboot again. Hoping that this would point to the DME itself.

Here are the things I have already checked:

Voltage at fuel pump during starting...OK (Assuming fuel and DME relays are fine)
All resistance checks on the coils measure within spec...OK
Resistance check on the crank position sensor within specs, (but on the low side) ..OK?
Tried to disconnect the fuel line at the rail, did not manage to remove it. The darn hose was on the fitting so tight and there is not that much slack on it. I did not want to risk of destroying it. I was going to disconnect at the fuel filters but decided to reinstall the DME. Thats when I tried to restart the car and it worked. So I figured problem solved......nope.

Now that the car is back at my apartment, I need to get it towed to a gargage to check to see if fuel is being pumped up to the fuel rail...again.

GGrrrrrrrr!

Eric