[willisodhiambo]

This N62 E60 has had a history of intermittent no crank and unexplained power issues. On each occasion of no crank, it does fore on the second or third attempt, always.

1. Owner wanted gearbox service. We dropped the sump and mechatronic, replaced all seals and fixed back mechatronic. On initial attempt to start, starter sounded like it wanted to engage then silence. Ista showed L1-L4 switch error on EGS. I went back down, removed the cable connector to box and reinstalled. Rescanned all good

2. Still no crank so with ista again run through some checks
a) Key checked in CAS - Changes state from 0-1-2 as expected
b) Used No start troubleshoot ABL in ISTA, CAS checked out
c) Brake position is read in EGS
d) Checked pin 15 starter signal in IVM. It has permanent 12volts with ignition on and start attempt.
e) Checked voltages in CAS triggering function - only Terminal 50E and 50L have zero voltage and these do not change state. Could this mean the CAS is gone? Unlikely because NO start ABL passed the CAS with flying colours!
f) Checked gear changes in EGS, gear stuck in third but moved to 1st when start is attempted. This shows me it has not moved out of Park? Checked gear lever position at the selector switch, shows position 0. I believe that is park.

3. Connected backup battery, recharged battery overnight. Nothing

I have removed the IVM. It looks clean inside. It seems to carry the start relay. Why BMW went this way I would never know. I am still unable to reach the starter. It is the last thing on the start sequence path. Does not sound like it clicks at all so either it dies or is not getting the signal!

Is there a way to trigger starter relay from cabling around the IVM? It is a pain to get to and I don't have time at the moment. Secondly it would be ridiculous to open up all exhaust manifold only to find the starter is OK. I need to find a way to mimic start signal from CAS so I can figure out if starter fires.

Any ideas what other tests I can carry out before the painful work of physically reaching the starter? ISTA is all green. No faults at all! Madness.

[rana]

Check the starter

[bara001]

Hi
on the fuse box in the engine compartment there is a solid black cable.
it is for the starter. try to put power on it and see if the starter respond.
if it does not respond than remove your starter and repair.
Good luck

[inspi1981]

Change IVM module, common problem if the starter is OK

[tonemoz]

Hi, is this none start permanent now and only since the gearbox repair? I have seen when the mechatronics is refitted it is possible to misalign the linkage inside the gearbox. This causes a none start. I hope this is not your issue but may be worth checking.

Good luck.

[willisodhiambo]

Hi
on the fuse box in the engine compartment there is a solid black cable.
it is for the starter. try to put power on it and see if the starter respond.
if it does not ,respond than remove your starter and repair.
Good luck

This is what am looking for. That is its size, what is it connected to, the IVM? I short it to positive? If I can identify it correctky I should be done with the starter in a jiffy. Advise.

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Check the starter

That is my next step but want to figure how to test without opening the manifolds

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Hi, is this none start permanent now and only since the gearbox repair? I have seen when the mechatronics is refitted it is possible to misalign the linkage inside the gearbox. This causes a none start. I hope this is not your issue but may be worth checking.

Good luck.

Yes it is. I was aware about that link and did not touch it but you never know. From where does CAS check which gear is set. Lever switch or Mechatronic? If starter checks out OK then Ill have no option but to go back and check this link. What hell!

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Change IVM module, common problem if the starter is OK

Yes, this is one option but after I am done with starter. Is there just no way to check the relay in this? There must be a signal to IVM and from IVM to starter that gets activated when start is commanded. If only I had an idea which input and output to check.

[bara001]

Short to positive, the car should crank. its the only black cable in the that fuse box with ecu.

[willisodhiambo]

Short to positive, the car should crank. its the only black cable in the that fuse box with ecu.

Roger that!

[willisodhiambo]

Well, ISTA repair manual requires gear lever link to be loosened before removing mechatronic. I did not and so I think the link misaligned and left car in drive. Found a troubleshooting ABL called "Line, parking" and yes, car is in D. Will be going back under!

Thanks all. Tonemoze was spot on.