Engine turns over but won't start

GHUG13

MEMBER
2005 BMW 325I
86,000 MILES

It started with an air conditioning problem; only blow hot air. I checked the water valve, it was getting 12 volts all the time whether the temp was set at 59 or 90 degrees (f). So I checked all fuses associated with the a\c, blower, and heater by pulling them one at a time and checking with and ohm meter. All checked good. Then I tried to start the car to move it into the garage and it turns over but will not start. I also see the transmission light is on and the coolant temp needle is all the way into the red when the ignition is switched on. This happened on friday afternoon and we had to leave for the evening. Now it is sunday morning and I tried it again. It is still doing the same thing. Transmission light is on, coolant temp in the red and the turns over but engine will not start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

BMWGUY52

MEMBER
1 POST

Have you checked to see if there is any water ingress in the control unit box on the Dr. Side of the engine compartment? Sometimes, the coolant temp sticking to red indicates a faulty DME. But not always. I think that is what you should focus on. You need to find out the actual input to the DME from the engine coolant temp sensor is. If it is correct then you have a faulty DME. If it is not correct then you have a faulty coolant temp sensor; which has a lot of functional input to the vehicle's actions and will result in various problems similar to what you have.
But beside all that, the basics should be checked to see what is being not being given to start the car. Fuel and Spark mostly, but don't forget EWS. You should have an input from the EWS control unit to the DME to enable start. That is one check that will be made easiest with a scan tool. But, if you don't have one you can monitor the input or output-which ever is easiest for you-and see if there is a change in status.
For a stepped process I would suggest you start with checking for water ingress(check input/output of the coolant temp sensor), then check EWS funtion(maybe try another key if you have one), check fuel psi to the rail, check spark with a spark tester(something you can get from any parts house).