Not cranking over

SIRDRIFTSALOT707

MEMBER
2004 BMW 545I
4.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
143,000 MILES

All dash lights come on when the key is turned and a click can be heard in the engine bay (fuel pump I believe) (no click when I turn it all the way to crank position) key is broken in 2 pieces (metal part is disconnected from the plastic part). Also a key symbol is present on the dash (no slash through it though) Do I need the key reprogrammed to the computer? Or do I have a deeper problem? Previous owner swapped out the 2 computers in the engine bay (don’t know the names) so I have a total of 4. I’ve mixed them around every combination still the same issue. It also has a “new” starter.

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,640 POSTS

Hello,

Do you have the other part to the key? this may have a chip in it not allowing the security to be disabled.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Please run down this guide and report back.

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Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 AT 11:55 AM

SIRDRIFTSALOT707

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have the other part of the key (transponder/antenna ) I hang it near the key ring so it will be picked up. Still no luck (yellow key symbol present) no slash through it. I’ll try to take a video later, has brand new battery and IBS disconnected. Like previous stated I hear a click when the key is first initially turned on to accessory, not in the crank position. (No noises just silence when I try to start vehicle ) I’m very handy myself just want to make sure my trouble shooting was correct (I don’t think the starter is bad because I don’t hear the solenoid clicking with key on crank) so I don’t spend $300, 00 or more on a key for no reason. Another thing is when I purchased the car the plastic engine bay covers were removed so water has soaked the cockpit floor (display is glitching too ) not sure if it’s relevant but might be a factor.

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Sunday, January 12th, 2020 AT 8:55 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,640 POSTS

It does sound like the starter is not working correctly. To be sure the guide above will walk you through using a test light how to be sure the starter is bad. Here is how you change out the starter in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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