Quote:
Originally Posted by sonnydaze
I have had similar issues to this, fixed it, and wanted to report back to this
thread in case it helps anyone.
Starting was getting more sluggish, and eventually starter just would not
start. After a jump attempt and towing the car home, I check the battery
voltage. At 11.9, I assume bad battery and replace it. No go. After reading
some of the e90 posts, I tap the starter while "starting" to see if I can kick
the starter into action, but no go either. About to replace starter, but
decide to read more posts. This one pointed out the ground strap as a
potential failure, so I decide to investigate.
I recently replaced my clutch, noticed the engine ground strap was covered in
green (presumably copper oxide). I torqued the cable a little, got showered
with green, but decided to leave it alone. Recalling this with my current
issue, went back under, gave the ground strap a tug or two, and the cable
disintegrated and broke. Apparently, although the cable was not actually
broken, it was corroded and petrified enough to severly compromise its
electrical properties. So apparently not much of a ground on my engine.
Bottom line, I replaced that strap, and car fired right up. This was probably
also why my battery was low, since it was probably not charging properly with
a bad ground from the alternator. Likely a new battery for no reason, but the
old one had 10 years... But thanks to you all, I didn't replace a perfectly
good starter.
Lesson for me: Try connecting jumper cable from chassis to engine when car
won't start...
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Mad props to you!
I sat in a grassy field for nearly 2 hours researching the inter webs before I finally saw this “lesson” and realized I should do this. I connected my jumper cable from the oil filter housing to the chassis rod on the passenger side of the engine bay. Now the car is home, and I can get an engine earth strap instead of calling for a tow to the shop. Thanks!