[greenberet123]

I just started the car (2008 E93, 95K miles) fine, then accidentally turned it off. Now I try to start it again and it doesn't start. There is a faint noise for a second like its trying to start, but then it's all silent. Voltage across battery when the car is off is 12.12V. Wondering what else I can do to diagnose - I have a Foxwell to read codes, and INPA as well. Thanks!

UPDATE: It has a A0B4 Enginer Start, Starter Operation code

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by greenberet123

I just started the car (2008 E93, 95K miles) fine, then accidentally turned it off. Now I try to start it again and it doesn't start. There is a faint noise for a second like its trying to start, but then it's all silent. Voltage across battery when the car is off is 12.12V... and INPA as well...UPDATE: It has a A0B4 Enginer Start, Starter Operation code

Unfortunately, the "A0B4" code basically means the DME is NOT getting a signal from the Crankshaft Sensor (showing engine RPM) when START button is pressed with foot on Brake/Clutch. So to properly diagnose the issue, you need to use INPA. Here's HOW:

1) Connect to CAS Module: INPA > CAS (Body | Car Access System) > F5 Status > F2 Analog > F1 Diagnose Terminals. A sample ScreenPrint is attached to NEXT Post.

2) View/Save/Post ScreenPrint of that "Diagnose Terminals" Screen with Ignition ON, Engine Off (Just press START without Pressing Brake/Clutch). See attached jpg: "INPA Tutorial Quickstart" for HOW to save ScreenPrint if NOT sure.

3) Then, being ready to quickly press PrtSc button on computer to save ScreenPrint, and watching the KL50L voltage Bar graph, 2nd from bottom on Right side of Screen, Press START button with foot on Brake/ Clutch. If CAS is OK but Starter Motor/ Solenoid has issue, you will briefly see a voltage signal at that KL50L bar graph. That means CAS is sending Start Signal to Starter Solenoid, but Starter is NOT engaging.

4) Also, please describe the "faint noise" when START is pressed, and WHERE it comes from. Listen for any sound from Starter Motor under rear of Intake.

Let us know what you find on those tests, and we can suggest "Next Steps".
George

[gbalthrop]

Attached is sample INPA ScreenPrint for CAS Diagnose Terminals, from my 3/2007 build 328xi, related to prior post.
This ScreenPrint shows Voltage (with ~ 2V Voltage Drop) at KL50 during Starter Cranking, functional Starter (NO Faults).
George

[greenberet123]

Thanks gbalthrop for the detailed response. Took me some time to iron out some INPA errors, but I finally got it working. For some reason, even when I put Ignition ON, INPA still says IGNITION OFF. Everything seems to work though. Here are the before and after screenshots

View post on imgur.com

Looks like the KL50 is indeed getting activated when I try to start the car. So what is next? Do I replace the starter? Any good DIY youtube video for this? Thanks!

[ctuna]

That voltage is low.
Try putting a long slow charge on the battery .

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by greenberet123

... Looks like the KL50 is indeed getting activated when I try to start the car. So what is next? Do I replace the starter? ...

If you notice the ScreenPrint I attached earlier, the KL50 Voltage during Starter Cranking was 10.03V, the SAME as other Terminal Voltages (that's with a ~ 2.0V Voltage Drop when System Voltage was > 12V BEFORE Starter Crank.

YOUR ScreenPrint shows NO KL50 Voltage. If it appeared on the screen but you didn't catch it on the ScreenPrint, we trust you!

If the CAS Diagnose Terminals Screen shows KL50 Voltage in the 10V Range when START button pressed with foot on Brake/Clutch, then, UNLESS there is a bad connection between the CAS Module and the Starter Solenoid (VERY rare, but CAN happen), the Starter is suspect. If you want to open E-box and do ONE more test before Starter Replacement, let me know & I will describe.
George

[greenberet123]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

If you notice the ScreenPrint I attached earlier, the KL50 Voltage during Starter Cranking was 10.03V, the SAME as other Terminal Voltages (that's with a ~ 2.0V Voltage Drop when System Voltage was > 12V BEFORE Starter Crank.

YOUR ScreenPrint shows NO KL50 Voltage. If it appeared on the screen but you didn't catch it on the ScreenPrint, we trust you!

If the CAS Diagnose Terminals Screen shows KL50 Voltage in the 10V Range when START button pressed with foot on Brake/Clutch, then, UNLESS there is a bad connection between the CAS Module and the Starter Solenoid (VERY rare, but CAN happen), the Starter is suspect. If you want to open E-box and do ONE more test before Starter Replacement, let me know & I will describe.
George

So, I have two screenprints, one before and one after. Check the second one, and you will see the KL50 voltage. Could you point me to the E-box test? Thanks so much for your help!

[greenberet123]

gbalthrop ?

[greenberet123]

Replaced the starter and car works great! Thanks gbalthrop!