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2009 BMW x5 3.0L gas cranks but no start

schiker

Well-Known Member
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Location
Pendleton, SC
No check engine light ever sets.

Engine long cranks doesn't try to start will time out ( one of those push a button to start cars). Has cranked on 5 th or so attempt 2 or 3 times. Random occurrence mostly after long highway drive and stop for 30 min. Has done first crank of day too. Runs fine if it starts.

Had a reputable shop try to diagnose it and they had it 2 weeks. Of course they had a hard time duplicating issue but did finally get it to do it. They were unable to read any OBD faults pending or history.

I saw a YouTube video of a relay said to be fuel pump relay that goes bad. Last time it did not start I thumped the relay and had a person crank car and it started immediately. But could have been coincidence as it has started on random number of attempts???

Question is does ECM monitor fuel pressure and shouldn't a DTC be set if that is the cause???

It's only $20.00 for the relay so I am going to try it anyway since other possibilities reported without codes are the valve timing control or ECM.

Other thing I guess I can try is spritz starting fluid in intake and see if it at least tries to start indicating a fuel delivery issue ??? Or what do you suggest easy as I am away from home, tools, etc.

Could be simultaneous issues as well??? Was a bit rough idle the first occurrence but lately runs fine and it either cranks within 1-2 seconds or it doesn't.

Could long cranks with no fuel pump cause pressure issue that might take a few seconds to clear if engine cranks but no starts then starts after a few attempts ( would be cumulative 20- 30 seconds on starter over 5 minutes?
 
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Is there any potential harm in starting fluid for this car. If it stumbles on ether can it cause harm or set codes?
 
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