Wont start

SHUTTERBUGG

MEMBER
1995 BMW 325I
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
211,100 MILES

I have a 1995 325i that will crank but won't fire up. I also have a code on the onboard computer of "tail light failure." A friend told me that it could be a faulty brake light switch, due to the fact that the tail lights still work. I replaced that switch, no help. I pulled the back seat and the cover for the fuel pump and had someone turn the power on without starting and heard nothing out of the fuel pump (no pressure build up). I checked the fuse and it is fine (15A fuse). Don't know where to go from here.

Oh, I was told by the previous owner that the fuel pump has already been replaced once.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

There are a number of things that can cause this. First starters let's review this guide and see what jumps out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

However, I would suggest starting with checking the fuel pressure and confirm this is the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Just listening for pressure to build will not be sufficient but if we can confirm there is no pressure then that will be good enough to replace the pump.

However, if the pressure is ok then we need to check for spark. If there is no spark, then we need to think we have an issue with the crank sensor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

I am attaching the info below on the crank sensor in case we need to go that direction but let's start with the pressure and go from there.

Thanks

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