Engine shut off while driving and will not start

MARCUSROBINSON

MEMBER
2013 BMW 328
2.0L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Hello I have the car listed above 328i, RWD. I was driving the vehicle when the vehicle shut off without warning. I’ve had a mechanic take a look at it and replace the starter and the battery but the car will still not start. The vehicle cranks but will not commit to turning over fully. This mobile mechanic has recently put a code reader and is telling me now that it could be a transmission issue but he's not sure what it could be. Please help I want to avoid the stealership at all cost!

Thursday, October 8th, 2020 AT 3:27 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

Anytime there is a crank no start condition, I start by checking the engine for ignition spark and fuel. The easiest way to do it is simply see if the car starts with starting fluid for a couple seconds and then stalls. If it does, then we'll know it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't even try to start, it's likely related to ignition.

Here are a few links that you may find helpful:

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

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

As far as the codes he found, by any chance do you have them? If the starter is engaging and turning the engine, I don't suspect the problem is related to the transmission.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, October 8th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM

MARCUSROBINSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hey, thank you so much for the reply. The code the mechanic found was P1850. I’m not sure what could be going on. He has replaced the battery as well as the starter. The vehicle was unfortunately towed as well and the vehicle did not go into Neutral he feels as if when the vehicle was being let off of the flat bed it could of caused an issue.

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Friday, October 9th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

The code is related to the transmission, but won't prevent it from starting.

Has the mobile mechanic check to confirm there is spark and fuel to the engine? Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

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

If the starter is turning the engine, chances are one of the two things I mentioned is missing (spark/fuel).

Let me know. Also, if you can, see if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we will know it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't try to start, then it will likely be ignition related.

Let me know.
Joe

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Friday, October 9th, 2020 AT 9:41 PM