Messages

1

Engine management / ECM is done

« on: March 08, 2009, 06:08:34 PM »

quick update on the situation:  No blown fuses,  the stomp test gives a "1444,"  and yes the car was running when I dropped it off.  

I'm not sure what comes next . . .

2

Engine management / ECM is done

« on: February 23, 2009, 09:14:52 PM »

thanks for all the help,

I pulled/cleaned/replaced the ICV yesterday without luck. the gate was about 2/3's closed both before and after cleaning.  The electrical connections were slightly corroded. I did my best to clean those up before reconnecting.   I liberally sprayed WD-40 into the housing and used a q-tip to get at the harder to hit spots. The liquid coming out had very fine black specs.  I didn't soak it in electrical cleaner (I didn't have any around and it was late).  The no start condition remained the same. (Turns over, a few weak fires, stalls out).  

The spark is a bit yellow, and the car still didn't start after spraying engine starter directly through the TB.  

The one thing that sticks out to me is that the mechanic reconnected the wiring to the starter a day before this condition began.  I'm not sure how to check that, but it seems like a striking coincidence.    

It's probably worth doing a full cleaning on the ICV, but I was hoping to attack the problem from multiple angles.  What are your guys thoughts???

3

Engine management / ECM is done

« on: February 18, 2009, 07:58:52 PM »

I got the car towed back to my house today.  The cam and crank sensors have been replaced, but the car still dies immediately after barely catching.  He's swapped ECUs.  No change.  Clearly the mechanic was just throwing parts at it.  The mechanic's final diagnosis: the wiring harness is compromised.

Do you guys have any suggestions?  Which circuits/parts should I check?

4

Engine management / ECM is done

« on: February 09, 2009, 04:08:25 PM »

It get worse than that, I brought the car in for a right rear axel.  While the mechanic had it, the car stopped starting.  He checked the cam sensor and said it was out.  He also checked the crank sensor and said that it was weak.  He recommend replacing both, with the idea that the cam sensor was causing the staring issues but the crank sensor would be good to fix while we were doing the work.  So he replaces those parts after a series of receiving the wrong parts (taking days), after which the cars idle is erratic.  His diagnosis: the ECU.  Aparently I had two gremlins come out while it was in his care.  The mechanic is just recommending the wiring harness, he said it looked deteriated.

Either I'm extremely unluckly or this mechanic is horrible.

5

Engine management / ECM is done

« on: February 09, 2009, 02:53:38 PM »

Mechanic says the ECM needs replacing, recommend a wiring harness as well.  Would swapping the MarkD chip slove the problem or are these two separate issues?  I prefer lemonade to lemons.  Thanks in advance.

6

General Topics / Problem: A noise

« on: August 18, 2008, 08:08:21 PM »

I think the wheel bearing diagnosis is right.  You guys know what I should expect to pay?  Any other work that should be done while the bearing is getting replaced?  How urgent is it that I replace the bearing?

7

General Topics / Problem: A noise

« on: August 18, 2008, 12:33:41 AM »

it's definitely coming from the body or suspension in the front right side.  Maybe a squeaky/clicky noise would be a better description for the sound.

8

General Topics / Problem: A noise

« on: August 17, 2008, 10:55:32 PM »

When accelerating in either first or second gear there is a noise on the right side of the car near the front wheel.  It sounds like a rapid vibration/clicking sound and it only happens between ~1000 and 3000 rpms.  The sound gets worse if I accelerate rapidly and it almost unnoticeable if I am creeping along.  What do you guys think? Thank you all in advance.

9

General Topics / What is worth it and better at the same time????

« on: November 22, 2007, 11:48:22 PM »

superchip is a made up term.

10

General Topics / New to the game, found a car . . .

« on: September 11, 2007, 10:41:39 PM »

just to update you guys on the buying process:  I decided to pass on the car, the dmv fees were close to 400 dollars, which, to me, indicates an inability to maintain the car.  Instead, purchased flypenfly's car, which I found through this forum.  Thank you guys for the advice, I'm sure I will need more as I get familiar with the car.

11

General Topics / New to the game, found a car . . .

« on: August 28, 2007, 01:58:27 AM »

the money would go into making a daily car first (tires, replace fluids etc.) . . . not sure what the DMV fees are in terms of money, but they are usually a result of past due reg. Also, it's good to know that he's supposed to have it smogged, but how does one enforce that?  How much does it say about a car's internals if it passes smog?

12

General Topics / New to the game, found a car . . .

« on: August 28, 2007, 01:01:43 AM »

I found a 318is in my area that seems to fit the price tag  link here

Although it is listed as a 318i, in the picture you can make out the s.  Anyways, I was hoping to get the boards opinion on the car,  I have about 1000 I can sink into the car after purchasing it.  Obviously, the biggest question mark is how much are the DMV fees, but I am also worried about the mileage (no disgrace to the M42).  Also, what price am I looking at to replace the front struts?  Thanks for the help, this is my experience with the M42 and the 318.