Author Topic: e36 dosent like the rain (Read 6688 times)

zanussi · « **on:** November 14, 2009, 08:34:20 AM »

hi guys my first posted ive tryed seaching but couldent find anything so here goes

having some pretty extreme weather hear anyway was driving at around 40mph slowed an dropped to seconed for a tight corner as i went to accel again the engine just cut out, then went i tryed to start it it just turned over the second time started fine.

she then ran fine left the car for about 30mins and she started went about 100m and cut out did the same thing twice on the way home seems to idle ok now and rev

so im guessing its electrics i was told the ecu connections can get wet but dont know where to look for it any pointers im going to change the fuel relay soon as i can

thanks Andy

zanussi · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2009, 11:00:25 AM »

some one must have and idea where the ecu is hiding

Andy

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2009, 12:32:13 PM »

Well the ECU or DME is located in your glove box. You will have to remove the glove box to get at it. The odds that it would be the ECU are slim to none if the car starts.

But honestly, I don't think your DME (Digital Motorized Electronics) is the issue.

The car starts every time right? Hot or cold?

It only cuts out when you are in a turn?

How fast are you going when the car cuts out?

Check your fuses and relays. Make sure they are seated appropriatly and buy a couple of spares with a manual to tell you where some of the relays are located.

Do some troubleshooting first, and make sure everything is tight and secure. Then go from there. Example, check to make sure all of the spark plug connectors are snug and check your plugs while you are at it. Make sure you belts are tight. So on and so on.

Good Luck.

zanussi · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2009, 10:57:43 AM »

thanks ive had time to have a good hunt around today carnt find my volt meter though but the fuel pump is intermittant some times it goes some times not but when it does it has a short burst as you turn the ignition on. the engine starts then, then it runs while the engine is going when the engine dies it does not run so ill get anew relay tomorrow but is the pump suposted to run all the time

Andy

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2009, 12:53:27 PM »

Well, first could you create a sentence that does not run on please. I am having a hard time understanding what you are writing. Please use punctuation. Thank you.

Ok. When you turn your ignition on the sound you hear is the fuel pump priming.
You start the car and from what you wrote your car will run, then sometimes shut off.
Right?
The fuel pump should be heard while the engine is running. That is correct. I don't think its your relay. Because your fuel pump would not pressurize the system if the relay was bad. You are jumping to an electrical conclusion and probably haven't ruled a couple of things out. You are getting a connection to the pump, so how can it be an electrical issue. Personally I would change the relay last as an added insurance bonus.

Try looking at the fuel pump connections underneath the rear seat on the passenger side. (Right Hand Side, if you are from another country). Make sure it is snug otherwise connected. Also replace your fuel filter, if you have not done so recently.

We know you are getting fuel because your car runs for a little bit then shuts off. I could be bad hoses underneath the intake manifold. Check your hoses. Make sure they are not cracked and dry rotted. Make sure the ones connected to the ICV (Idle Control Valve) are in good condition. Just because the car runs then shuts off shortly there of doesn't mean its electrical . Make sure that your MAF(Mass Air Flowmeter) is connected.

Even make sure that your oil cap is seated and that the oil dipstick is seated. This engine runs more effeciently with a good vacuum. Make sure the intake bellows is secure as well. In the Army we call this PMCS. It stands for Preventive Maintanence Checks and Services. Do a good PMCS and you will see the payback from this outstanding car. Good Luck.
I truly hope this helps resolve your issue with your car.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2009, 09:27:03 AM »

Quinn11m20 gives some good suggestions...but I have a hunch that it's a flooded DME/ECU.

The e36 ECU is not in the cabin like the e30. It's on the passenger side of the firewall, up in the plenum. The drain plug for the plenum was made too small and the ECU floods with heavy rainfall or a high-pressure car wash.

BMW released a TBE about installing a supplementary drain and modified the later e36 to prevent the problem. Google "e36 wet ECU"...Pelican has a great article too:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-DME-Repair/E36-DME-Repair.htm

You can dry it out on low heat (less than 250degF) in an oven & it might work 100% after you're done. If not, you might have to do a little solder re-flow. I hope you don't have to replace the unit. That's a PITA because of the car's EWS security system.

zanussi · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2009, 09:52:33 AM »

thanks the car does not start at all now. i have been over everything, im in the uk so my cars a right hooker so im guessing that my ecu is on my drivers side also with the fuel relay bypased the the pump runs but she still wont start
Andy

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2009, 10:02:33 AM »

I'm not sure...but check that out closely...definitely sounds like it'll fix your trouble.

Your car won't have spark without the DME running right, or spark timing will be off. Either way it won't run until you get this fixed. Stay away from the dealer unless absolutely necessary on this one.

Here's another good post over at Bimmerforums:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5552421

zanussi · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2009, 11:30:50 AM »

ok the ecu is now in my front room the bottem of it is a little wet but noting major just about to open her up

Andy

zanussi · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:44:10 PM »

thanks for your help guys, she started first time with the ecu back in after a good clean and a quick spell in the oven at 50 degrees C just got to sort the drains, will have to wait till tomorrow as its dark now

ps i did find a we split on the back of one of the air pipes

Andy

TunkaHunka · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2009, 02:32:36 PM »

:eek:: you put your ecu in the oven??

*edit*
IMHO i'd get another ecu to have JIC
lol I still can't get over the oven part...

DesktopDave · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2009, 02:57:26 PM »

Quote from: TunkaHunka;81567

:eek:: you put your ecu in the oven??

*edit*
IMHO i'd get another ecu to have JIC
lol I still can't get over the oven part...

Yup. Better 200 degrees than too much water. Those transistors in there carry quite a bit of current & don't like to be shorted out. I'd think 350+ would kill it though.

I've also used water to clean circuit boards. You'd be surprised at the things that work sometimes. IIRC the Motronic design spec was functional up to 200 degrees at continuous use.

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:49:50 PM »

Wow, thats awesome.
First, my bad. I kinda assumed the DME was in or about the same area.
Second. I am with TunkaHunka. !!!THE OVEN!!!.
Hey! I am a firm believer of this statement. "If its stupid but works, its not stupid", Murphy. By the way Muphy was a grunt for all you soldiers out there.
So stick it in the oven. Ok. I will have to try that if my car gets flooded in the great Florida weather.
Well Zanussi, If its stupid but works its not stupid. I am glad that you got your car running again. Tony.

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:53:51 PM »

Hey DeskTop Dave I see you have a Quote from Aryton Senna.
I am not tyring to brag but I went to school with his niece. She was smokin!
This was back in 91 92 time period. I was living in London at the time and attending the American School in St. James Wood towards the north London area. I had been a Ayrton Senna fan for quite some time. I remember the accident that killed him. I don't remember the track though. Was it back in Brazil when He passed? I could probably find a video of it on you tube. Well I just wanted to BS. Tony Out.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:17:36 PM »

He died at San Marino, a little country in the north if Italy. I looked it up, it's Imola? Crazy guy, but no doubt about his abilities.

My favorite was when he nailed Prost in the Japanese Grand Prix. I like Prost though, but I felt that Senna was right at the time. I loved it when Prost called his Ferrari '"a truck" too.

F1 is the greatest soap opera!