Intermittant no-start
 

95 car, 180k miles, auto

I have an intermittant no start problem with my Ti.

Occasionally it will fail to start/crank. Everything will turn on as normal, and after several times of turning the key all the way I'll even smell a bit of fuel....but no crank.

It's done this to me 3 times in the past 4 months, totally at random, and I'm unable to duplicate the problem. The first 2 times the car started up like nothing had happened after 10 minutes....just tried again and it cranked right over.

Today I had to call AAA to come get me, waited 2 hours in the sun (90+ out) = not fun. I've uninstalled the car alarm to make SURE that wasn't the problem, but has nothing to do with it....after the 30 min trip home on the flatbed.....car drives.

WTF over...

Start by checking your battery cables. Check the engine ground located on the passenger side motor mount that attaches to the chassis. And finally check codes for something relating to the cam position sensor. Maybe even wiggle the wire to the cam position sensor and perhaps remove it and hose it off with brake cleaner.

If the engine cranks but doesnt start, it may be time to replace your coolant temp sensors as well, they control initial start of the engine based on engine coolant temp.

It's none of those, I've checked the grounds/connections.

The car DOESN'T crank/spin over. It doesn't do anything when the key goes to the start position. Fails to crank, no clicking (like a bad solenoid) or anything. Then, mysteriously, if I try again it will just start.

clutch switch?

it's an auto....

whoops, missed that in the first post. I dunno man, hopefully someone else will chime in.

Faulty ignition switch? They are prone to failure?

Is there some way to test the switch when this happens again? Last thing I want to do is throw money at a car that isn't worth a whole bunch....

i am having the exact same issue with my 318ti. except, whenever i put my foot on the gas, it will start right up. the only thing is, when i take my foot off the pedal, the car dies.

i will wait and start it in about 30 minutes.

reading comprehension FAIL lol.

Car doesnt start, because it won't even turn over/crank. It's like the starter isn't being told to spin.

OK my 95 manual did the same thing. ON the 95tis, they did not put clutch switches in them am I right? anyone can verify this?

Have a buddy hold a positive lead to a volt meter on the positive lead of the starter, Ground the negative. Turn the key to start, If sufficient current is displayed then the starter is bad. It CANNOT be the manual switch as it is an AUTOMATIC already stated. If no power switch is bad. To look at the switch take off the bolster around the wheel and look under it. Make sure all connections are established. If so jump the two starter wires together (I believe they are the red and green, Or the biggest two). If no feedback persists A professional is needed. However if it is the starter I can send you a good used one for the shipping cost.

If your car came with a manual transmission from the factory, it should have a clutch switch. part# 61318360421

bimbim was asking about HIS OWN CAR which is a '95 318ti 5 speed.

no the 95 does not have a clutch switch, so I'm going to check the motor ground wire.
Its a poor design, I can start the car while in gear and it jumps forward like my old volkswagan use to.