Help - Brake pedal sold, engine still turn's but won't enage
Discussion
My wife went out to start her car this am and tried to start it. Just a fast turnover of the engine...she tried this 3 times before coming to get me... Anyway went out and the break pedal is rock hard. Tried to push it a little to see if they had somehow locked over night but still no joy. Only thing I can think of is I washed it last night, then reversed it back into the drive, maybe something to do with frost?
Its a e46 328 auto. Any ideas what may be the issue and if I am going to be able to solve it myself? Google is not returning any hints.
Its a e46 328 auto. Any ideas what may be the issue and if I am going to be able to solve it myself? Google is not returning any hints.
Brake pedal will be hard because there is no servo assistance with the engine off.
Because you started it and then switched it off very shortly after by reversing up the drive it will more than likely be flooded. Push throttle to floor and crank engine over in 20 - 30 second bursts. It will start to try and catch (sounds like rolf harris painting) just adjust the throttle input and it will fire up.
Because you started it and then switched it off very shortly after by reversing up the drive it will more than likely be flooded. Push throttle to floor and crank engine over in 20 - 30 second bursts. It will start to try and catch (sounds like rolf harris painting) just adjust the throttle input and it will fire up.
It's an auto, does it need the brake pedal pushed down before it will start? My guess is that after pushing the pedal down to start, taking the foot up, and then trying twice more, the servo has run out of vacuum, which will make the pedal a lot stiffer. It will recover as soon as the engine starts.
As to the not starting, it's entirely possibly that damp got into the engine electrics after washing it. pop the bonnet and leave it to warm and dry a bit in the sun and see if it helps.
As to the not starting, it's entirely possibly that damp got into the engine electrics after washing it. pop the bonnet and leave it to warm and dry a bit in the sun and see if it helps.
Urban Sports said:
How will you ever stop it if you sold the brake pedal?
The brake pedal is hard because someone has been pumping the brakes and used up all the servo vacuum, so any travel has to be done by manual force. Which means if you really properly stand on the pedal, it'll still move.
Naturally, even if the brakes have seized on completely, this won't affect starting the car in any way (though you might, as above, need to push the pedal to get the car to start).
So. How much fuel is in the car, and is it parked on an incline?
As said the pedal wont move because there is no vacuum left, or because you have sold it. The e46 doesnt require you to press the brake in order to start so you have another problem. If the starter motor is turning then it cant be that the gearbox isnt in park... how much fuel is in it?
HA HA guys, the normal joys of PH. Was in a rush as trying to fix it so she could get the kids out to clubs! yes of course I meant solid...
After turning the engine for about 20 seconds and quickly putting it into drive when it finally caught, heard the brakes unlock and the pedal pressure released. Trip round the block and everything seems fine. The first signs of winter obviously playing havoc.
Thanks for the help.
After turning the engine for about 20 seconds and quickly putting it into drive when it finally caught, heard the brakes unlock and the pedal pressure released. Trip round the block and everything seems fine. The first signs of winter obviously playing havoc.
Thanks for the help.
Your 6-pot BMW engine is from the generation where there is a well known rngine flooding problem if the engine is started and then just moved a few feeet before switch-off. The rich cold-start mixture has left unburnt fuel in the cylinders. but when you go to stsrt the car again the fuel injection says "I'm doing a cold start so I'll enrich the mixture" and the car will never start.
It MIGHT start if you push the accelerator pedal gently to the floor and hold it there before you attempt a start and during cranking until the engine fires. If it doesn't work after a couple of attempts don't go on and flatten your battery. you need to remove the electric fuel pump fuse; crank the engine until the cylinders have cleared; then put back the fuse and try again. If you're in a breakdown service they are very familiar with this issue and will have you going again in no time.
It MIGHT start if you push the accelerator pedal gently to the floor and hold it there before you attempt a start and during cranking until the engine fires. If it doesn't work after a couple of attempts don't go on and flatten your battery. you need to remove the electric fuel pump fuse; crank the engine until the cylinders have cleared; then put back the fuse and try again. If you're in a breakdown service they are very familiar with this issue and will have you going again in no time.
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