e36 will not start - United Bimmer Community

**Bryan** · 08-22-2009, 05:22 PM

my 1998 328 will crank over but will not start error code p1747 any suggestions?I tried using the flash codes but now my check engine light will not even come on at all!! It seems like there is nothing working but I manually checked the fuel pump and it does work , it's just not getting any juice through the ignition. All the fuses are ok , the relays work when they are supplied voltage but will not work when I try to start the car, it just cranks with no result!! NO-JOY!!!!

**vixtanz** · 09-07-2009, 06:02 AM

Had same happen to mine . Turns out had fried ECU and had to get replaced . Cost NZ$700 including new set keys .

**Sheltie** · 09-27-2009, 02:21 AM

I purchased my 1995 318i lump of coal new. It now has 94,000 miles and once again it has let me down.

I ran out of gas, filled up, would not start, after sitting for a day started up. The car ran for a day and has not started
since. It was suggested running the car low on fuel or less tha 1/4 tank would damage the fuel pump. Checked power to pump 12 volts We replaced the fuel pump. The car does not start.
took out a plug, spun the motor over (yes the starter and battery are fine), no spark.
Tried to check codes- no check engine light to check codes.

Big Evil · 09-27-2009, 02:06 PM

No spark can be caused by a number of things, no crank/rpm signal. Bad wiring/connector. How did you check for spark?

Sometimes when a pump burns out, it can take the fuse and or relay out with it, are both of those good/replaced?

**Sheltie** · 09-27-2009, 03:45 PM

i checked the spark by a snap on timing light as well asl taking the plug out (yes it was properly grounded). no spark.

I checked the fuse and relay but I am going to replace both. The check engine light does not come on when the key is turned on. I can't check the codes because the light does not work. Perhaps a bulb?
The new pump does not seem to be working although the plug shows 11.5 + volts.

Big Evil · 09-27-2009, 10:44 PM

Bulb is possible. If you get 12 volts across the load and the load doesn't work, it's bad

**David Mc** · 10-02-2009, 05:53 AM

Check the DME relay. P1747 is one of those useless generic "CAN Bus error" codes. If the DME relay is bad, there will be no power for spark or to the fuel pump relay.

There is a good DIY here http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...DME-Repair.htm .

**Sheltie** · 11-28-2009, 12:32 AM

Its Alive!
The blue beast fired up and actually ran. The repair was a bit different but worked.
Its late, so I will make this a three part answer with photos.
The car 1995 318i that refused to start- no gas or spark.
Solution? ecu and dme relay.
I took apart the dme (photos later) and the entire thing was covered with dust dirt and corrosion. My computer guru neighbor suggested the trash bin. The cost of new was a little high and nothing to loose trying to fix this one.
I took the rom chip off the board and washed the computer with a mild solution of simple detergent and water. I used the worlds softest toothbrush, a tiny electrical brush and carefully brushed all connections. I mixed a couple of oz. of detergent and water in a ultra sonic tank for 15 minutes at a time with rinses in between. (total of 60 minutes) I let it drip dry for one hour and put the ecu in the oven at 100 degrees for one hour. The dme looks brand new. I reassembled it and put back in the car.
Did not start. Looked at the relays again and found three by them selves under a cover. A HA! The dme relay white, fuel pump relay blue (note the white dme relay provides switching power to the blue fuel pump relay- if the dme relay is dead the blue relay will not switch and there fore no fuel pump action- no fuel, no spark, no check engine light)
I spent 12 or 14 bucks for a new dme relay, plugged it in, spun it over , and it coughed for the first time in six months. The second turn of the key and it fired right up!
The alternator is dead and I needed a new battery.
I will send photos.
Thanks