intermittant non-start issue is driving me nuts

[andyt11]

Box of shiney new stuff has arrived. I went with the BMW sensors to try to save a little. Will put this lot in over the next few weeks. By then the DME should have returned too and we can enjoy the rest of summer.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by andyt11

Box of shiney new stuff has arrived. I went with the BMW sensors to try to save a little. Will put this lot in over the next few weeks. By then the DME should have returned too and we can enjoy the rest of summer.

Installing all replacement parts at once usually results in:

1. Not knowing what the original problem was and/or,
2. Having to troubleshoot another problem because of an incorrect installation
of the new parts.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by andyt11

Box of shiney new stuff has arrived. I went with the BMW sensors to try to save a little. Will put this lot in over the next few weeks. By then the DME should have returned too and we can enjoy the rest of summer.

Break a Leg Brother!

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by mysocal911

Installing all replacement parts at once usually results in:

1. Not knowing what the original problem was and/or,
2. Having to troubleshoot another problem because of an incorrect installation
of the new parts.

I'm aware of that, but if you recall, the car currently runs, and I'm still unsure exactly what the problem is after 3 years, because it never stayed broken long enough to diagnose.

I'm quite convinced that the problem is failing reference sensors or the actual DME though.

It has crossed my mind to not install the sensors just yet, but if I reinstall the DME only, and start the car, it proves nothing anyway. The car started before I sent the DME away. I'll sure it will start when the DME comes back too. Of course if it didn't, it would give me the opportunity to change the sensors and see if that cures it. Although a push round the garage cured it last time.

I hear what you're saying though. I think I'm this case I might as well start though. I'm willing to move on in this case without knowing exactly what the problem was.

The proof will be if it doesn't break down over the next 1 to 2 years.

Who knows, maybe I'll hear from Steve that he found an intermittent problem in the DME. That would help.

[T77911S]

i would just replace them all and be done with it.

[andyt11]

Well I believe my problem is solved. I'll know for sure in a year or two!

I got a call from Steve last week, he told me he found a number of issues with the DME that could cause an intermittent no spark condition. Also that it was the third one that week with the same issues. So the DME has been rebuilt, returned and reinstalled.

In the mean time i removed and replaced the reference sensors. I used the BMW items. This is what the old ones looked like:



I think it was time. Almost no insulation left. What was left crumbled off when it was disturbed.

Now the car starts and runs. Hopefully my gremlins don't come back. One thing for sure, changing the reference sensors is a pain in the butt.

Thank-you to all who helped me with all this.