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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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shy7g
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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by shy7g » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:42 pm

Hi the X5 is stuck on the drive
VEHICLE - X5 E53 4.6is 52-Plate
The vehicle was used yesterday and filled right up and driven home (10-miles) without any problems,
Today having just gone to start it, nothing from the engine? the car opened on the fob OK, the ignition lights came on OK,  but on cranking the key NOTHING AT ALL??? Have also noticed that the AMBER ENGINE LIGHT is not going out.
ANY ADVISE / DIRECTION GREATLY APPRECIATED
Thanks to all
regards
Rich

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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by X5Sport » Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:04 pm

Check the gear shift isn't out of position?  It must be in either 'P' or 'N'.  There is an inhibit function to lock out the starter on the car if it is in any other setting.  I did it once and it baffled me for a while too.  On mine I think the engine light only went out once the engine has started.

That's the simplest fix, after that things get complicated.

Richard
Last edited by X5Sport on Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by weirdfish » Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:07 pm

Also, check the battery is fully charged, put a meter across it, might be ok to light up the dash, but not enough to crank it.

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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by shy7g » Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:23 pm

thanks the gear shift head up, I had the same fail safe on my last auto 4x4 so I can rule that out.
The battery is OK, I think as there is no dipping of lights when trying to crank over, I have a booster pack so will try to start with that connected to just to double check.

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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by kkodal78 » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:04 pm

Is it cranking or just a click?
May be the starter?
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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by X5Sport » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:31 pm

starter a 'known' issue.......and try the other key too.  Another member recently had a problem where the wiring to the switch on the gearbox itself had shorted and taken Fuse 5 out.  This will also inhibit the starter.

This thread explains more.......with links in Post #7
Last edited by X5Sport on Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by stevox5 » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:57 pm

Try your spare key first sounds like a key fault to me.
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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by shy7g » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:38 pm

HI ALL
A VERY BIG THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT, WE HAVE SUCCESS, BUT A FURTHER PROBLEM HAS REARED ITSELF  :(.
OK the "Main Key" opens and locks the car, but is the problem why the car will not start, and the "Spare Key" WILL NOT open or lock the car but WILL start the car?
WHAT TO DO NEXT ??? ??? ??? ??????
Further help and assistance again will be greatly appreciated..
many thanks all
regards
Rich

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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:35 am

I had one of my keys 'drop off' the car after the gearbox repairs and found this procedure on Xoutpost - copied for those with Tapatalk in case the link doesn't work......
***************************************************
Reprogramming Key Fob

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.
  1. with both keys, get in the car and close all windows and doors.
  2. Put working key into the ignition and turn to position 1 (the accessories should turn on)
  3. turn the key back to position 0 and take key out of the ignition.
  4. Using the working key, hold down the unlock button, press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times, and release the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock.
  5. With the new key, hold down the unlock button and press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times and let go of the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock and you're done!!
Alternate procedure if above doesn't work or if you do not have a working remote:
  1. Place key in the ignition and cycle back and forth between position 0 and position 1 five times very quickly
  2. Remove the key from the ignition
  3. While holding down the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times and then release the unlock button. The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
  4. If you have another key to program then repeat step 3 for the additional remote(s). The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
  5. Turn on ignition to finalise
Part number for replacement master key/remote: 66-12-6-955-750
****************************************************
I used the second option as the first one did not work as expected (it actually removed both keys!!).  The second procedure worked though and both keys were fine after that.

It's possible that the immobiliser part of the key you were using might have packed up, but I thought that allowed it to crank but not fire?
Last edited by X5Sport on Tue Jul 17, 2012 4:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by kkodal78 » Tue Jul 17, 2012 4:32 pm

Ive been looking for that instructions
Thanks :)
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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by stevox5 » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:26 pm

If the Immobiliser chip in the key fails as it seems to have in this case it will stop it cranking over and will not release the engine management to fire the injectors.
As already advised re calibrating your spare remote for the central locking should se you right.
Glad it's an easy fix
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Re: E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:37 pm

Thanks for confirming that the chip failing will also stop it cranking.....another fact learned... :ok:

I think a new key is around £120......or was when our E46 needed one.  Dealer will require the V5 and proof of ID before they'll order one in for you - only takes a couple of days if a spare is in stock at BMW GB, or a week if from BMW HQ.
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E53 NOT STARTING?? - ENGINE LIGHT ON.

Post by Rusty » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:52 pm

[quote="X5Sport"]
Thanks for confirming that the chip failing will also stop it cranking.....another fact learned... :ok:

I think a new key is around £120......or was when our E46 needed one.  Dealer will require the V5 and proof of ID before they'll order one in for you - only takes a couple of days if a spare is in stock at BMW GB, or a week if from BMW HQ.
[/quote]
Or if you had comfort access, you could do it with a laptop for a pint ;)


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