E36 EWS issue? Car does not start.

[BMRBOI 8]

Hi all

Car 1996 E36 323i jap auto

The other day after driving my car and it was running fine. Parked up and went to start it again and nothing. Dash lights come up but no starter motor.

Things to note:

-can manually turn starter over

-check light is on but kind of flashes between bright and dim

- obc lights not showing and pixels kind of flashing

- dash beep not consistent

- checked key chip with lock smith and said he can still read it

- Peake scan tool says its EWS

- ecu seems dry

- tried other car batteries and still no good

Any one come across this kinda issue before or ideas where to look?

Thanks

Niroy

Edited July 2, 2016 by BMRBOI

[aja540i 1906]

Is the battery good, if so could be ignition switch related, have you jumped the starter solenoid straight from the battery to test the starter motor?

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

Sounds like ignition switch.

[FIAT 131R 223]

Have a brand new ignition switch with keys if you are interested.

[BMRBOI 8]

Thanks guys for the input.

Sunny day in Rotovegas today so spent some time diagnosing. Turns out fuse 31 keeps blowing (5amp blown fuses are hard to pick in the dark). This fuse is related to aircon pump, instrument cluster, obc, heater and EWS.

Put a new fuse in and car started right up yay... But when I went to start it again the fuse had blown and displayed same non starting issue. Through a bit of process of elimination it looks the heater valve may be at fault. Small amount of coolant weeping and when I disconnect it the fuse doesn't blow.

would have never picked the heater to be faulting the car with those symptoms.

Edited July 3, 2016 by BMRBOI