Q: Car turns over but cannot start - 2002 BMW 325is

asked by on September 09, 2016

I cannot start my car. The battery has been checked and it has power. I have recently replaced the radiator hose. I also had the line bled. I wanted to prevent any airlock problems. This didn't help however. The car would turn over but there is no startup. What might be causing this?

Fuel Pump Replacement $145.32 - $1299.70 Get a Quote
Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. Usually the cooling system has nothing to do with the vehicle starting up. If the starter is working when you are turning the key (also known as a crank but no start) the issue is usually related to the ignition or fuel system. The most likely cause of the crank no start condition is a faulty fuel pump.

I would recommend having your fuel pressure tested by a qualified mechanic to determine if your fuel pressure is low first. If the fuel pressure is low, it is likely that the fuel pump is faulty. If the fuel pressure is within the specification set by the manufacturer, the problem is likely in the ignition system. A full inspection of both systems should be performed in order to determine the exact cause of the starting issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine stalls and then starts again fine
This is a well documented issue with the Chevrolet Equinoxes. The most common issue reported is the vehicle will suddenly shut off in the middle of driving it, regardless of speed, etc. It will normally start up after waiting a...
Brake lights don't always work
It sounds like you are having an issue with your brake light on/off switch. The switch is located under the dash high on the brake pedal bar. Sometimes these switches just get pushed out of place and need to be...
Rear main seal leaking
Hi there. The only way to fix a rear main seal is to remove the transmission, pull out the old seal with a seal puller, and install a new one. It is an extensive procedure and needs to be performed...
How do i get the ignition cylinder back in the steering column?
When you went to put in the lock all you had to do was turn the lock cylinder to the key on position, then the pin would push in and slide it into the column. Once that is done, you...
Battery dead after a few days
Thanks for writing in about your Mercedes Benz CLK430. This is a common problem as vehicles get older. This type of fault is called a parasitic draw and occurs when one or more component does not shut off when the...
How to fix an oil leak?
The proper way to repair an oil leak would depend on where the engine is leaking from. Common leak sources include the valve cover gaskets (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/valve-cover-gasket-replacement), oil pan gasket (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pan-gasket-replacement), rear main seal, intake manifold gasket (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/intake-manifold-gaskets-replacement), oil filter, and...
What's the purpose of thermostat in a car?
Hi There, The thermostat regulates the flow of the coolant in your car's engine and controls when the coolant flows in and out of the motor from the radiator by opening and closing at specific temperatures. When your thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement)...
No spark 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Hello - your symptoms suggest someone may have "worked on" this without your awareness of what might have been done. Hate that! You will likely have to get out a voltmeter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-best-tool-for-mechanics-to-diagnose-electrical-issues) and start following the electrical path to the...
I accidentally put diesel in my gasoline engine car drove it for about 2 mins then car stopped what do i do after this
The best thing to do would be to have the fuel drained out of the tank by a qualified professional. Once the fuel is drained out of the tank by a qualified professional, you can bend refill the tank with...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Cable
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace a battery cable.
How to Deal With a Dead Battery
If your battery appears to be dead, try a few steps to start your car before determining if it needs to be replaced or towed.
How to Replace a Key Fob Battery
Key fobs allow easy access to your car. Once the key fob battery is weak or dead you'll lose your fob's ability to control remote functions.