Startup issue

Lately, I have had to startup issues, regardless of engine temp.

I will turn the key, and the engine will not start. If I push the gas pedal all the way down while the engine turns over, it will start but idle rough, then if I tap the gas pedal again, very quickly, the car will rev to 1500 rpm and the engine will run smooth.

No other issues, idles smoothly, with good acceleration. No codes on the Peeke tool.

I think it maybe a the gas pedal, but there are zero codes.

Any thoughts on how to trouble shoot this?

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I would say idle control valve.

I thought the same thing but was unsure.

Do you know of anyway to test it with a multimeter?

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Try to possibly clean it. While your at it, clean the disa, and clean the MAF. Report back after.

ICV should buzz when the key is in. Not scientific, but at least you'll know if it's coming on at all. I know there are resistance tests for the e30 unit, perhaps there are similar ones for the e46 unit. Consult your Bentley.

Pusing the pedal down puts the car into flood clear mode (no pulsewidth to injectors). I would suspect a fuel issue...sticky injector, maybe?

what about a possible bad crankshaft position sensor? but you would get a code for that

I just replaced the idle valve Wednesday night, cleaned the throttle body & the MAF while i was in there. Little pricey, around $170 for the part. I did test both the new and old valves with my multi meter. There were 3 prongs, both showed similar resistance, within 2-3%.

The engine started up better Wednesday night, after performing the work. No initial idle issues at all.

Thursday morning, the engine started up quickly and did not require met to depress the gas pedal like I use to have to, but immediatly went into rough idle like it use to. When i left work, I did not have any start up or idling issues.

This morning (Friday morning), I had the same start-up issue at Thursday. I allowed it to run for 5 seconds, it continued in rough idle until I tapped the gas pedal. As soon as i tap the gas pedal, the engine goes from 300-400 RPM's to 1000, and smooths out at 800 or so RPM's.

I will video tape the dash while this happens and upload it to youtube this weekend.

I have not performed the injector leak test yet, I will try that this weekend.

jasonbimmer, e46tknv, & lcolemon, appreciate the advice and input gents!

Somethings came up this weekend and I was not able to pull the injectors, but I did catch the issue on video. Here is the you tube link.


This happened today, when I started up the car when leaving work.

Any thoughts?

Gents, and update.

I changed out the Idle Control Valve, it had a marginal improvement. I also cleaned the MAF and throttle valve.

Then I pulled the fuel rail with the injectors still connected, turn the key get the fuel pump engaged but not to turn over the engine. Then walked over to find my back most injector was leaking! Problem found.

Running rich on the furthest back cylinder at start-up caused this, as soon as the extra gas was consumed, everything ran normal.

Its been 3 days since I replaced the injector, and everything is running normal at start up with marginal improvement in MPG as well. I will post if any issues occur in the next 2-3 weeks.

May consider getting the old one cleaned/refurbished, any one has a suggestion on how to do it or a place that can get it done?

you didn't smell gas prior to removing the rail/injectors?

No, the injector was leaking at the tip into the manifold, not at the top of the injector where it connects to the fuel rail.

The injector tip created 4 before it stopped leaking. I am assuming as the 4 drops came out, the pressure reduced. As the pressure reduced, the leak slowed/stopped.

On my 4rth day, still no issues at start-up.

As an FYI, I have had this issue on and off for 3 years, its just been recently that is has become a daily issue. Wish i would have pulled off the injectors earlier as I replaced a lot of things before doing this. But all is good, I am still ahead by doing my own work rather than taking it to a garage.

A good fuel injector DIY, which I used to help guide me through this replacement: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=368709

Good....i wait for update....

update please.....

Zero start up issues since I changed out the leaky injector!