P38A Urgent car wont start and stuck at work

Sorry guys need some help 1999 Diesel. Just tried to start the thing and it will not start. When turning the key I get a distinct click. I do not think its the battery as it fairly new and dash and headlights do not dim when turning key. I have tried the EKA code ( same value in handbook and Nanocom)and all happens according to the handbook with alarm light going out and key syncing light on the fob. I can open and lock the car with the fob. I have a nanocom with me but don't know what to check. I did see that the engine code is the same in the engine page as the BECM page.

Help please as I need to get home and this is my only car.

Thanks

Starter motor or the solenoid is a possibility, get someone to tap the motor/solenoid with a hammer while you turn the key. Other possibilities are poor contact at the battery or at the starter motor. If you do not have an "Engine Disabled" message on the dash, it's not going to be the immobiliser or alarm.

Cheers Datatek, will look at that. I think I got myself down the key rabbit hole as I didn't see the key sync light every time I put the key into the ignition.

EntropyUK said:

Cheers Datatek, will look at that. I think I got myself down the key rabbit hole as I didn't see the key sync light every time I put the key into the ignition.

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The sync light doesn't always show on my 2 P38's either.

Bad connection between the solenoid and starter I had it few years ago filled up in garage then nothing

Thanks guys it was the big red +ve lead to the starter. Its ever so slightly loose, pushed the lead away from me and felt it tighten so tried to start and fired up first thing. Will look at that when I get home in an hour.

Don't forget to buy a lottery ticket on the way home - you're luck's obviously in!

Ratae said:

Don't forget to buy a lottery ticket on the way home - you're luck's obviously in!

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or sell the thing while you got away with a cost free repair, you may not be as lucky next time

EntropyUK said:

Thanks guys it was the big red +ve lead to the starter. Its ever so slightly loose, pushed the lead away from me and felt it tighten so tried to start and fired up first thing. Will look at that when I get home in an hour.

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Nice one, thanks for posting the result.

Lets hope time u get home something else ain't cropped up usually happens to me cure one thing or start to and find something else money pit springs to mind good luck

pete12345 said:

Lets hope time u get home something else ain't cropped up usually happens to me cure one thing or start to and find something else money pit springs to mind good luck

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9 years and my P38 had never let me down until recently when the crap BMW plastic water pump let go.
Sure I have had to replace bits and pieces, but never stranded.

Oh I got stranded a couple of times had air bag go once and had a overheated couple of times and that wire when I was in the garage but will probably never get shot of the old fing keeps me busy

Ratae said:

Don't forget to buy a lottery ticket on the way home - you're luck's obviously in!

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Or put the money towards breakdown cover? (apologies if you've already got it )

As I said thanks again guys. Cannot believe I became so blinkered with the immobiliser. Only had a quick look at the starter before asking for help but thanks all once again.