This isn’t an uncommon issue that a key can stuck in the ignition of a BMW E90 with no power, so don’t worry – we’ll get it sorted together.
In this article, we’ll be walking through some steps on how to fix the problem yourself.
We’ll look at what could be causing the lack of power and provide advice on potential solutions so you can get back on the road again soon.
So let’s dive right into it!
Contents
Causes and Troubleshooting the BMW E90 Key Stuck in the Ignition With No Power
My years of experience as a car ignition expert have taught me that when your BMW E90 key gets stuck in the ignition and there’s no power, it can be one of the most frustrating experiences.
But never fear – with some troubleshooting and elbow grease, we can get you back on the road again in no time!
| Problem: BMW E90 Key is Stuck in the Ignition and has No Power |
|---|
| Possible Causes |
| 1. Loose or damaged connections such as wiring, fuses, relays, etc. |
| 2. Malfunctioning switches, sensors, actuators, or other parts |
| Recommended Steps |
| 1. Check all connections to ensure they are secure and undamaged |
| 2. Check wiring, fuses, relays, etc. to ensure they are connected correctly |
| 3. If steps 1 and 2 do not solve the problem, consider replacing certain parts |
| 4. Always ensure the replacement parts are compatible with the specific BMW E90 model |
| 5. Take a methodical and patient approach when attempting to resolve the issue |
1. Inspecting the Ignition Switch
Well, now that we’ve gone over the troubleshooting process for a BMW E90 with a key stuck in the ignition and no power, it’s time to move on to inspecting the ignition switch.
| Problem: BMW E90 Key is stuck in the Ignition and has no Power |
|---|
| Possible Causes |
| 1. Worn pins or wafers inside the ignition cylinder |
| 2. Damaged or malfunctioning solenoids or relays |
| Recommended Steps |
| 1. Inspect the wear points inside the ignition cylinder (pins and wafers) |
| 2. If wear points are damaged, consider replacing the ignition cylinder |
| 3. If wear points are fine, remove the cylinder to gain access to internal components |
| 4. Inspect and test solenoids and relays for damage or malfunction |
| 5. Replace any damaged or malfunctioning components |
| 6. Be careful when removing the cylinder to avoid damage to other parts |
| 7. Ensure all screws are removed safely to prevent stripping |
| 8. Take caution to prevent any further damage during the removal |
2. Inspecting and Testing the Solenoid in BMW E90
As mentioned in the inspection of the ignition switch, solenoids can be malfunctioned hence they need to be inspected.
So, here are the steps to inspect and test solenoids in a BMW E90:
1. Locate the solenoids: The solenoids are typically located on the transmission valve body. Refer to the owner’s manual or a repair manual for the specific location.
2. Inspect the solenoids: Inspect the solenoids for any signs of damage or wear, such as corrosion or broken wires. If you notice any damage, the solenoid may need to be replaced.
3. Test the solenoids: Use a multimeter to test the solenoid resistance. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and touch the probes to the two pins on the solenoid.
The resistance should be within the manufacturer’s specifications. If the resistance is outside of the specifications, the solenoid may be faulty.
4. Check for power and ground: Use a test light or voltmeter to check for power and ground to the solenoid.
Connect the test light or voltmeter to the solenoid connector and turn on the ignition. If there is power and ground to the solenoid, the problem may be with the solenoid itself.
5. Check for proper operation: Connect a scan tool to the car’s computer and monitor the solenoid operation.
Activate the solenoid with the scan tool and check for proper operation. If the solenoid does not operate correctly, it may be faulty.
6. Replace the solenoid: If the solenoid is found to be faulty, replace it with a new one. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
3. Replacing the Solenoids
If the solenoids turn out to be damaged or faulty after careful inspection with the help of the above-mentioned steps, then they need to be replaced.
Following are the instructions to replace solenoids in BMW E90.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Obtain the correct replacement solenoid |
|
| 2. Disconnect the battery |
|
| 3. Access the transmission valve body |
|
| 4. Remove the old solenoid |
|
| 5. Install the new solenoid |
|
| 6. Reassemble the transmission valve body |
|
| 7. Reconnect the battery |
|
| 8. Test the transmission |
|
4. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
If the ignition is faulty and needs to be changed then here are the instructions you need to follow in order to change it correctly.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable: Before beginning any work on the ignition cylinder, it is important to disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical mishaps.
2. Remove the steering wheel: Remove the center bolt and carefully pull the steering wheel off. Be sure to not damage any wiring or connectors.
3. Remove the steering column trim: Unscrew and remove the steering column trim covers to access the ignition cylinder assembly.
4. Remove the lock cylinder: Insert the key and turn it to the accessory position. Push a small pin or paper clip into the small hole on the side of the cylinder assembly. This will release the cylinder, and it can be removed from the assembly.
5. Install the new ignition cylinder: Insert the new ignition cylinder into the assembly and turn the key to make sure it is working correctly.
6. Reassemble the steering column trim: Replace the steering column trim covers and screw them back into place. Reinstall the steering wheel: Carefully line up the steering wheel and replace the center bolt. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Reconnect the battery cable: Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.
8. Test the new ignition cylinder: Turn the key to make sure the ignition cylinder is working correctly. Make sure the key can turn all the way to the start position and that the engine starts up smoothly.
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4. Testing The Battery
When it comes to troubleshooting issues with your BMW E90 key stuck in the ignition, checking the battery voltage is one of the first steps to take.
It’s like troubleshooting any other problem – you have to find out what’s causing it before you can fix it.
Checking the voltage and replacing terminals if necessary can help diagnose whether or not there is an issue with the power supply, which could be why your key won’t turn on.
| Problem: Testing Battery Voltage on a BMW E90 |
|---|
| Recommended Steps |
| 1. Remove both negative and positive cables from the battery |
| 2. Use a multimeter set to DCV mode to read the voltage output between the two contacts |
| 3. A healthy battery should register between 12v-14v |
| 4. If readings are outside that range, something is wrong with the charging system or terminals may need replacing |
| 5. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for specialized tools and expertise |
| 6. Mechanic can inspect wiring harnesses that may be affected by underlying power source issues |
Ultimately, having someone knowledgeable about automotive systems assess and repair any potential problems will ensure that you get back behind the wheel safely and quickly!
4. Examining The Fuses
The third solution that I suggest is that you must examine the fuses.
Here are the steps with the help of which you can easily examine the fuses.
- Check connections and replace fuses for any troubleshooting process when it comes to car ignitions
- Begin by checking all connections, making sure they’re tight and secure.
- If there is still no power, start testing the fuses.
- Make sure you have a visual inspection before moving on – if any fuse appears damaged or melted, replace it immediately.
- It may be necessary to use an ohmmeter to check for continuity across the circuit
- It can usually tell us whether or not the fuse needs to be replaced.
If after doing these steps and things still aren’t working as they should, then a further investigation into other components such as relays and wiring might be required.
In that case, take a look at those next – but don’t forget about inspecting the fuses along the way!
5. Professional Assistance
If you cannot troubleshoot or follow the instructions given above then you must rely on professional help.
Also, if you have performed all troubleshooting techniques then you must professional help to get the job done.
The expert will likely need to take apart the steering column or dashboard paneling to access the ignition cylinder assembly.
They will then identify the component(s) that need replacing or repairing, which may range from small parts such as tumblers or pins to bigger components like solenoids, switches, wafers, or entire cylinders.
Rest assured that top-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products are available at competitive prices, and the car ignition expert will follow a methodical approach to solving the puzzle-like issue.
Trust their expertise in resolving the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a BMW E90 key stuck in the ignition and no power issue can be frustrating and time-consuming.
However, by following a methodical approach and consulting with a car ignition expert, the root cause of the problem can be identified and resolved.
It’s important to take the time to check all connections, inspect the ignition switch, and test the battery voltage before replacing any parts.
If replacement parts are needed, it’s essential to ensure that they are compatible with the specific vehicle model.
By trusting in the expertise of a qualified technician and using top-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products, drivers can quickly and safely get back on the road.
