Z3 not turning on

[stevechao]

Hello all!

I just recently bought a BMW Z3 2001 3.0L and wanted to install a radio that has carplay. I installed the Jenson 910X and it was perfect and drove for many days.....until i decided, if i can do that, i can also do the backup camera. I routed the camera lines and put the main power wire to the reverse light and routed the wires to the Jenson screen. Once I was done, I connected the battery to power up the car, I turned the key to start the car and it turned on. I wanted to test my screen prior to putting all the plates back and tried to put my car in reverse and the car went from fully operational and powered to engine shut off and warning lights came on.

The warning lights are: EML, battery, oil, the exclamation with a gear plus rotating arrow, and exclamation with triangle. I thought it could be me plugging the reverse lights so I removed them and put the car back to how i had it without the camera. I unplugged the battery for 10 minutes or so and tried to start the car and the key just turns and doesnt crank or make any noise. The usual key turn that power the car has become silent and i can change the transmission up and down the PRNL. All the lights turn on in the car, the screen works, the headlights work, the brakelights work as well, car unlocks perfectly fine. I just cant seem to start the car at all.

Can anyone assist me and see what I can do, cant believe it went from an awesome car to kapoot, since the car doesnt start, i cant even bring it to my mechanic unless i tow it. Thanks all!

 

[NZ00Z3]

First you need to do some diagnostics with a scanner to see what the trouble codes are in the various modules. As you have code in the engine computer (DME) and ABS module, you'll need a scanner with BMW software. A normal OBD2 scanner will only do the engine.

Have a look at INPA. The software is free and the cable is cheap. You'll need the OBD2 to 20 pin port adapter, as you'll need to connect to the car via the 20 pin port under the bonnet/hood. Check out this thread: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation

Once you have read the trouble code. Post the code number and descriptions here and we'll help you.

 

[stevechao]

First you need to do some diagnostics with a scanner to see what the trouble codes are in the various modules. As you have code in the engine computer (DME) and ABS module, you'll need a scanner with BMW software. A normal OBD2 scanner will only do the engine.

Have a look at INPA. The software is free and the cable is cheap. You'll need the OBD2 to 20 pin port adapter, as you'll need to connect to the car via the 20 pin port under the bonnet/hood. Check out this thread: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation

Once you have read the trouble code. Post the code number and descriptions here and we'll help you.

Hey! Thanks for your help, I just ordered the OBD2 reader and software.However I figured out the problem, I was installing the reverse camera to the reverse light to tap into the trigger power and when I changed from P to R, it blew the fuse. I checked the fuses and apparently based on the numbers, the Z3 has both the reverse light and transmission on the same fuse. That’s why nothing worked and how I ended up here. Thank you again for your help, I’ll be sure to come back for more help !