Removal, installation and checking the starter traction relay (BMW 3 Series E46)

If the traction relay is damaged, its pinion does not engage with the flywheel ring gear. As a result, the starter cannot turn the engine. This defect occurs more often than a malfunction of the starter motor itself.

Check without removal

1. Set the gear shift lever to neutral position.

The operation of lifting and installing the vehicle on stands is associated with danger! Therefore, before carrying out the operation, read the Section Jacking and towing

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the lower engine compartment cover, refer to Section Removal and installation the lower engine compartment cover.



3. Short-circuit the thick positive cable of terminal 30 and terminal 50 of the thin ignition switch cable at the starter with an auxiliary cable. The starter pinion should click forward and the starter should begin to rotate. If this does not happen, remove the starter and check it with the starter removed

Removal

4. Remove the starter, refer to Section Removal and installation, checking of the starter.

5. Repeat the test on the removed starter using a car battery. Use the starter cable as a wire to terminal 50 of the starter. If the pinion moves forward and the starter does not rotate, take the starter to a service station for repair.



6. If the pinion does not extend, disconnect the traction relay and replace it.

Installation

7. Seal the starter joint "F" with sealant.

8. Connect the solenoid relay to the starter plug, then secure it.

9. Secure the relay wire.

10. Check the starter again as described above.

11. Install the starter, refer to Section Removal and installation, checking of the starter.