Last weekend for the first time since I purchased the car (6 years - 60k+ miles ago) it wouldn't start. The engine cranked easily so I pulled the ignition wire from the coil and confirmed a strong spark. The fuel pump was running in key position II.

I tried several times to no avail, it wouldn't even fire. The engine seemed to crank faster than usual, and no codes came up. Idle motor was running, fuel pump relay checked out ok, fuses were good. I had moved it a few feet in the driveway earlier in the day with no issue. I also moved it a few feet in the driveway a few times the previous day with no issue.... This is something I usually don't do, but was visiting relatives and it was a game of musical cars in the driveway.

After a few more frustrated attempts I decided to look online for answers. Someone had mentioned a similar issue after moving the car a short distance (less than 30sec run time) and suggested an interesting fix. The suggestion was to crank the engine with the accelerator pedal to the floor for as long as it takes (one minute plus if needed). Skeptical but willing to try anything so that I could drive 60 miles back home that night instead of riding in a tow truck I gave it a shot. To my surprise after about 45 seconds the engine screamed to life and revved up to 4000rpm. A huge cloud of black smoke came from the tailpipe and after running a few seconds it settled into a regular idle. The engine ran as smoothly as ever, and after about 5 shutdown and restarts I was confident it was good to go.

A quick trip to the gas station and I was on the highway, no issues since.


1994 850 Turbo Wagon / 203k

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Zack Silver 83' 242Ti (230k)