Expert: Sean Halliday - 8/16/2008

Question
I have a.m. 328i it will crank in the morning for about 3 tries then will start again after work when it sits for 6 to 8 hours.  the problem is the crankshaft sensor keeps shorting out i put on 3 so far pd for 1 other 2 under warranty.  whatis the deal?

Answer
If you had the sensor replaced by a shop,didnt they ask why the 2nd and 3rd went bad?I would think they should have looked further but anyway if its shorting out,it could be a bad module or something in the ignition system.This may take a electrician and some time to track as i have never seen this happen.Another cause may be a part of the wire loom touching the frame of the car.Take a good look at all the wiring from the sensor to the loom.Look for cracked or burnt wiring especially around the hot spots of the engine.Other small possibility is the PCM.shorting.