Questioni had autozone test both the battery and the alternator,which i was told were fine. The car randomly wont start. When i get it jumped it starts strong. Sometimes it will drag when its starting, which is why i think its the starter, but i was told there would be some sort of indicator by way of a sound when trying to start the car. When the car doesnt start, there is no noise whatsoever, the dash lights and such come on, but no clicking or anything...what could this be? im told either the battery, starter or altenator....it starts very strong whenever being jumped...
AnswerThere is a relay in the starting circuit. It could be that this is dirty/marginal, and that when you jump it from another car, the added voltage from the running system (vs. just the battery) is enough to close it and have it start.
I don't have a wiring diagram for the e36, so can't tell you where the relay is.
It is also possible that this is the starter, but it is of much lower possibility than the relay.
Also, assure all your battery connections, including the ground, are clean. The added resistance could also be affecting this.
