Ground Strap Starting Issue - Solved

[Michael Z.]

I just wanted to share this information in the event that any of you experience similar symptoms and need some reference. My son's X1 started having issues with the auto-start/stop which yielded the transmission error. Often, this is attributed to the battery and the owner might opt to just turn the feature off, which he did.

We've been through a bitter cold spell recently here, and the other day, the X1 would not start at all. No turnover, just clicking from the passenger footwell when trying to engage the starter. I saw a whole series of errors from fuel pump, to transmission on the display. I initially thought it was the battery, so I put a charger on it. I tried starting it again, same issue. I even swapped a fresh battery with no luck. So, in chasing down the issue, I decided to checked the ground strap which runs from the driver's side engine mount to the unibody. The strap was intact, but very corroded looking. I touched it with my hand and it disintegrated with the slightest movement. I bought an aftermarket ground strap for $10 as it was what was available immediately (dealer's parts dept closes at noon on Saturday) and installed it. It fired right up, no issue. Furthermore, it fixed the auto-start/stop issue, as the starter is now getting full voltage. It might be worth looking at for any of you in a cold climate with salted roads. It may save you from getting stranded and having to change the strap in the bitter cold like I did as I couldn't get the car into neutral with the transmission error.

[Gamb1t]

Nice. I will take a look at mine to check the condition. Did purchase the replacement from Canadian Tire?

[NeiL010204]

Thanks for Sharing,can you please post a picture?ty

[Michael Z.]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

Nice. I will take a look at mine to check the condition. Did purchase the replacement from Canadian Tire?

Yes, specifically this one: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...-0112000p.html

The length was perfect. I originally thought it would be just temporary until I get a factory replacement. To be honest, there's really no need to swap it out.

[4_ring_circus]

I dealt with this same issue last winter, this was my solution:

[Michael Z.]

Originally Posted by NeiL010204

Thanks for Sharing,can you please post a picture?ty

This is what mine looked like:

View post on imgur.com

I don't have a pic from under the car, but it looks similar to this X3 in terms of how it's routed:

[Michael Z.]

You're going to want to reach down the driver's side inner fender and touch the top of the engine mount and check the cable.

[wheela]

Wow, those ground straps look horrible! I wonder what mine looks like after 7 years of salty minnesota winters...

[Botlfed98]

interesting.....

[NeiL010204]

Thank you for sharing..same here will need to check probably spring integrity of that ground strap cable considering windy salty icy illinois LOL

[Gamb1t]

I wonder if coating it with anti-corrosion liquid would help.

[4_ring_circus]

I used a welding cable, soldered and crimped the ends, installed some techflex shielding and added heat shrink on the ends. This cable should survive everything.

[Deepa27]

Originally Posted by Michael Z.

Registered to say thank you for sharing your solution.

[bosstones]

From the looks of it, it's probably a SPC braid which is common for outer shielding or ground straps. It would also explain the color of the discoloration (oxidized copper).

That alternative strap is just using nylon braid around it. While it will provide some cover, it is very porous and I don't think will do much in the long term. Those type of braids are more for physical protection from things like abrasion, not inclement weather. It will, however, make it hard to see the state of the conductor itself. I'm guessing the shrink sleeve on the ends doesn't have adhesive underneath either so it still provides for a capillary effect underneath.

On a different note, I saw somewhere (FCP Euro?) that the OE screw for the ground strap commonly corroded and can lead similar gounding issues. There is an alternative OE screw that can be used that won't corrode..... I'll see if I can fins the P/N. I bought while a few months ago and put this on my To Do list.