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08 550i wont start without a jump

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Old 08-08-2012, 06:17 PM
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Hi all
let me start by saying problem existed with old battery and I have a brand new Battery with correct specs and I cannot start the car without a jump and the Battery is not being charged when running!!!! Any tips would be great
thanks
Todd
Old 08-08-2012, 07:37 PM
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Alternator maybe?
Old 08-08-2012, 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by ETNav382
Alternator maybe?
+1

Throw a multimeter on your alternator (or any other place in the charging system) and measure the alternator output. Should be 13.6-14.3V.
You can also buy a $20 unit that plugs into a cigarette lighter to monitor the alternator voltage.

If alternator is good look to battery IBS next, then for loose connections between alternator and battery (especially at jump terminal under hood). Next level is electronic modules.
But chances are you will stop at the alternator.

Post back if you get stuck.
Old 08-08-2012, 10:29 PM
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Are you absolutely sure your new battery is good? Many have reported installing new batteries that turned out to be duds.
Old 08-08-2012, 11:58 PM
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thanks
if it were a module, which one would it be?
will the alternator stop the starter from working?
All connections are tight and I get the same or lower voltage at the battery whether car on or off-- around 12v
Old 08-09-2012, 05:00 AM
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Originally Posted by tbanks
thanks
if it were a module, which one would it be?
will the alternator stop the starter from working?
All connections are tight and I get the same or lower voltage at the battery whether car on or off-- around 12v
there's your problem. the alternator is dead. You should be getting 13.6V or higher with the car running.
Old 08-09-2012, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by tbanks
Hi all
let me start by saying problem existed with old battery and I have a brand new Battery with correct specs and I cannot start the car without a jump and the Battery is not being charged when running!!!! Any tips would be great
thanks
Todd
(1) Check any connections that were disconnected and reconnected when the new battery was installed.
(2) Check output at the alternator - on some BMWs there's a replaceable module w/brushes -regulator that does not necessitate replacement of entire alternator. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...es-%28Valeo%29
(3) IBS may have failed; to the best of my knowledge there is no "test" procedure.
Old 08-09-2012, 06:34 AM
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thanks
ok, the alternator was bad so i replaced it! however i now get over 14v at the alternator and jump points but still no battery charge! i get 10.8v and decreasing at battery
Old 08-09-2012, 06:35 AM
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and it still wont start without a jump!
Old 08-09-2012, 07:19 AM
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OOOOKKKKAAAYY
found the problem
the alternator was bad and i replaced it and the POSITIVE cable somehow blew apart inside the red housing!!! i sqeeezed it back together and viola the car starts up and charges.... so now i may need a new positive cable
thanks for all your help
now i just have to figure out how to clear the crash data with airbag light but thats another thread
thanks again


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