Anyone??
#1
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today i was driving my car and when i came to a stop i got all malfunctions popped up and my headlights didnt turn on. turned it off and didnt turn on again. battery is new about 2months old, bought it from autozone and had my mechanic who works for bmw program it and register it. i jump started the car the correct way under the hood and it turned back on right away. drove it around town and everything feels fine but i know something is up![Bashwall](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/bashwall.gif)
any ideas what it could be? bad battery? alternator?
Thanks
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any ideas what it could be? bad battery? alternator?
Thanks
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My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps...
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Alternator/Charging circuit problems can cause this. First would usually be flickering/flashing of the iDrive screen. Then comes the various warnings. Shortly after will come the shut down. If intermittent, allowing the car to"rest" for about 10 minutes may allow the battery to build up enough reserve charge to start the car. I was having this problem. I used a code scanner with PID maps to see the actual voltage. The car would drop in voltage. Below 10 volts the systems would shut down. Allowing the car to sit wouldreturn the volts up to upper 11's or very low 12's. I'd restart and the volts would go up to 13.5 and higher (charging). The regulator was iffy, but it could also be the IBS, charge control relay, or loose connections.
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thanks for the advice, checked batter cables took them off cleaned them and put them back on. unplugged the alternator cable and re connected it. so far its been working like normal. no issues, but im concerned about the alternator. i got the transmission malfunction message about 3 times in the past 6 months. i changed my battery and since it hasent happened. i think my alternator might not be doing its job.
what are symptons of a alternator going bad?
i also feel a light vibration on my steering wheel when i come to complete stop but after 2 secs its gone.
what are symptons of a alternator going bad?
i also feel a light vibration on my steering wheel when i come to complete stop but after 2 secs its gone.
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Use a voltmeter and check your car before you turn it on, volt should be between high 11 and low 12. Start the car then measure you should be between 13-14. It does sound like your alternator. You could also get one of those things you plug into the cig lighter that way you can monitor the voltage as you drive. This way you will see any fluctuations, volt should be steady as you go, otherwise alternator is bad.