Car died while driving.!!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Seattle WA
I have a 2004 545i with 80k.
So last night while driving I was going about 15 mph and all of a sudden my I drive screen starts flickering then about 2 minutes later the screen dies and then my check engine, abs, brake, battery, active steering lights come on basically all the lights come on, then my car shuts off and dies. Luckily I could pull over to the side and I wait for about 10 min I tried to start it up but noting happens it tries to crank over but can't. So I had the towing guy jump it and it starts right up but all the lights are on. Since I didn't know what was wrong I had it towed back home. Then the next day I tried to start it up to see what would happen and it starts right up but all the warning lights are still on.
Has anyone encountered this problem before. I'm gonna test my battery and alternator to see if that's the problem, but any input is appreciated!
So last night while driving I was going about 15 mph and all of a sudden my I drive screen starts flickering then about 2 minutes later the screen dies and then my check engine, abs, brake, battery, active steering lights come on basically all the lights come on, then my car shuts off and dies. Luckily I could pull over to the side and I wait for about 10 min I tried to start it up but noting happens it tries to crank over but can't. So I had the towing guy jump it and it starts right up but all the lights are on. Since I didn't know what was wrong I had it towed back home. Then the next day I tried to start it up to see what would happen and it starts right up but all the warning lights are still on.
Has anyone encountered this problem before. I'm gonna test my battery and alternator to see if that's the problem, but any input is appreciated!
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Joined: May 2009
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From: UK
My Ride: E60 530d
sounds like intermittent alternator fault. Mine behaved like this before it finally gave up the ghost (switching off and on would get rid of the warning lights though). use the secret obc, menu number 9 to check voltage levels. Should be about 14.4V
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Maryland
My Ride: 2008 535i
Agreed, you must check your voltage first. It is most likely the battery. I would start with a temp battery that you know is good. If the lights are still on, then its your alternator. Good luck.
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From: Seattle WA
Ok so I tested the alternator and it reads 14.0 v so I assume that's fine. Now the battery Is reading 10v it barley started the car I charged it the day before and it was at 12v, I let the car run for 10 min and now it's back up to 12v. So I take it the alternator is working. It looks like I need a new battery, but would a weak battery cause the car to shut down while it's driving?
