PART 1:

I missed my tee time this morning because my X5 wouldn't start

I guess I could have walked the 1/2 mile to the course. The GF was at the gym

I have it on a 2 amp charger right now and the battery is at about 62%. It seems to get stuck there for a while and, IIRC, needs to be charged overnight to fix it. One time I called Roadside Assistance and when the flat bed came the service guy had a difficult time getting my X5 to jump start. It took about ten or twelve attempts. This was about two years ago. I tried my cheap-o Sam's club charger's 70 amp mode and the lights in the X5 went crazy but the engine did not turn over, just a few clicking sounds. IIRC, the same thing happened with the flat bed until we got it going.

I am using the terminal in the engine bay and the grounding nut, as described in the manual.

Any tips for determining whether I need a new battery? (see part two on warranty expiration below)

I don't want to mess up the electronics just before it goes out of warranty.

PART 2:

It's an 04 4.4 and its warranty expires at the end of November. My mileage is about 17.8k.

There are a few things I know to get done:

- Change coolant (covered under maintenance 4 years after manufacturing date).

- Annual oil service (I still have four green lights from the last service ).

Minor stuff:

- Replace wipers.

- Will they add washer fluid as part of maintenance? It's getting a low but not critical. From what I read in the booklet, they cover this if it is in for service anyway. Don't they use some kind of specially formulated fluid?

Any TSBs or other stuff I should ask about?

Thanks