Parasitic Battery Drain e53

[Xcom]

Originally Posted by pearlpower

My 4.8is has a very low 'fan' type noise behind the climate control panel that does not turn off. Unsure if it is a fan in there and the remedy. My battery stays charged, even with front and rear cameras running 24/7, but I start it up and drive it every few days or so. My 4.4i does not exhibit the same.

What's the AMP draw after 16 minutes?

[StephenVA]

Your HVAC control panel has a internal fan the circulates air thru two openings in the unit (SEE IMAGE BELOW) as mentioned in the post above. Clean both openings frequently to allow air flow. The minute you open a door it starts regardless of the key position (in your pocket, hand or Ign).

[andrewwynn]

There is a tiny fan in there that is used to measure cabin temp. It shouldn't run when sleeping


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[HotWheelsRedline]

Refreshing this thread to the top for "turquise1" (Ozzie), in case any suggestions in these pages might help you find the source of your battery drain. Good luck!

[HotWheelsRedline]

BTW: I've replaced the radio/MID and the battery and seeing if anything changes.

(you'll have to read the prior pages/replies to know what I've been thru since June)

[HotWheelsRedline]

Originally Posted by HotWheelsRedline

Our X5 has a parasitic battery drain that started June 5th. Replaced the dead BMW battery and alternator tested fine, so thought we were good to go. June 27th, car won't start again -- jumped, runs fine. July 8th, no start -- July 19th, no battery power again. Thru all of this, never any warning lights on dash. Now my friend/indy mechanic is checking it. Has ruled out the radio, Aux fan, TCU, FSU, NAV, sleep mode.

Update: Since I got a full refund on the replacement AAA battery and credit from Visa as well, I decided to swap it with an Interstate Megatron 85 Plus, and haven't had any issues since late October. The installer tested the AAA batt and found the cold-cranking amps fell to the floor when heavy load applied. Lesson-learned: step away from AAA batteries!

[we350z]

Battery brain

[turquise1]

Hey guys,

I was kind of 'honored' when I saw my name mentioned as I was still looking for a solution to my drain issues.

My X5 2001 4.4 still has the problem when the weather gets cold (and it gets cold in Chicago). I replaced a couple of batteries because they eventually die because of excessive drain and not much driving to recharge the battery.

I did several repairs including the known capacitor repair to the GM3 to make sure it functions properly and not keep other modules awake. The car still randomly stays awake / sleeps although the drain does not seem to be as bad. Another interesting thing is, the car goes to sleep every time when I attach the multimeter to see the current drain. The final current after sleep is .04 amps which is normal. If I do not attach the multimeter and look at the shifter light and the small fan inside the IHKA as a sign of sleep, they dont turn off after 16 mins, which means its not sleeping.

I will take a look at the TCU and FSU once again. There are no signs of a broken FSU but the fact that things start happening when cold makes me think there may be something still wrong with it.

Thanks for all the help once again,

Ozzie

[andrewwynn]

Is your hood open when you are measuring the current?where do you break the circuit to insert ammeter?


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[turquise1]

The battery is at the back under the spare tyre as you know. I break the circuit there. I attach two jump start cables (frequently used), extend the connection to driver's area and attach the multimeter there. The measurement is .94 amp for a min, then .48 amp for 15 more mins and .04 amp at the end, which I think is normal. That is when the multimeter is attached. When not, the car does not go to sleep. So bizarre..

I am replacing the FSU today to eliminate another doubt. It does not show signs of fault but you never know..

Thanks,

Ozzie