Please Help - New Battery Problems

[tomsawyer]

Hey Guys - I have a 2005 X5 4.4. I just was at Autozone and they installed a Duralast Gold battery. Now, the power windows don't work, the interior lights don't come on, the Susp Level Inactive warning is lit, the key fob remote doesn't work. What the heck is going on? I watched the guy do the install - no issues.

The yellow 4x4 light was on but went out as soon as I started driving.

Does something need to be reset? I searched the forums but unless I'm not searching correctly, I can't find the answer.

Thanks to all who help!

[Crowz]

Sounds like they may of broke the positive battery connector. But you may get lucky and just disconnect the negative wire for a minute and reconnect and everything might go back to normal. Its worth a shot.

[Qsilver7]

What battery class size did you buy? You need a 49/H8 battery class size (the H8 DLG)...if you purchased a smaller class size battery...it may not have enough power. And hopefully they hooked up the battery vent tube.

Also, how long was that battery on the shelf? If it had been sitting on the shelf for a while...it may be slightly discharged...did they charge it before installing? If you've unlocked your cluster...you can go out and do TEST 9 (with ignition in position 1)...and see if the battery's voltage is at least 12 volts...if below that...the battery may need a charge due to it sitting for a while.

The e53 X5 does NOT have an IBS (intelligent battery sensor)...nor the communication bus like the new gen BMWs that require battery registration...don't fall down that rabbit hole.

Some functions do require reinitializtion when battery power is removed...like the sunroof:

The power windows do have a reinitialization procedure...but that is usually needed when like a window regulator is replaced...not the battery...but you can give it a try...especially if you have the correct size battery installed.

[tomsawyer]

It's definitely hooked up correctly. I'm working on it right now. It's got a full charge. I tried unhooking it, reinstalling but still the suspension inactive, the wipers, windows, seats sunroof all don't work. It's like a module didn't reset?

[tomsawyer]

It's a 49/H8

[tomsawyer]

Battery shows 12v per the cluster

[Crowz]

Usually when you lose several systems in a bmw from messing with the battery its because the explosive bolt/positive battery cable gadget was damaged.

Try turning on something that isn't working and wiggling the positive cable at the battery clamp while the cars running. See if that makes whatever isn't working go back to working and look for sparks at the connector.

The thing is designed so that in the event of a wreck it shoots the main cable out killing the fuel pump, starter, etc but keeping power to the windows, hazard lights etc.

Yours seems to be backwards but the split seems to be along those lines is why I think the problem might be there.

[tomsawyer]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Took the truck to the dealer and it turns out a fuse popped during the battery install. Not sure exactly which fuse it was - doesn't seem to be stated on the invoice. $169 diagnostic fee but AutoZone paying.

[Salty_Dog]

Would be nice to know exactly what it was, for that sake of the thread and future readers

[jsoto]

OT, but for those that mess with your batteries, did you find the screw on the terminal cold welded....

I'm trying to recall but on my last battery change, I ended up replacing both terminals....can't recall the exact details, but it was along the lines of cold welded/stripped...