I need huge help, my 2004 X5 is bugging out...

skorpiond · #1 07-13-2009, 10:32 PM

Guys,

My dilemma started when my X5 wouldn't start, so I figured I left something on and my battery drained. I jumped started the x5 and drove away no problem.

Next day battery drained again and I just couldn't believe it, so I didn't even bother jump starting again and went straight to the forums online and found the known issues with the final stage unit and guided myself from here.

I ordered the part and installed it next day and was able to start the SAV, so I figured "great problem fixed, nice!" I drove around a little bit and then needed some cash, I parked at the bank and 10 minutes later come back to the vehicle. I tried to start it up and no go

... at this point I'm extremely pissed, so I called a couple of buddies just to cool off.

I played around with the connection that connects to the final stage unit and tried again and the X5 turned up... WTF? Loose maybe?

I go to Mcdonalds and parked again, come back and bang same sh1t, I waited few seconds then tried again and it came up again. So my X5 will not start on the first couple of tries, but then it does come up.

Does anyone have any idea on what in the world can be causing this? It's obviously not the battery and the final stage unit was replaced.

Please any help would be really appreciated.

Dan

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Weasel · #2 07-13-2009, 10:43 PM

Something tells me it is more than just a voltage problem... how does it act when it doesn't start? Does it just click, crank slow, reactionless, crank fast but not start?

If you have any kind of volt meter you can check and see the voltage before starting. I'd recommend one like this that you can monitor while driving as well. (can be found at radio shack cheap)

skorpiond · #3 07-13-2009, 10:45 PM

It crank fast and doesn't start. Then it will start slowly.

Weasel · #4 07-13-2009, 10:59 PM

The fast cranking tells you it is not a battery or voltage issue, but more likely a fuel bleed down problem or an slow to react sensor. (cam or crank) If it is fuel pressure bleed down it could be from the pump, pressure regulator, injectors etc. If it is the injectors it could be washing down the cylinders/rings causing a dry start for the cylinders... Which could explain the fast cranking and different characteristics after different times of sitting.

May be time to bring it in to the dealer since it is easy to reproduce. (and they have the GT1, so can watch the sensors during cranking if no faults are present)

skorpiond · #5 07-14-2009, 01:35 PM

Something I forgot to mention which also happened this morning is that I'm getting a message on the cluster "TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG". I had to jump start the X5. Apparently this message could mean couple of things, but I read somewhere that the battery might be the best bet at this point.

tijanaw · #6 07-14-2009, 02:17 PM

Is your CEL on, if so check for codes and report back.

chilliwilli · #7 07-14-2009, 03:06 PM

If you're getting the trans failsafe message, it's possibly your alternator or a potential trany issue. I would avoid driving further and take her into the dealer for proper diagnosis asap.

skorpiond · #8 07-14-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

If you're getting the trans failsafe message, it's possibly your alternator or a potential trany issue. I would avoid driving further and take her into the dealer for proper diagnosis asap.

I will take care of the battery first and see how that goes, I will run diagnostic tool on it and see what codes I get. I really hope I don't have to change the alternator... my warranty expired last year

chilliwilli · #9 07-14-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skorpiond

I will take care of the battery first and see how that goes, I will run diagnostic tool on it and see what codes I get. I really hope I don't have to change the alternator... my warranty expired last year

Trans Failsafe can lead to a much bigger issue if not addressed properly. I'm no fan of the dealer but such issues are better left to dealers to diagnose. If it's the alternator, you can purchase a refurbished Bosch alternator for much less than you'd pay at dealer.

If you don't have an indy shop, i recommend Bay Diagnostic as an NYC dealer alternative, they're also a board-sponsor.

Either way...best to take Weasels advice as he's a BMW Tech

killcrap · #10 07-14-2009, 04:25 PM

probably needs an ignition switch, see if you got a fault in the IKE for terminal 15 fault.

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