Electrical Gremlins with my 2003 X5 4.6is, any ideas?

[johanas007]

Hey Forum:

I did multiple searches but didn't find anything quite like my issue so I thought I would see if you guys can help out.

I posted a week or two ago concerning some new aftermarket tail lights that I was installing and got some excellent responses that helped me figure it out. Now the lights are all working and the error messages are gone but I have some new issues and I don't know if they are related or not.

Two days ago when I was leaving work I approached my car and the key fob wouldn't work. I unlocked the car with the key and it started right up. It was raining so I turned on my front wipers and they are not working either (rear wiper still works however). Same with the interior door lock/unlock button, rear hatch release button and interior lights.

When I was working on the tail lights I had to jump start my X twice but I thought it was because the rear hatch was not closed and the lights were left on.

Could this be a battery problem? Any ideas would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

[Naz24]

These cars act in strange ways when the battery is old. First order of business would be to get a new battery. Do you know when you last replaced it?

I'm gonna say with 99% confidence that this is a battery issue.

[GOFAST GUY]

I was actually thinking about using one of my rear accessory plugs to plug in a trickle charger to keep my battery topped up. I have a new battery as of 6mos ago but I've gone out on two occasions where my battery has been dead for some reason and it really pisses me off. I realize there are enough electronics in this vehicle to wire a small town in Saskatchewan but it's the convenience of having backup sensors and air suspension that I don't really want to start living without. lol

[Hal88]

Was the weather cold? I used to have those problems with mine when I used to live in the east coast.....now in CA it never happens. X5 acts crazy when it's cold out, don't know why.

[johanas007]

Ok, so I went ahead and replaced the battery with a new OEM and no luck! Neither key works, interior door lock button does nothing, interior rear hatch button does nothing and front windshield wipers don't work!

There has to be an electrical genius on these boards that can point me in the right direction. I just hate to take it into the dealer with an unknown electrical issue. That invariably means big cash!

[Naz24]

Possibly the alternator? We need weasel on here--he'd prob know right away.

Also, check all your fuses to ensure none have burnt out.

[imola38]

It sounds quite possibly like a General Module problem. Many basic electrical functions of your X are controlled through this module (Door locks, interior lighting etc). Check and make sure all fuses are good first off. If you have power everywhere then you'll probably have to have the module diagnosed via GT1. It may just need to be re-coded as I've had to do this to mine for no apparent reason.

A reputable indy shop with the software could probably do this for you. I would go the dealer route if no one else has the GT1.

-Ben

[shera]

Firstly if you eve have an electrical issue, please change your Ignition switch and see if your problem goes away.
As I've had two E39 and E53 with Electrical issues and the problem goes away once the ignition switch has been changed.

[johanas007]

Hey Naz, yeah I have seen some of Weasel's post on here and he seems to really know his stuff. Maybe he will happen upon the thread!

Imola/Shera, I appreciate the responses but I hate to take a chance with another parts purchase considering I spent $200 today for a new battery that I probably didn't need (at least right now anyway).

I have read a few post here and online elsewhere that say I needed to short out the system by putting the positive & negative connectors together and others that say I should leave it sitting overnight before installing the new battery. Any idea if any of these items actually may help? I don't ever remember having to do any of that stuff when working on my 3 series.

Keep the suggestions coming and I am sure that we can figure it out! Thanks guys!

[shera]

The Ignition switch is always the cheapest solution to start with as they are the most common part to go. Normally retailer between 80-100 dollars and cheaper then the stealership telling you what the problem is and charging you an hours labor.