2001 Battery Drain question... I've checked all the forums already...

Allstarsrd12 · #1 08-25-2010, 12:02 PM

K, first just need to state that I've done extensive amount of searching and forum digging before I posted this.
here is the situation. Car has been sitting for about 3 months. Started fine always before.
Came back, tried to jump it, no go. high beams flickered, clicking noise, etc.
Called AAA, came and put the big battery pack thing on, it started on the first crank. Rules our solenoid and starter.
Ran for about an hour, drove around a little bit, turned it off. Wouldn't turn back on, same thing. Called AAA again, jumped right up with their battery pack. Did a meter testing and said the battery was WEAK, not just GOOD or BAD. Guy said its maybe the alternator.
Checked the records, alternator was replaced sept. 2008 by BMW.
Question is, is it just that certainly just need to get a new battery, and test it out and see if there is an electrical situation with something staying on?
OR
Is it that and the final stage resistor/unit, the gear shift light problem (which many say is not a real factor), or maybe the CD changer problem.
OR
Is it just the alternator...

One more note. After AAA jumped it the first time, when I put it back and forth between drive and park, it almost seemed to slightly want to stall, and was just acting a little funny.

ANY inputs would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much. This is my first BMW, and I just want to drive it!!!

Steve

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Allstarsrd12 · #2 08-25-2010, 12:07 PM

Also, it threw a code for the camshaft position sensor B. Haven't replaced it yet, would that have any affect on it?

sunny5280 · #3 08-25-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allstarsrd12

K, first just need to state that I've done extensive amount of searching and forum digging before I posted this.
here is the situation. Car has been sitting for about 3 months. Started fine always before.
Came back, tried to jump it, no go. high beams flickered, clicking noise, etc.
Called AAA, came and put the big battery pack thing on, it started on the first crank. Rules our solenoid and starter.
Ran for about an hour, drove around a little bit, turned it off. Wouldn't turn back on, same thing. Called AAA again, jumped right up with their battery pack. Did a meter testing and said the battery was WEAK, not just GOOD or BAD. Guy said its maybe the alternator.
Checked the records, alternator was replaced sept. 2008 by BMW.
Question is, is it just that certainly just need to get a new battery, and test it out and see if there is an electrical situation with something staying on?
OR
Is it that and the final stage resistor/unit, the gear shift light problem (which many say is not a real factor), or maybe the CD changer problem.
OR
Is it just the alternator...

One more note. After AAA jumped it the first time, when I put it back and forth between drive and park, it almost seemed to slightly want to stall, and was just acting a little funny.

ANY inputs would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much. This is my first BMW, and I just want to drive it!!!

I didn't see anything about your having replaced the battery so that would be the first thing I would recommend.

mgbmwx5 · #4 08-25-2010, 01:00 PM

I'd replace the battery. It sounds like that's the culprit.

Allstarsrd12 · #5 08-25-2010, 01:03 PM

K, going to do that right now actually. Will update

Werewolf · #6 08-25-2010, 03:30 PM

You can test both the battery and the alternator before replacing anything. I would suggest looking for the cheaper fixes and then worrying about the more expensive stuff (FSR, aux fan)

dragoncoach · #7 08-25-2010, 03:38 PM

No one has asked how old the battery is. Most last 4-5 years, some less some more depending on driving habits. Regardless of age, they can go bad and not hold a charge if they have been sitting too long and not hold a charge anymore. The biggest mistake was to let the car sit for 3 months without putting a battery tender on it. Check the battery cells and replace if necessary.

mgbmwx5 · #8 08-25-2010, 05:43 PM

Why not try to charge the battery first and try starting it again, if it doesn't take a charge then it's the battery. Since you had the alternator replaced in '08 it should still be good. One way to check the alternator is to start the engine first, then disconnect the battery, the engine should keep running, if it stops running then the alternator is bad. Or go to Advance auto parts and have them check both alternator and the battery, their testing service is free. Good luck.

Allstarsrd12 · #9 08-25-2010, 06:16 PM

mgbmwx5- that has to be the most straight forward test I've come across in days lol, thank you.

Update: Put the new battery in, everything started up fine, ran fine, shifted fine, started again fine. So as of now, it is fixed. But there is still that looming feeling that somewhere, somehow, power is being drained. I'm sure you all know the feeling I'm talking about...
Good news is that I called the stealership and they said the alternator is under warranty for another month, so at least I'm all set there. Just hope it stays juiced.

dpgx5 · #10 08-25-2010, 06:17 PM

Our other X wont start now... the highbeam light is on the drivers side and the alarm just started to go off. I went outside and the X wont turn over, dealer replaced the battery last year... so what gives? Bring it back and get the dealer to re - replace the battery?

EDIT*** I boosted the battery and all worked but my DRL on the pass.side is not on just the drivers side? anyone know the issue? burnt light bulb?

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