Battery dead or is it the alternator??

[andonakis]

So my wife went to start the x5 today and it was dead, it would not turn. Took the battery to auto zone and told me battery is good and said it could be the alternator. And because of that it drained my battery. Any one have had similar experience? They told me I can recharge my battery and drive it to mechanic to check it out.

[thedweeb]

Do you get any warning lights on before the failure ? Usually if the alternator is not charging, the battery light will light on the dash with the engine running.

[recklessspyder]

what year is your X? Research FSR for prefacelift years or so. I had a battery drain once because the tailgate was not completely closed. Lots of weird ways to kill a battery.

[thedweeb]

an FSR will kill your battery if it keeps the fan running after your engine has stopped.

[andonakis]

to my knowledge I don't think so. I'm sure my wife would have said something because she drove it to the store earlier that morning. But i see what you are saying. It should have gave some kind of warning if it was.

[andonakis]

Thanks for the FSR info. You think I can recharge battery to at least get it to my mechanic?

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by thedweeb

Do you get any warning lights on before the failure ? Usually if the alternator is not charging, the battery light will light on the dash with the engine running.

when mine died the battery light came on first. And yes you should be able to charge the battery and get to the mechanics as long as the mechanic isn't too far. Like 30 miles or less should be alright on a fully charged battery.

[dgrand]

when the alternator fails, the red battery light on the dash comes first. You should be able to start the car on a fully charged battery with a failed alternator. So charge the battery and try to start it. watch for the red light on the dash. Then test the belt and the belt tensioner. Then if it is indeed the alternator, you may take it out and test at an alternator shop. It is usually voltage regulator that fails. $50 for voltage regulator and 3 hours of work to get the alternator out and put it back. Dealership will try to charge you about $1000 for installing a brand new alternator.

[RMak]

When my alternator was starting to go sour I would get all these errors on the dash. My scanner said a problem with communicator generator which is the alternator.

[britcon]

Make sure all your cables, clamps, and grounds are good as well.