Dead Battery, maybe alternator?

[bigoz89]

I have a 2006 X5 with the 3.0 engine. I was away for several weeks and when I came back, my battery was dead. (After reading the forums, I now realize that should have been no suprise!) I used a battery charger to get back and running. Everything was fine for 2 days but now my battery is dead again. Could this just be the battery needing replacement or could the alternator also be dead? Thanks.

[ECS Tuning]

Your local out parts store should be able to test the health of the battery and test the alternator to see if it's working properly. If the battery dies when the vehicle is not in use typically that is a battery issue. If while driving around you loose your electrical systems then there is a good chance your alternator is having issues.

If the alternator is the problem make sure you check the part number on your original before purchasing a new one for your model and year there are 3 different options all designed for different amperage.

ECS Tuning

[bigoz89]

I just checked and my battery is from 05 so I suppose it is time to change it out. I am going to start there. Thanks for the info.

[TwinsPoppa]

Probably your battery. You won't receive a warning if it is your battery. However, if its your alternator then you should get a warning.

[JCL]

When you replace the battery (and it is due to be changed) you should also get the alternator checked. A charging system that isn't working properly can kill a battery, and it only makes sense to ensure that your new battery will last.

[bigoz89]

So I changed the battery (way easier than I was thinking) and only got the 4x4 light. That went away after a minute or two. Everything else seems good so far. I did have my alternator checked and it looked good as well. Hopefully, just a dead battery. I will let everyone know if I have any other issues. Thanks for the help!

[z168]

its always a good idea to replace your battery when suspect. saving $150 on a battery can easily turn into a $300 tow and a ruined vacation

get your voltmeter and tap into the terminals with the car running will headlights and AC on. if you get between 13.8~14.8 V then your alternator is good. With everything off, your battery should stay above 12.5V

[740ilDuke]

Remember you can unlock your cluster and check your battery and alt anytime!

[fraserp]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Probably your battery. You won't receive a warning if it is your battery. However, if its your alternator then you should get a warning.

hey jose i see the twins getting big and the orange colour "stang" has gotten "refreshed" BLU & white looking good. oh i did follow your advice and got the interstate battery--- problem solved. thanks again.

[z168]

Originally Posted by 740ilDuke

Remember you can unlock your cluster and check your battery and alt anytime!

say again?

could you clarify that