X5 immobilized/crank but won't start/low battery voltage/stranded after cold temps

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

You didn't say what the temperature was when you got home when on the 5th attempt...the X started...even with the battery at 11.6 volts.

I don't think EWS was the main culprit as you came to believe...my money is on the low electrolyte level in the battery in at least the 3 cells you mentioned. EWS may have been a victim of the "low voltage" situation...as it can be affected by low battery voltage as the inability to update the "rolling code" feature (that is part of EWS 3.3).

If the ambient temperature is around 30 °F and the battery electrolyte is low...that will reduce cold cranking amps. and diminish the battery's power output. Obviously as the ambient temperature rise...even with low electrolyte...the cranking amps required to start the vehicle is less.

Your thread does bring up a VERY GOOD point...and that is to remember simple battery maintenance. Sometimes we forget that some of our batteries actually are actually NOT maintenance free...and have caps/covers that allow checking the battery fluid level.

Your thread also reminded me of a similar situation with the battery for my riding lawn mower. Before I purchased a "float charger" for its battery...it was hooked up to a regular battery charger for a approx 6 -8 weeks before mowing season. When I installed it in the mower that spring...the mower's engine would try to turn over but wouldn't start. I knew the battery was charged...but wondered if it was just old. When I went to remove it from the mower to go buy a new one, I noticed (thru the white battery case) that the fluid was low. Just as you did, I topped off the battery fluid and reinstalled it in the mower...this time it started.

Lesson learned here was like your situation...a seemingly charged battery will not have enough power to start the engine if the battery electrolyte (battery fluid) is low.

I have my battery on a maintainer (not a charger) and it provides a readout of the condition of the battery before and during the maintenance. The battery readout will only go up to 97% whereas the battery for my boat and jetski (That is why I brought the maintainer) can be brought up to 100%. Battery is probably the second battery installed in the X. So is my battery on its way out?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by upallnight

I have my battery on a maintainer (not a charger) and it provides a readout of the condition of the battery before and during the maintenance. The battery readout will only go up to 97% whereas the battery for my boat and jetski (That is why I brought the maintainer) can be brought up to 100%. Battery is probably the second battery installed in the X. So is my battery on its way out?

I wouldn't say that 97% is bad...and have you checked to see if it has removable caps so you can check the fluid level?