DSC, ABS, and brake light on highway

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by ScoobyDooBMW

Well, I'm not sure if this was the issue prior to the battery being replaced but I unlocked the OBD test and my voltage running is at 11.7. I'm thinking an alternator is in order.

I don't think the alternator is the problem with a reading of 11.7 volts while the engine is running, I know the alternator is the problem.

[Riggodeaux]

Now I'm back to having intermittent trifectas kick up while driving [after rotating the transfer case gear]. I'll check the gear again, but, given the multiple possible causes, I'll check the alt output before getting my indy shop to run a scan. I'm going to have them flush the power steering with their BG machine and install a new PS reservoir/filter I ordered and they can scan it while its in the shop...

[ScoobyDooBMW]

I'm pretty new to these rigs but it seems THOSE THREE lights come on just about anytime there's an issue with anything. Seems like a lot of issues cause them to light up.

[Ricky Bobby]

Well happy to say I finally reinstalled my rebuilt module, it was a week turnaround to send it out to Matt @ Cheap ABS in Virgina, to the rebuild, to getting it back. He said it actually looked pretty good, but I had him rebuild all the failure prone points to be sure I have no hiccups down the road.

If I get another trifecta I'll be looking at Brake switch (threw a code once for it) and monitoring voltage on the highway to look out for alternator, mine is original at 11.5 years old and 78k miles

[TiAgX5]

I'm at almost 12 yrs and over 190k miles on the OE alternator.

I ALWAYS operate the X with a cigarette plug voltage meter, and swap out the battery when the meter reads 12.3 volts after sitting 8hrs. A tired battery will cause alternator failure sooner.

Just did the battery swap 2 days ago.

[Ricky Bobby]

How long did that battery last? I'm at 3 years now (December 2011 swap).

[ScoobyDooBMW]

My issues with the trifecta lights was the alternator. It was original and I have 89,000 on my '04. It was pretty nasty due to an oil leak on that side. Might have contributed to the early failure.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

How long did that battery last? I'm at 3 years now (December 2011 swap).

The OE battery lasted around 8.5 yrs., the Autozone replacement around 3.2 yrs.

Went with the Bosch 1180 crank amps at 32 deg F, 185 min RC battery from Pep Boys, under $115 with 35% off online discount and $20 off Bosch rebate.

Did an online search for a battery with better CA & RC #s that would fit, couldn't find any.

I was planning on Li-Ion battery but the cost is still HIGH!!!

[estorilx53]

Originally Posted by upallnight

I don't think the alternator is the problem with a reading of 11.7 volts while the engine is running, I know the alternator is the problem.

Well today i checked my alternator if it was Good or not. I started the car BMW x5 4.6is 2002 with 140,000 miles on it . Car the voltage on the cluster reads about 13.5 and the i took out the negative on the battery terminal while the car was on idle and the car stayed ON and i check the voltage while the batt neg (-) is not connected and it reads 13.5 still and i so the "trifecta" symbols SHM

Any idea why the "TRIFECTA" light was triggered ????

[TiAgX5]

Never a good idea to remove a battery lead with the engine running, the battery acts as a cushion (for lack of a better term) for the electrical system.