DSC, ABS, and brake light on highway

[ScoobyDooBMW]

Originally Posted by estorilx53

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 ????

You're lucky you didn't blow something. You don't test the alternator that way anymore. That was old school long ago. That's a no no these days with computers and such. At least that's what my good friend/mechanic tells me.

[TiAgX5]

If you roast a few computers and/or modules, repair costs can exceed book of the vehicle!

Instant "total loss" with the removal of one connection!

[Riggodeaux]

On the alternator issue: is there a 'standard' volts it should be showing at idle? I'm thinking 14.5v or so, but let me know, and whether it differs from the 120a vis 140a alternators. I continue to get the trifecta kicking up at random on the road, no click at shutdown [the gear symptom], and it disappears on restart.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

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!!!

I have a Bosch from Pep girls in there now, will have to monitor my voltage in the coming weeks and maybe get another

[TiAgX5]

Voltage should read between 13.8 & 14.5 @ 2500 RPM. Can drop to 13.3 at idle and still be acceptable.

These are "no load" #s (all electrical items off, headlights, fans, seat heaters......).

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Voltage should read between 13.8 & 14.5 @ 2500 RPM. Can drop to 13.3 at idle and still be acceptable.

These are "no load" #s (all electrical items off, headlights, fans, seat heaters......).

Perfect I will keep in mind, since I'm at approx 3.2 years now and I have to deal with Jersey winters I'd like to be sure its still got some life. Thanks man!

[lps5053]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

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!!!

TiAg,

I have an 8/12 Duralast gold in my 4.6is that I bought with the car but I think it's slowly on it's way out. Just to confirm, is this what you bought? Seems like a good deal with the $20 off and then $25 off when ordering online.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/672418/00015

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by lps5053

TiAg,

I have an 8/12 Duralast gold in my 4.6is that I bought with the car but I think it's slowly on it's way out. Just to confirm, is this what you bought? Seems like a good deal with the $20 off and then $25 off when ordering online.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/672418/00015

That's it.

It was 35% off and & $20 Bosch rebate.

I think the $20 Bosch rebate has expired, I bought mine on the deadline "purchase by" day.

[Riggodeaux]

Thanks, TiAgX5, for the volts target. I'll check it out tomorrow morning. The premium Bosch #49, 48 month battery I see at Pep Boys has different cca, etc. numbers shown and a price closer to $179 ....... My alt and battery are 30k miles/18 months old, garaged in mild GA weather, so shouldn't be going, but who knows?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Thanks, TiAgX5, for the volts target. I'll check it out tomorrow morning. The premium Bosch #49, 48 month battery I see at Pep Boys has different cca, etc. numbers shown and a price closer to $179 ....... My alt and battery are 30k miles/18 months old, garaged in mild GA weather, so shouldn't be going, but who knows?

That's the Bosch AGM battery, comes with an additional year of "free replace" coverage.

Downside, lower cranking amperage & reserve capacity ratings. I want maximum punch from the battery.