Need help!! Car broke down during road trip

[leafsrule531]

2007 BMW X5 3.0si with 4 zone climate control

Vin : 5UXFE43597L018367

[pshovest]

No need to completely remove the belt. Disconnect from alternator and let hang. You will need to replace the (4) aluminum screws that attach alternator. If you re-use them they will break. If they break on a running engine you'll have have a real mess.

[leafsrule531]

Great! Thanks so much. Yes I purchased new screws as well

[leafsrule531]

I have a dumb question for the experts here - can the suv technically turn on if the battery is fully charged but there’s no alternator in the car ? I kind of wanted to test and see if my battery is okay (which is seems like it is since I put it on the charger and it said it was fully charged with 13 and something volts. Didn’t want to mess with the electronics tho and haven’t tried it

[pshovest]

Your truck was running with w/o an alternator when battery light was on and before the battery was depleted, so it should start and run w/o alternator present. Code(s) will likely be set because DME can't communicate with voltage regulator. On some Bimmers the CAS-DME alignment needs to be re-sync'd after running or attempting to start with an undercharged battery. This is part of the X5's theft prevention system. INPA/ISTA/Foxwell can re-sync if needed.

[leafsrule531]

Hmmm so is It concerning that the charger said my battery was fully charged and then I tried to turn it on with the alternator out of the truck and it didn’t start ?

[pshovest]

I would be concerned.
To be clear when you attempt to start, the starter does turn the engine over but it doesn't start?

[leafsrule531]

Yes but now that I think about it - it won’t start because the serpentine belt is off because the alternator is not in. That makes sense right ?

[pshovest]

No. That engine should run w/o alternator belt.

[leafsrule531]

Ugh okay. What do you recommend I check next?