Radio and 4x4 quit cut out together
 

A friend of mine has a 2005 4.4 (sport) and recently told me that his radio quits working intermittantly. Whenever the radio isn't working the 4x4 also cuts out.
I guess I don't know if he is getting any idiot lights or not...

This isn't my X5 but it got me wondering what the source of the problem might be.

He says it happens randomly. sometimes the radio will be on when he starts the car and stay on all day. other times it will cut out during a drive or not come on when starting it.

Any ideas???

Wow a other insane electrical gremlin. As usual, I say start with battery, then voltage regulator, then alternator. After that, relays. But since two totally random functions fail, I would say an issue with the electrical system.

Same with 4.4i 2004
 

Same issue with mine yellow 4x4, ABS, BRAKE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON lights and TRANS FAILSAFE PROG.... I'm getting fed up with the whole thing now...So sad....its such a great car.

The Radio cuts out intermittantly and if its at night the headlamps also go off and on intermittantly .......and to think I just changed the battery even though the other one was still ok and next day same load of problems.

Car runs ok even transmission is fine during drive and gear shifts..

got these codes the other day.

5F3A TRANSFER CASE
5E28 WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR, EMC FRONT LEFT
5E52 WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR, EMC FRONT RIGHT
5F42 TRANSMISSION CONTROL LIMP-HOME
5DCE CONTROL MODULE UNDERV
5F02 WHEEL SPEED SENSORS GENERAL

I'm in West Africa and the local mechanics I have are good guys but when it comes to this electronic and electric stuff they are helpless.

You clearly have an under voltage problem. How is your voltage regulator and alternator. You need to monitor your voltage while driving. When either issue comes up, look at the voltage you are getting.

Thanks..
 

Got the Alternator checked and tested by the local guys here in Accra twice with some handheld device with blinking lights and all they kept telling me was " see its charging , its fine " ....cos some green looking light next to the inscription alternator was green.

Did some research last week and came up with the DSC or ABS Module maybe might be busted but still not sure....

SlickGT1 how do I monitor my voltage while driving !!! Any ideas please, I still want to try a few more options...Also were is the voltage regulator located, my car is a 2004 4.4i N62.

Thanks.

Voltage reg is on the alternator. Search here how to unlock obc. Then find the voltage readout in obc. You can also buy a cig lighter item that displays voltage.

Like
LCD Cigarette Lighter Voltage Volt Digital Panel Meter Monitor Car Truck 12V/24V | eBay

Strip the ignition switch and clean the contacts, that caused crazy random faults on my e38 and the radio would always fail at the same time as the other issues.

Great point. I keep forgetting about this. This could be it too. And is nearly free to try.

Thanks guys for your help.

SlickGT1 I have ordered the Voltage monitor like you said and should get it on friday since I could not find one here and will keep you posted.

My mechanic also pointed out to me this morning that I had to change the the two CV joints, Boots and Shaft for the front left drivers side and the front right also. When he drove the car we hear a clacking sound during turns, now my question is could this be the reason for the X5 problems. Is there any connection to the yellow 4x4, ABS, BRAKE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON lights and TRANS FAILSAFE PROG.!!!

Thanks again I really appreciate your assistance...

George

No your CVs would have nothing to do with the rest of your problems.