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.

sounds like a classic bad alternator, unlock the instrument cluster and monitor test #9 for live voltage readings, when the alternator voltage regulator is faulty, it overvoltages on N62 engines. allowing the engine, radio, and lights to cut out when it reaches 18v.

I have the same problem with my 2006 4.8, I had change the complete alternator and the problem continues, will try to strip the ignition switch and clean the contacts hope the problem quits

I have the same problem with my 2006 4.8, I had change the complete alternator and the problem continues, will try to strip the ignition switch and clean the contacts hope the problem quits

message for Killcrap
 

Hi Killcrap, how do I unlock the instrument cluster and monitor test #9 for live voltage readings.

When I try the test #9 it shows LOCK.

Thanks I'm new at this.

George

Click the search button on top. Type in "unlock OBC". Read threads with instructions. Easy.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...regulator.html

Post 5

Thanks so much...

George

Instrument cluster and monitor test #9 voltage readings.
 

Hi Guys...once again thanks so much for ur help...

I unlocked the instrument cluster and monitored test #9 for live voltage readings.

On Initial Test it showed - 12V-11.9V
With CD player Overhead door lights - 11.9V
Added Airconditioning - 11.8V
Added full headlamps & Hazard lights - 11.4

Then settled down at 11.6V - 11.7V

When I turned all the above off it came back up to 11.9V - 12V

I hope this helps

Just in case I need a new Alternator eventually what Amp and model should I source for VIN 5UXFB535X4LV04941.

Thanks

George

where ytou could buy alternator or regulator: check out this part sellers:
Auto Parts Warehouse | Car Parts & Accessories, Truck Parts, Discount Auto Body Parts Online

American Engines: Starters Alternators Generators and Parts

Now go to realoem.com and find the alternator part number. Then use that part number and search web. I suggest you buy an OE one. Not rebuilt, if you want it to last.

Normal Voltage
 

Thanks SlickGT1 I'm getting it shipped in hopefully by the end of next week will include photos of local Indy mounting it here in Accra you gotta see these guys work.

Also what should the Alternator voltage be during the instrument cluster test with the engine switched off and also while I'm driving.

Thanks

George

Any update on this? Have the same problem and had my mechanic check the alternator voltage. It kept oscillating from 11.2-13.2. Shut off AC and it went to 14v. Said I needed a new alternator but i don't want to start if the poster from before said that didn't fix the problem. Any update on whether your new alternator fixed this?

Hi there the Alternator I received last week was not the right model for my X5 so the car is still parked at home.

Luckily I have just arrived in Hannover Germany for 2 weeks on a business trip and will be going to the dealership here to pick up an Alternator and a few other parts I want to take back home since they are hard to come by there.

So its going to take a while for my repair update.

Hope you get yours fixed though.

If your voltage stays that low even after a decent drive, your alt is not producing enough juice. I have a fully loaded truck, AC on, lights off, right at start I'm at about 13v. 5-10 min drive, I'm at 14v steady. stop and go traffic after that, I'm still at constant 14v all the way until I turn the car off. Oh and it's on 6 year old OE BMW battery. So for comparison, if your voltage is below 12, you have an issue, most likely with your alternator not putting out enough to charge battery, and run all accessories.