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2005 645ci: Malfunction..goes away..spark plugs..the alternator

 
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  • Answered by:Steve
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Customer Question

I've been getting a "Dynamic Drive Malfunction" error message on my 2005 645ci. It comes on randomly and goes away when the car is turned off. Tried a new shop this weekend to get the spark plugs replaced - mentioned the issue to the mechanic and he said that some times when the alternator begins to go it can cause the car to throw codes and the Dynamic Drive Malfunction was one of them. Is that possible?

 

Country: United States
Make: BMW
Model: 645Ci
Year: 2005
Engine: 4.4L

Submitted: 562 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $38
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Steve replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

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Before reading my answer below, please note that you must press the green ACCEPT button in order for me to receive credit for my time and effort. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello and welcome to JustAnswer BMW,

My name is XXXXX XXXXX it will be my pleasure to assist you today.

 

It is possible for the alternator to cause this warning, yes. However, there are a number of other things that can commonly cause this warning, so I would definitely NOT jump in on an alternator replacement until the fault memory is read out of the dynamic drive system to confirm the problem. Having the fault memory read will verify the issue, and allow you to proceed with the proper repairs and eliminate all guess work.

 

I hope that is helpful, please let me know if you have further questions, or if I can clarify anything for you.


It has been my pleasure to help today and I wish you the best of luck with your repairs.


If satisfied with my assistance, please press the green "ACCEPT" button so that I may be credited for helping today. I am not credited or compensated whatsoever until you press the green ACCEPT button.

 

thank you in advance.

 

Steve

 

 

Customer replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

What other issues could be causing the Dynamic Drive Malfunction error? What's an acceptable range for volts for the alternator? What reading would be too high?

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Expert:  Steve replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

It should be right around 14V to 14.5V with the car running

 

There are a number of things that can cause this message aside from the alternator. A problem with the dynamic drive control module, a problem with the front sway bar, a low fluid level in the system, a failing steering angle sensor, etc.

 

Again, the fault memory must be read out of the system to confirm. Only then can appropriate repair measures be carried out.

 

Please let me know if you have further questions.

 

thank you in advance.

 

Steve

Customer replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

Last question. Assuming it is one of the things you mentioned can you estimate $$ for the parts/repair?

 

dynamic drive control module -

 

problem with the front sway bar -

 

failing steering angle sensor -

 

 

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Expert:  Steve replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

$800

$1500

$500

 

Please let me know if you have further questions.

 

thank you in advance.

 

Steve

Customer replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

Any of these issues "dangerous" (cause an accident / wheel fall off type stuff) or are they more performance "feel" types of issues?

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Steve replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

Please do not forget that you must press the ACCEPT tab for me to receive credit for my assistance today.

 

They are not likely to be dangerous, but I would have it rectified sooner than later.

 

Please let me know if you have further questions.

 

thank you in advance.

 

Steve

Expert TypeBMW Expert
Category: BMW
Pos. Feedback: 97.9 %
Accepts: 14644
Answered: 10/31/2011

Experience: BMW Expert

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Customer replied 562 days and 11 hours ago.

OK. Thanks for your help. I'm hitting the accept Answer tab this time.

 
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