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Question

I have a X5 4.4i 2001, problem with battery been changed twice over 2 months and in the last 3weeks have had to jump start it, something seems to be draining the battery overnight but once battery is fully charged car is hooked up to a software reader and nothing came up faulty but I got a warning on dash this morning with "trans.fail-safe prog" when I managed to just get it started and was running sluggish but after car was running for a while presuming battery was charged it was running as fine. Have taken it to 3 different people and getting all different answers and problems still exists.

Submitted: 458 days and 12 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $40
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

2001 BMW X5 4.4i

Already Tried:
changed battery twice
taken to a mechanic to hook up to a software

Accepted Answer

Hello, First thing that has to be checked is the charging system. Have the alternator tested make sure it works at it rated output and that no excessive ac current is present.

If this is good check for a parasitic draw with an ampmeter. You will have to allow about 20 minutes for the modules to goto sleep before taking a reading. Normal parasitic draw is about 30 ma. If you have over 30 ma this would be excessive and enough to make the battery go dead overnight. In this case you are going to need a BMW specialist to go thru the system to pinpoint the source of the current draw. I have found that sometimes on these vehicles they have intermittent draws that are hard to find. Some of the areas that cause these intermittent draws are: Light control module, Aux fan, final stage blower module. Good luck

 

If this information was helpful please hit accept. Thanks, Nick

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Expert: tnick
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/20/2008

ASE Certified Technician

Over 25 years of experience in automotive computer systems. ASE L1 Cerfification

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