Hello world!
i have a 2001 bmw 330ci (manual) and some serious WEIRDNESS happened to me today... i practically floored it on a ramp (2nd gear soon after start-up) and my battery light turned on. after driving for a few minutes the battery light went off and all other warning lights went NUTS... on off - abs, dsp, handbrake, headlights, etc.
i got to work fine, but the car wouldn't start at the end of the day; dead battery. i got a jump from a buddy and by the time i reached home (w/ warning lights going nuts) the battery was charged enough to start the car a few times.
i noticed that while driving (i.e. engaged gear), my stereo system would become lower quality and the seat heater would not work! when at the lights (static), they do work...
initially i had thought it is either the battery or the alternator. i am starting to suspect its the alternator. i know that output should be ~13V when engine is running, so that is what i'm going to check tomarrow. do you think thats a valid test? i.e. if alternator output is ~13v then i can rule it out as being the cause?
please help, thanks
hanna
You have to check the alternator's output while there is a load placed on it. Take it to a auto parts store the have it load tested. You may be able to determine if there is a problem by starting the car and turning on all of your accessories. Removing the battery cables not allowing them to touch the vehicle, if the alternator output is where it should be, the car should remain running. If thats fine, havbe the battery load tested to be sure its accepting the charge it being given by the alternator.
Please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r5821173-doesnt_car_start_gasoline_engines and let me know if you have questions.
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thanks so much for responding. its interesting that you mentioned disconnecting the battery while the car is running. i have actually tried that when i got home. i disconnect the battery once i got home (w/ the car running) in hope that it will hold the charge over night. the car ran fine and very stable idling in neutral. once i reved it though, in it gave in... no power to fuel pump? i'm not sure what that means though... perhaps the open circuit doesn't allow the system to rely on the battery when it needs it... i think thats normal.
the more i think about it, the less confident i become, lol
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