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2003 BMW 525i electrical problems

Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BMW 525I
  • 2WD
  • 97,000 MILES
I recently hardwired a radar detector directly to my fuse box - I used the Automatic Stability Control /ABS fuse to tie into because it was the only fuse that wasn't hot when the car was not running - two days later the electric issues began - now my radio and MID computer don't work, lights that use to flash when I locked the car with remote no longer work and the air conditioner will not work - any idea what I have done?

BTW, I've checked all fuses (glove box and trunk compartment panels) by pulling each one and visibly inspecting as well as verifying operation with a multimeter - no blown fuses were found
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011 AT 12:09 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Would you provide fuse box location and fuse number. Where did you ground detector? Has detector been removed? And problem stayed?
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Fuse panel located in glove box #17 - screw on side panel lower passenger side - should have been a good ground? Metal on metal but I need to look at it again - I immediately removed the radar detector from the fuse box but the ground is still connected - any way that having this still grounded would be causing any problems?
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Studied wiring diagrams till eyes crossed there is no common connection between effected failures. Will call couple Techs I know see if they can help.
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I greatly appreciate your help! I bought the car in January because I lost my company car and job - I really need to find out as much as I can and even fix if possible - have appointment at BMW dealership next Friday but may not be able to afford the repair - my apologies for the sob but true story - thanks again.
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
What if I unhooked the battery - I've read some blogs where people unhooked the battery and it seem to fix or reset the computer - If you think this is worth a try, any idea how long I should leave disconnected (1/2 to 1 hour?)?
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
O.K. Told there are 5 fuse boxes and see them on diagrams but cannot find all locations. Does your owners manual show? Did you use volt meter to check fuses ie. See if power is at box. May have a feed issue.
Right side engine compartment supposed to be an E Box with fuses and relays
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
It only shows two - one in the top of the glovebox and the other is in the trunk - the one in the trunk only has about four or five fuses but also has three relays - I checked the fuses both by sight and took each one out individually and checked with a fuse checker - I do have a volt meter - I'll check the fuses while they are plugged in and let you know what I find out - BTW the these are the only fuse boxes I've been able to locate as well - I'll check the engine compartment again
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 3:31 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Checked the engine compartment and don't see any other fuse panels - my voltmeter died on me so I have to go and borrow one
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Look close on left side engine compartment it will be covered so won't see fuses
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I hate to sound stupid but without taking something off that is hiding the fuse panel I can't find it - you are talking about the drivers side (left)? I couldn't find it on either side - what would it be near? Or under? Towards the front or back of the engine compartment?
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
BMW NOT good about sharing info so found in a discription of electrical staten Ebox engine dr side, glove box and aux in trunk.
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Friday, June 17th, 2011 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
DHARPER73
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I found the Ebox but there are no fuses just relays - I unhooked the battery yesterday and it fixed everything, including the air conditioner but the MID display and the radio still doesn't work - the radio comes on for about a minute but nothing lights up, can't adjust anything, then it quickly goes off - any idea what could be causing this?
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Monday, June 20th, 2011 AT 2:00 PM

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