1994 BMW 325

Tiny
TIRADOB
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 BMW 325
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
The lights on the instrument panel come on and the gauges stop working (except the speedometer) for a few seconds and then they go back off, it does this while driving.
Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 9:42 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
If there is no problem with the charging system (undercharging) is there any problem with the battery? If not
There might be a resistance problem in the circuit board. The circuit board should be remove and inspect.
Let me know if you want to check the charging system.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
TIRADOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How do I check the charging system as battery is ok?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
The battery can look "ok" with 12.60 volts, but in real action with the aternator running, it sometime can't keep up if there is dying cell inside.
Start with basic by checking the alternator drive belt for evidence of cracking, fraying, glazing,
replace it if you see thoses. Because a slipping belt can cause low charging derfor cause the dash light to flicker.

To test maximum charging system output, you will need to connect a load rheostat to the battery. Then connect a jumper wire to the field terminal on the alternator and the battery terminal to provide a full field. Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to mesure total output.
Increase engine speed between 2000 and 2500 rpm. You should get between 13.8 V and 14.5 volt.
If less than that then the system in underchage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Sorry I may be made it complicated.
If you a multimeter and do not have a rheostat.
Connect the read lead to the positive cable and the black to the negative cable of the battery, the multimeter should be on scale for battery voltage.
Start the engine. The base voltage should increase by appr, 2 volts. If the charging system is working properly,
now place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlight, heater, radio.
Increase the engine speed to about 2000-2500 rpm.
The voltage should now read between 13.8V and 14.5V
switch your meter to the AC scale and be certain that your AC ripple current is not excessive, indicating a failled recrifier diode(s)

if you do not have a multimeter, drive to Walmart, ask them to test your battery and you alternator.
They may do it free.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 5:42 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links