2002 BMW X5 car fails to start sometimes

KOSSI2002

MEMBER
2002 BMW X5

Engine Mechanical problem
2002 BMW X5 Manual

I have been having issue with my car which failed to start almost every week or so for the past 6 months now. Two different mechanics made me change the battery and this is still happening. Sometimes the battery seems down but the gas meter is moving or providing wrong information when the engine is on. The mechanic also checked the alternator and said that it is fine. Another mechanic seems to indicate that there is a short somewhere. It is frustrating and I don't know what to do next. Hope you can help me.

Thanks,

Regards,

Kossi

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

This might be a key off draw issue. Is the battery going dead? Has the final stage been replaced? Is the battery and charging system working normally? If there is more than a 50 ma (milliamp) draw, then that is what is killing the battery.

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 9:05 AM

KOSSI2002

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello, yes the battery goes dead most of the time and I cant open any other doors but the driver one. The mechanic checked about a week ago and it is OK and charging great. However how can I check the I have more or less 50 ma draw? Thanks and Happy New Year!

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 9:29 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

To check for a key off draw you will need an ammeter. Start by accessing the battery under the spare. After disconnecting the negative battery lead, clip one lead to the battery post and one to the disconnected cable, you are then measuring the battery draw rate. After the doors are all shut and the car has sat long enough for it to go to "sleep" (16 minutes max.) The meter should show 50ma. Or less. I would then proceed to identify the draw if present. If this is helpful or not, let me know.

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Friday, January 1st, 2010 AT 9:31 AM