Car battery drained

Tiny
RAYMONDMILCSIK
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BMW 325I
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,000 MILES
My car wasn't started for a while. Now the car won't start. Alternator is making clicking sound. Looks like battery is dead. Can it be re-charged instead of buying a new one?
Sunday, February 28th, 2021 AT 3:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

If the battery is low due to sitting, you should be able to recharge it. I would try to charge it before replacing it.

Here is a link that shows how to recharge the battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

Here are directions specific to your vehicle for battery charging:

2003 BMW 325i Sedan (E46) L6-2.5L (M54)
Battery Charging
Vehicle Starting and Charging Battery Service and Repair Procedures Battery Charging

Battery Charging:

If a normal or rapid charger is used to charge the battery (e.g. Bosch SL 24 90, refer to BMW Parts Service), the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle circuit and removed in order to avoid damage to paint finishes and upholstery by escaping gas.
Excessively discharged batteries could be damaged or destroyed by the very high initial current (high temperature).
When using an electronically controlled charger (e.g. Siemens VB 80), the battery can remain connected. The electronically controlled charger does not permit critical peak voltage.
An electronic charger also charges an excessively discharged battery with reduced current until a certain basic voltage is reached.
If there is any doubt regarding the suitability of the battery charger in the workshop, refer to Service Information 61 09 88 (900)

Caution: Always first measure open-circuit voltage before charging a battery installed in the vehicle. If the voltage is 10 V or less, there is a possibility that one or more cells are faulty or that the battery as a whole is already pre-damaged. In this case it is always necessary to remove the battery, as escaping gas while charging could damage interior equipment. Attempt to regenerate faulty cells with low charging current

For safety sake, open seal plugs on each individual cell.

______________________________________________-

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Sunday, February 28th, 2021 AT 5:14 PM

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