Car cutting out when driving, seems to be surging

KAYLDAV93

MEMBER
2003 BMW 316
1.8L
4WD
MANUAL
108,000 MILES

I bought the car yesterday, since then when I'm driving it will just lose power, makes a beep, battery light flickers, another time it cut out the traction control light came on and the yellow handbrake light. I've disconnected the live of the battery when running, car does not cut out when doing this.

Also since all this traction light is flickering now and again. When test battery with just a light checker all lights flashing seems to be surging

Would a alternator failing cause this?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

On these vehicles, the modules are very sensitive to low battery voltage, so it is possible that the alternator or battery is failing.

First, I would have the battery load tested at a parts store. Most will do it free of charge. Second, have them check the alternator at the same time. They will be able to tell you if the alt isn't putting out what is needed.

If you can't get to a parts store, here are two links you may find helpful. The first explains how to check an alternator. All you need is a voltmeter or multimeter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here is a link to perform a very basic load test. This is something you really should have done on a machine, but this link should help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Do this and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe