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10,475 Posts
Just to put it on the board to maybe help out others.
On Saturday I went out to start the day and my 2002 M3 would not start. It would not turn over. Also strange things were happening, like the xenons going on (light switch was off), clicking noises. The key in the ignition buzzer going off even with the key removed.
I put a charger on it and later got it started. Took a short drive, came back. Again it wouldn't start, all the same sorts of weird stuff.
So I put the charger on over night. Nothing. The charger was also acting funny. The amperage would slowly go up, then drop off and cycle again.
Jumped it and got it started and took it for a 90 minute drive, keeping the revs above 3000. The Escort SRX has a digital voltmeter Function. During the drive, the voltage was fluctuating from the mid 12 volts range to the low 14 volt range. Also every minute, almost exactly, the SRX would signal Low Voltage and the radio would cut out. Most of the time the car would also give a slight lurch like the engine cut out. But later when stopped for a light, the voltage dropped, but no change in the engine. Occasionally the voltage would drop and the radio cut out when the transmission shifted (SMG). But not always.
After 90 minutes of running I shut it off and tried to restart. Nothing.
Monday I jumped it and took it to the dealer. Verdict, defective battery. I now seems fine.
I have had dead batteries before, but never had all the wierd stuff go on like this time. I guess the electronics got VERY unhappy with the low voltage.
On Saturday I went out to start the day and my 2002 M3 would not start. It would not turn over. Also strange things were happening, like the xenons going on (light switch was off), clicking noises. The key in the ignition buzzer going off even with the key removed.
I put a charger on it and later got it started. Took a short drive, came back. Again it wouldn't start, all the same sorts of weird stuff.
So I put the charger on over night. Nothing. The charger was also acting funny. The amperage would slowly go up, then drop off and cycle again.
Jumped it and got it started and took it for a 90 minute drive, keeping the revs above 3000. The Escort SRX has a digital voltmeter Function. During the drive, the voltage was fluctuating from the mid 12 volts range to the low 14 volt range. Also every minute, almost exactly, the SRX would signal Low Voltage and the radio would cut out. Most of the time the car would also give a slight lurch like the engine cut out. But later when stopped for a light, the voltage dropped, but no change in the engine. Occasionally the voltage would drop and the radio cut out when the transmission shifted (SMG). But not always.
After 90 minutes of running I shut it off and tried to restart. Nothing.
Monday I jumped it and took it to the dealer. Verdict, defective battery. I now seems fine.
I have had dead batteries before, but never had all the wierd stuff go on like this time. I guess the electronics got VERY unhappy with the low voltage.