MyVans Your Vehicle Solution
BMW is a luxury car brand that is known for its high performance and innovative features. However, even the best cars can experience battery discharge problems. A discharged battery can be caused by a variety of factors, such as leaving the lights on or not driving the car for an extended period of time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix a BMW battery discharge.
Step 1: Check the Battery Voltage
The first step in fixing a BMW battery discharge is to check the battery voltage. You can use a multimeter or a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, then the battery is discharged and needs to be recharged.
Step 2: Recharge the Battery
Once you have determined that the battery is discharged, the next step is to recharge it. You can use a battery charger to recharge the battery. It is important to follow the instructions on the battery charger carefully to ensure that the battery is not overcharged or damaged.
Step 3: Check for Battery Drains
If the battery continues to discharge even after it has been recharged, then there may be a battery drain. A battery drain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty alternator or a short circuit. You can use a multimeter to check for battery drains by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery and connecting the multimeter between the negative terminal and the negative cable. If the multimeter shows a reading of more than 50 milliamps, then there is a battery drain.
Step 4: Check the Alternator
If there is a battery drain, then the next step is to check the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the car is running. You can use a voltmeter to check the alternator by connecting it to the battery terminals while the car is running. If the voltage is between 13.5 and 14.5 volts, then the alternator is working properly. If the voltage is lower than 13.5 volts, then the alternator may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Check for Short Circuits
If the alternator is working properly and there is still a battery drain, then the next step is to check for short circuits. A short circuit can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty wiring harness or a damaged component. You can use a multimeter to check for short circuits by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery and connecting the multimeter between the negative terminal and the negative cable. If the multimeter shows a reading of less than 50 milliamps, then there is no short circuit.
Step 6: Check for Parasitic Draws
If there is no short circuit, then the next step is to check for parasitic draws. A parasitic draw is a small amount of current that is drawn from the battery when the car is turned off. You can use a multimeter to check for parasitic draws by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery and connecting the multimeter between the negative terminal and the negative cable. If the multimeter shows a reading of more than 50 milliamps, then there is a parasitic draw.
Step 7: Identify the Source of the Parasitic Draw
If there is a parasitic draw, then the next step is to identify the source of the draw. A parasitic draw can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty electrical component or a malfunctioning module. You can use a process of elimination to identify the source of the draw by disconnecting each electrical component one at a time and checking the multimeter reading after each component is disconnected.
Step 8: Fix the Problem
Once you have identified the source of the parasitic draw, the next step is to fix the problem. This may involve replacing a faulty electrical component, repairing a damaged wiring harness, or replacing a malfunctioning module.
Step 9: Reconnect the Battery
Once the problem has been fixed, the next step is to reconnect the battery. Make sure that the battery terminals are clean and tight before reconnecting the battery.
Step 10: Test the Battery
The final step is to test the battery to ensure that it is holding a charge. You can use a multimeter or a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is between 12.6 and 12.8 volts, then the battery is fully charged and ready to use.
