Battery Keeps Going Dead
25

Asked by Laurie Apr 26, 2008 at 12:11 PM about the 1985 BMW 5 Series

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My BMW slowly died the other day while driving.  The way it slowed down, wipers started moving slowly and lights dimmed - I figured alternator and since I have a second car for parts (ran great just would pass smog) I switched out the alternators and since I needed to get to work, rather then charge the old battery, I put in a brand new one.  It ran for one day then slowly died again.  Something is causing it not to charge properly - I heard maybe a fusable link but I have no idea where to start and how to fix it.  I am a single mom with 7 kids at home and I try to do the work on my own.  I really can't afford to take it to a mechanic.  Does anybody have any suggestions?

2 Answers
35

James answered 16 years ago

well Autozone has a battery/starter/alternator diagnostic machine which they will use on your car for free, this should tell you if it is a major component or if there is a short in your system, other then that things like accessories being left plugged in or your door not shutting all the way could drain the battery overnight or sometimes within a few hours, good luck on fixing your car!

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
195

Brian answered 16 years ago

I hope I'm not too late, hey make sure you clean you terminals and the terminal clamps with a wire brush and contact cleaner first winter I had my Cougar the bat. went dead 3 times until I finally cleaned the terminals and it has behaved ever since

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Battery Keeps Going Dead 2 Answers

    My BMW slowly died the other day while driving. The way it slowed down, wipers started moving slowly and lights dimmed - I figured alternator and since I have a second car for parts (ran great just w...

    1985 BMW 5 Series

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • How come my battery keeps going dead 1 Answer

    After I bought another one it went dead then the next one said that there was a problem it

    2005 BMW 5 Series 530i Sedan RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • E62 Engine start up after battery is dead 2 Answers

    Hello friendly people, I have E62 that I didn't use for 9 months, of course the battery was dead, when I put a new battery and tried to start the engine, the starter seems to work normally but the en...

    2004 BMW 5 Series 520d

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Completely dead car can't get to the battery to jump it 1 Answer

    How do I get to the battery to jump my car when my cars totally dead in the key won't even work

    2003 BMW 5 Series 525i Sedan RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • How to unlock a BMW with a dead battery 10 Answers

    My son has a 1984 535i that has been sitting a few months. The battery has died and the key will not unlock the door with no power. The windows are partially open, and we were able to reach in and pul...

    1984 BMW 5 Series 535i

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search BMW 5 Series Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Michael Branan
    Reputation
    1,400
  • #2
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    1,050
  • #3
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    950
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 3 Series
64 Great Deals out of 1,232 listings starting at $2,500
Used BMW 7 Series
5 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $5,995
Used BMW M3
93 listings starting at $15,995
Used BMW 6 Series
10 Great Deals out of 64 listings starting at $6,800
Used Dodge Charger
39 Great Deals out of 727 listings starting at $5,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.