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!

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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

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