big problem or small problem?

[infamousbimmer]

lately when im driving and i turn on my a/c or my defroster the lights on the door for like the windows n stuff start diming and turning off and my active steering system my dynamic drive and my window trap all start to malfunction anybody know whats going on?

[EM3DRMZ]

Sounds like you drive a late model BMW. Welcome :D

[infamousbimmer]

i drive an 04 545i

[EM3DRMZ]

i drive an 04 545i

I too have an e60. It's an 07 530i but haven't had the same problem you discussed. Maybe some water got in there or something, or one of the connections is coming loose. Some advice for next time, do not buy the 1st model year unless you're leasing. They always have all sorts of problems. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful :(

[Laidback]

check connections and your battery, alternator...lately when im driving and i turn on my a/c or my defroster the lights on the door for like the windows n stuff start diming and turning off and my active steering system my dynamic drive and my window trap all start to malfunction anybody know whats going on?

[infamousbimmer]

which connections should i be looking for? my battery should be good i just bought it about a year ago and its an optima red top

[Laidback]

just the connectors from the battery and switch to OEM battery if possible, bmw is sensitive when it comes to battery...which connections should i be looking for? my battery should be good i just bought it about a year ago and its an optima red top

[infamousbimmer]

aite i need to check those n that means i gotta buy an oem battery then cuz i dont have one.. know somewhere i can get one for a good price?

[Laidback]

I would try to borrow an OEM battery and see if it solves the problem...aite i need to check those n that means i gotta buy an oem battery then cuz i dont have one.. know somewhere i can get one for a good price?

[dc.allen]

I have done a little research and this is what I would like for you to do.

First off answer me this:
1) Can you reproduce this 75%< of the time?
2) Are your battery connections corroded or loose?

This is info I need from you:
1) Does this happen with engine running/off/both?
2) Does this happen with the compressor running/off/both?
3) What is your fan settings at when this happens?
4) Does this happen with running lights on/off/both?
5) Does this happen with interior lights on/off/both?
6) Remove all electrical load from the vehicle (IE: lights, radio) and attempt to recreate. Did that help?
7) If you can reproduce this easily, have a friend wiggle your +/- terminals on your battery while you reproduce the problem. Did that do anything?

Before you locate a battery try those few things listed and get back with me. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner.

[infamousbimmer]

I have done a little research and this is what I would like for you to do.

First off answer me this:
1) Can you reproduce this 75%< of the time?
2) Are your battery connections corroded or loose?

This is info I need from you:
1) Does this happen with engine running/off/both?
2) Does this happen with the compressor running/off/both?
3) What is your fan settings at when this happens?
4) Does this happen with running lights on/off/both?
5) Does this happen with interior lights on/off/both?
6) Remove all electrical load from the vehicle (IE: lights, radio) and attempt to recreate. Did that help?
7) If you can reproduce this easily, have a friend wiggle your +/- terminals on your battery while you reproduce the problem. Did that do anything?

Before you locate a battery try those few things listed and get back with me. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner.

1) with the ac on it happens constantly and everything starts malfunctioning
2) lose.. im not sure and corroded no not at all
1) while running only
2) with the compressor on
3) it can be on high or on even when the defroster is on high
4)lights on.. not sure about off i drive with my lights on all the time
5)on as well
that is all i can answer so far i need to try out step 6 and 7 still and get back to you

[kautiongsr]

I have done a little research and this is what I would like for you to do.

First off answer me this:
1) Can you reproduce this 75%< of the time?
2) Are your battery connections corroded or loose?

This is info I need from you:
1) Does this happen with engine running/off/both?
2) Does this happen with the compressor running/off/both?
3) What is your fan settings at when this happens?
4) Does this happen with running lights on/off/both?
5) Does this happen with interior lights on/off/both?
6) Remove all electrical load from the vehicle (IE: lights, radio) and attempt to recreate. Did that help?
7) If you can reproduce this easily, have a friend wiggle your +/- terminals on your battery while you reproduce the problem. Did that do anything?

Before you locate a battery try those few things listed and get back with me. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner.
great questions.. might be a bad alternator tho.. alternator not keep up with load demand.. check that ... if terminals are tight

[dc.allen]

I agree. I would definitely take it to the stealer and do a warranty checkup on the compressor or alternator.

Either the compressor is pulling too much load causing the lights to dim or the compressor is just enough to overdraw a failing alternator.

A bad battery terminal could cause your problem but unlikely.

[kautiongsr]

I agree. I would definitely take it to the stealer and do a warranty checkup on the compressor or alternator.

Either the compressor is pulling too much load causing the lights to dim or the compressor is just enough to overdraw a failing alternator.

A bad battery terminal could cause your problem but unlikely.

on e60 ive seen bad connections alot.. or a bad ibs (ground wire sensor).. the compressor very unlikely to be honest...

[constantin]

great to see members helping one another!!!!

[infamousbimmer]

I would take it tp the stealer but i have no warranty so i doubt i would do that any other ideas? If it was a bad alternator wouldnt it not turn on though? Cuz the car turns on everytime and quick too no hesitation at all

[Laidback]

+111111111:clap:great to see members helping one another!!!!

[infamousbimmer]

great to see members helping one another!!!!

exactly why i love this forum so much people actually help you out unlike at other forums where nobody replys or anything

[Big Mike]

Met a guy parked next to us at the 49er game on Sunday. His X5 was flickering ALL of the lights on the dash and exterior lights, and would not start. We brought over a Ford F-250 diesel with twin batteries, gave him a jump, and everything cleared up. Your battery voltage may be too low.......

[dc.allen]

I would take it tp the stealer but i have no warranty so i doubt i would do that any other ideas? If it was a bad alternator wouldnt it not turn on though? Cuz the car turns on everytime and quick too no hesitation at all

Correct! That would also show signs of a bad battery.

A bad alternator is found easiest by checking the voltage of the battery. Check it with the engine off, engine on with no A/C, then engine on with A/C. It would also be beneficial to run the engine up to cruise RPM and check it with the engine at that RPM.

If it is a bad alternator then it would show up with the engine at cruise RPM. You should be around 14.4vdc. It could be the alternator isn't putting out enough juice and the battery drops below 12.4vdc when the compressor kicks on.

Have you removed the battery cables yet and reattached them? Do that if its a no.

Mfest will make a BMW tech out of you in no time!

[E90///M3]

i was thinking corroded wires... if it was the alternator, the car can still crank over but it would drain the battery even as you drive.