Random warning Messages

ultimated · 11-14-2018, 07:37 AM

Over the past couple of weeks I've been getting warning messages flashing on the dashboard, but no indication of problem on Vehicle Status screen in idrive. First was Low Engine Oil Lever, then the icon of the vehicle up on a lift, and Low Tire Pressure. Yesterday, when I started the car after 2 days of inactivity I was asked to reset the time and date, and all the computer functions (mpg, distance to empty, average MPH, etc) had zeroed out. Some research seems to indicate an aging battery (which afaik is original, almost 10 years old) but I use a battery tender in the winter and it doesn't seem to have a problem holding a charge in the cold. Any tests I can do with a multimeter to confirm battery is the problem? TIA

zx10guy · 11-14-2018, 11:35 AM

If your battery checks out, check under the carpeting in the trunk and see if any of the electronics there are under water. I had a similar situation with my car a year or so after I bought it new. It turned out to be the junction box being submerged in water.

Esteban · 11-14-2018, 01:34 PM

There was a battery cable recall a few years ago. Don't know if you or a previous owner had that done but I thought I'd mention it. Could be the culprit if it hasn't been done yet.

ultimated · 11-15-2018, 06:34 AM

Thanks, I'll check with the dealer about the recall.

11-14-2018, 07:37 AM	#1
ultimated Private 28 Rep 90 Posts Drives: '17 430i GC Xdr Mdnght Blue Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Philadelphia 'burbs iTrader: (0)	Random warning Messages Over the past couple of weeks I've been getting warning messages flashing on the dashboard, but no indication of problem on Vehicle Status screen in idrive. First was Low Engine Oil Lever, then the icon of the vehicle up on a lift, and Low Tire Pressure. Yesterday, when I started the car after 2 days of inactivity I was asked to reset the time and date, and all the computer functions (mpg, distance to empty, average MPH, etc) had zeroed out. Some research seems to indicate an aging battery (which afaik is original, almost 10 years old) but I use a battery tender in the winter and it doesn't seem to have a problem holding a charge in the cold. Any tests I can do with a multimeter to confirm battery is the problem? TIA __________________ 2009 135i Coupe / Monaco blue/Alaska grey / 6 speed manual / M suspension / BMW PPK1 / BMWCCA # 359598
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11-14-2018, 01:34 PM	#3
Esteban Major General 43597 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	There was a battery cable recall a few years ago. Don't know if you or a previous owner had that done but I thought I'd mention it. Could be the culprit if it hasn't been done yet. __________________
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11-15-2018, 06:34 AM	#4
ultimated Private 28 Rep 90 Posts Drives: '17 430i GC Xdr Mdnght Blue Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Philadelphia 'burbs iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I'll check with the dealer about the recall. __________________ 2009 135i Coupe / Monaco blue/Alaska grey / 6 speed manual / M suspension / BMW PPK1 / BMWCCA # 359598
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