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View Full Version : Replaced Ignition Switch, Still Some Dashboard Light Flashing at Initial Startup



peter540
05-15-2022, 01:45 PM
Question. I had an issue (if you could call it that) where, with the first startup of my '03 540/6 of the day, I'd get some flicker of lights in the gauge cluster while cranking and while the car started. The light I most remember seeing flicker was the high-beam indicator, although others did, as well. I assumed this was likely the ignition switch, but after replacing it, the flickering lights issue remains.

My next thought is that either my battery isn't charged enough or it's on its last legs. Could that cause the flickering lights issue I described? My thought is that the reason the lights don't flicker on subsequent startups is that the alternator begins to charge the battery, so that with starts later in the day, the battery has more horsepower.

This is just a tiny thing. Nothing that's affecting the way the car operates otherwise. Just asking since the symptoms are presenting themselves.

Thoughts?

--Peter

Chedley
05-15-2022, 06:06 PM
Well, try to fully recharge the battery with a tender or a trickle charger. and see if the problem persists.

Although flickering lights may be caused by loose electric connections that somehow go away when the engine warms up and many materials expand.

edjack
05-16-2022, 05:42 PM
What is the overnight at-rest battery voltage before starting?

BMW540san
05-18-2022, 01:19 PM
Chexk the ground cable between engine and chassis. IIRC, it's close to passenger side engine mount.

JimLev
05-18-2022, 01:39 PM
Chexk the ground cable between engine and chassis. IIRC, it's close to passenger side engine mount.

Right, one end bolts to the engine mount, the other end bolts to the bottom of the frame rail. You need to get under the car to see the frame rail bolt.

peter540
05-20-2022, 11:49 PM
Right, one end bolts to the engine mount, the other end bolts to the bottom of the frame rail. You need to get under the car to see the frame rail bolt.

Thanks, guys! Sorry for the late reply -- I was traveling for work all week and didn't have time to check in here.

I'll check the ground strap idea out. It's possible the ground wasn't done correctly when the engine was reinstalled...

--P

- - - Updated - - -


Well, try to fully recharge the battery with a tender or a trickle charger. and see if the problem persists.

Although flickering lights may be caused by loose electric connections that somehow go away when the engine warms up and many materials expand.

Thanks, Chedley. Charged the battery, and still seem to get the flicker with a cold start.

- - - Updated - - -


What is the overnight at-rest battery voltage before starting?

Hi, Edjack. I'll need to check...