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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    57
    My Cars
    1997 540I

    X5 Ssluggish Start

    For the past week my x5 have been hard to start and the only way I got it started was to jump it. The battery and starter checked out good however they said I needed another alternator. I installed the new alternator and it is doing the same thing. What would else could it be? Those are the main three components to start the car and they all check out good.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Was the battery load tested?
    Is it over 5yrs old?
    Change it for new!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Seriously,
    I find it hard to believe that a vehicle hard to start,
    and only way to start,requires a jump,
    and battery is not the primary fault?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    57
    My Cars
    1997 540I
    The battery is 8 months old. Sometimes when I tried to start it nothing happens like it is a dead battery I jump it and it starts. I took the battery back to the auto parts store where I purchased it from and the battery is at 12.6 volts and 850 CCA. I put my volt meter on it and get the same thing. When I turn the car on, it should go up to 14 or some but it stays around 12.6. The auto part store check the alternator and said the alternator needs replacing. The alternator is only 8 months old also but since it was under warranty they gave me a new one. After I installed that, it still won't just fire up like it use to do. Its not as bad as before the new alternator but it is still sluggish.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    57
    My Cars
    1997 540I
    Apparently the problem was the ground wire that goes to the ac compressor was not connected. I got a new compressor and the mechanic forgot to reinstall the ground wire. They was going to charge me $1,600 to fix. I crawled under the car and saw the wire hanging down. I connected it and the car started up without any problem. It has been starting fine for a few days so I think I solved the problem and saved $1,600.00 for repairs I probably did not need.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Good for you, I give you props,
    as most who ask for help with their problem,
    are unwilling or unable to crawl under the vehicle,
    and search for easily visible problems for themselves,
    GREAT JOB!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Montreal/Cape Coral
    Posts
    207
    My Cars
    2012 X6 35i
    Ditto! Props for finding the bug
    2007 FJ Cruiser (best vehicle to date)
    2012 X6 35i Sport
    2013 ML350 BT
    2019 4Runner

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