2004 x5 4.8is problems

[thommo]

purchased car in may,had no problems whatso ever until 10 days ago,failsafe trans program came on,4x4 light,been in garage since,picked upped yesterday within 2 miles 4x4 light back as well as every other dashboard light,and radio going on and off as well,would not change up thru the gears in either auto or manual sports mode,eventually get home and failsafe trans program comes back on,anybody any ideas??

[X5Sport]

You really need to get the error log read out - preferably with a proper reader - to see what is triggering the issue.

Some of it sounds electrical and it would be worth checking the battery state and whether there is any water in the boot by the spare wheel.

There may be a gearbox fault, but the electrics need looking at first as battery issues can trigger all sorts of other warnings.

[thommo]

Thx for reply,this is where it’s gets frustrating,had a diagnostic check in the garage but nothing has been logged in the computer brain at all !? Had a new battery in June, ran it yesterday and it ran like a dream with no problems at all

[X5Sport]

Batteries can go without warning. If you are only doing short journeys then you will need a charger. These cars use serious amounts of power and it takes about 20 mins of running just to put the starting charge back.

[henrym3]

Faults like you are describing where their is a multitude of faults to working perfectly would suggest an earth problem. Battery/chassis

[thommo]

Ok thanks for replies,it is used for relatively short journeys which can’t be helped will get relevant bits checked

[X5Sport]

A number of us use CTEK battery conditioners because of low usage. They’re the same as BMW badge for their own use, but cheaper and can be left connected (assuming that you have mains available) so as to keep your battery fully topped up. They aren’t cheap, but are worth getting hold of.

A bad earth is definitely worth looking for (in the boot area usually), or possible a loose battery connection. Engine earth straps have been known to come loose or get damaged too.

The transmission failure warning is the one most often triggered by a low battery. It’s also recommended that owner let all of the warning lights cycle before starting the engine so as not to inadvertently interrupt the boot-up cycle these cars go through when the key is first turned.

[Raj]

It certainly sounds battery related but as you’ve had the battery replaced already I’d start to look at the alternator.

If only doing short journeys then yes could be that you’ve killed the battery again with not getting recharged fully once started.

I had issues with my first 4.8 and I would get a multitude of warnings when driving and I worked out the alternator was intermittently failing.

Start with the battery first though.

[thommo]

thanks for the help guys.

[thommo]

Just to give update on problems,alternator checked and fine,put new Bosch battery on and all problems seemed to have been rectified,will cut out he short journeys and will install trickle charger.

[Raj]

Just to give update on problems,alternator checked and fine,put new Bosch battery on and all problems seemed to have been rectified,will cut out he short journeys and will install trickle charger.

Ah good news and glad all sorted.

[henrym3]

I’m not surprised the battery was the culprit as you hadn’t reported any previously weird g/b issues. I think anyone who has owned one of these trucks for a long time know all about battery related problems. I am surprised though that the diagnostics you had done didn’t show up any voltage related implausible signal warnings.

[thommo]

Is there a particular trickle charger anyone would recommend?many years ago I use to use optimate on a cosworth I use to have .

[sapphireblack]

CTEK MXS5 are popular here.☺

[X5Sport]

Optimate - now there’s a blast from the past. I used there motorcycle chargers over winter (fair weather rider only ). Still around and making car chargers.

CTEK are another option as above - MXS5.0 is probably the lowest to look at (5A). I use one on the E46 over winter and their MXS10 (10A) for boosting the X6 if needs be to charge faster, but the 5A is fine for plug and leave as it can be left connected all the time (as can the Optimate range).

Neither are cheap though both are good. Occasionally LIDL/ALDI sell something very similar (and cheaper).