Electrics Fault

[Raward]

My wife borrowed my X5 (E53, 2003 pre-facelift) yesterday. Drove about 30 miles and then driving around Bristol noticed the indicators went solid green without flashing and no clicking noise, however indicator lights were flashing on the outside of the car. She thought the car felt a bit heavier on the steering.  She pulled up and turned the power off and on but could not restart. The gear change indicator showed that she was stuck drive no matter which gear she selected. Again the indicators were playing up.
When the breakdown bloke came it was a case of "in all my years.......never seen anything like it..."  Apparently he disconnected the battery in the boot and reconnected it again and all was fine again. He commented it was as if half the electrics in the car were working??
I've got the scanner but haven't done a problem scan yet.
Also I'm taking it in for a MOT test soon so could get my indie to take a look.
I was wondering if anyone had any idea what this might be or whether it was a common fault.
Thanks
R

[Smeeagain]

its a ten year old car so could be battery life issue. Once they start to go you get all kinds of weird and wonderful issues.

Do you know when the battery was last replaced or if it is the original?(lifespan is an estimated 6 years)

Smee

[Nat]

+1 on the battery.

[DougieV8]

I had similar in mine a couple of years ago - no speedo, rev counter, fuel guage, indicators, radio etc. but driving perfectly. Disconnected battery and reconnected and all sorted. I never had issue again but did upgrade battery soon after

[Raward]

Thanks Guys
I had 14 errors on the scanner after the battery disconnection. All cleared apart from the driver restraint and the instrument cluster electronics.
I will have a look at the battery. Is this easy to access & will the scanner tell me anything helpful on the battery front?
Cheers again
R

[Steamyrotter]

Battery is in boot under spare wheel and can be a pain to access

Scanner may not tell you much.

Instrument cluster error code is pretty much standard option on these..
I have one all the time on mine but no apparent faults on the system!
Very susceptable to low volts and dicky connections I think!

[Raward]

There was nothing wrong with the battery!?
I'll sit tight for now.
Cheers to all

[Steamyrotter]

you will soon find that a multiple of problems can be fixed by a simple disconnect of the battery for a few mins the. reconnect.

Sometimes it is the only way to get things back in synch.
Instrument cluster locking up is usually one that this will clear.

I did the ultimate sin by reconnecting the dash with the ignition on...
This meant the fuel gauge didnt work and other lights on.
Battery off for a few mins and all working since.

Dont forget to do searches on here as most things have been seen and fixed..