Car System/Electrical system totally shutdown

[tenno]

The scenario is like this; this morning i tried to unlock my car. But the car couldnt be unlocked. i tried few time using the remote. But then still fail to do it. later i tried unlock by using key. Stil fail. Frustrated with that i went to work with my bike. Later in the afternoon i manage to unlock the cars door by using carkey after few times. But then i was shocked when my car cant be started. There's no indication on meter panel, radio, lighting and even worst central locking did not function including car boot. Meaning to say everything is gone. Totally out of power.Some has quote that probably my battey totally kong. Some said wire cut off. But i quite disagree with that assumption. Or maybe it was caused by lightning effect last night?So i hope anybody who had experienced b4 can share or anybody has any idea what was happened actually?My car E46

 

[jarance]

Have you check the condition of your battery yet?

It is very unlikely that the battery is completely flat but you never know.

 

[airtrek]

Check the battery conection. It could be loose.Most likely the positive conection (+).

 

[jarance]

Check the battery conection. It could be loose.Most likely the positive conection (+).

Yes.. I think that is the first thing to do... :top:

 

[tenno]

Check the battery conection. It could be loose.Most likely the positive conection (+).

Ok thanks. BTW how to open car boot manually? Bcoz the central lock cant be unlock. The only can be opened is bonet. And my car key is not suit to boot key hole. Aiiyaa.

 

[jarance]

Ok thanks. BTW how to open car boot manually? Bcoz the central lock cant be unlock. The only can be opened is bonet. And my car key is not suit to boot key hole. Aiiyaa.

If your battery is totally dead and you cant open using your key, then you are in deep trouble. Try using the spare key.

OK there is another option. You open the front bonnet where the engine is located.

Use a voltmeter and check the supply at the "+" terminal located on the left (facing the car) to any part of the body. If the voltage is less than 11VDC, then your battery is flat. If it is zero (0), then your terminal at the battery have come loose.

You can use another 12VDC battery from a car using a jumper to connect to "+" terminal and "-" to the ground.
Once it is connected, try turning the ignition to position "1" to check the indicator on the instrument cluster.

If the instrument light up, you can try to open the boot from the inside.

 

[tenno]

Thanks jarance. Your idea is working. i,ve done it this evening. My battery totally flat. Ive change the battery and everything is fine. Lucky did not call any foreman. Hehe.. Thanks again to u all. BTW i choose to use DIN 55 back instead of DIN 66 before after looking at batt chart at batt shop.

 

[jarance]

glad to hear you have manage to solve your problem.

btw which metod did you use. spare key or jumper lead.

you should use back the correct spec for your battery. the extra Amphour (AH) is for the cranking of the starter. you may have problem starting later if the battery is not fully charged.

 

[tenno]

glad to hear you have manage to solve your problem.

btw which metod did you use. spare key or jumper lead.

you should use back the correct spec for your battery. the extra Amphour (AH) is for the cranking of the starter. you may have problem starting later if the battery is not fully charged.

i did use spare key. Wonder why main key cant be used? BTW im using the batt according to the spec (DIN 55for 3 series while DIN 66 for 5s). Mine 3 series. BTW what do you mean 'not fullt charged'? Is it for new batt?

 

[affan66]

are you sure?

my E36 last time uses DIN66. My E46 now is the same. My E39 uses DIN80.
better check, sir.

 

[jarance]

are you sure?

my E36 last time uses DIN66. My E46 now is the same. My E39 uses DIN80.
better check, sir.

Affan, E46 should use 80 AH battery according to the Owner manual.

 

[jarance]

i did use spare key. Wonder why main key cant be used? BTW im using the batt according to the spec (DIN 55for 3 series while DIN 66 for 5s). Mine 3 series. BTW what do you mean 'not fullt charged'? Is it for new batt?

When you use your headlight at night, most of the charge from the alternator is use for the headlights and some is left for charging the battery. You battery is "drained" when you crank the engine. Normally, it will draws about 200+ Amp for a few seconds in order to crank the engine.

if you leave the car idle for a few days, some of the electronic equipment will draw a small amp and will slowly discharge your battery. You might have problem restarting your after 1 week.

Like any new battery, it is recommend that you charged it fully with an external charger before using it. I also have the same problem starting when I changed my battery. cannot crank the engine after 3 to 4 days. I manually charge it and I did not this problem even if I dont used the car for 1 week.

 

[affan66]

ya ka?? ok.. will go check.

 

[tenno]

are you sure?

my E36 last time uses DIN66. My E46 now is the same. My E39 uses DIN80.
better check, sir.

Ye lah affan. I've saw at Yokohama Batt Chart at batt shop. It was stated that DIN no for every series of BMW's car. Even for Merc. But if Jarance said that manual saying like that, i have no argument about that since i lost the manual already. Btw by looking to the batt flatform in car boot, it most fitted with DIN66. Haha, i will go and check again.

 

[jarance]

I guess it depends on whether your UDM is 4 potters or 6 potters.

My E46 - 325i used 80 AH. I presume the higher AH is for cranking a 6 potters. and 70 AH battery can delivered enough amp to crank a 4 potter engine..

 

[affan66]

yours 325 ka? mine 320 2.2... battery is DIN66. Next up is DIN85.

 

[jarance]

I think there is a confussion on using the DIN number. DIN 65 does not means 65 AH.

See below on DIN for battery.

 

[jarance]

DIN Ah rating.

 

[jarance]

DIN Layout

 

[jarance]

Typical Battery Comparison.

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3.