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Weird Electrical
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Lyarasheski
- Newbie
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2018 12:52 pm
Weird Electrical
So I've been having an issue lately that is obviously electrical related and was wondering if anyone had a similar experience. Occasionally the wipers will stop working and I can shut the car off and get them started again. Intermittent DSC light. Goes on and off when I drive the car. Steering angle sensor fault. Top intermittently not working. Occasional battery light for no reason. I was lucky enough to get it to come on when I was looking at other stuff and could check it. With the light in it was 14.1 v. Any thoughts?
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buzyg
- Legend
- Posts: 26544
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Cornwall
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mmm-five
- Lifer
- Posts: 12727
- Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:03 pm
- Location: Liverpool
- Contact:
Weird Electrical
Battery or alternator/voltage realtor would be my first port of call.
Trigger’s Z4MC
Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
Individual Ruby Black, Individual extended champagne leather, plus many options
Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
Individual Ruby Black, Individual extended champagne leather, plus many options
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Ewazix
- Lifer
- Posts: 4721
- Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 5:30 pm
- Location: Somerset
Weird Electrical
As said definitely eliminate the battery/charging before moving on, It's also worth checking that the earth connections are all clean and tight.
The basic DIY test of battery & alternator is with a volt meter over the battery +/- terminals without the engine running you are looking for at least 12.4 Volts on a good battery. Then with the engine running and electrical accessories OFF a healthy alternator should be giving around 13.7v - 14.5v. Turn on a load of accessories then see if the voltage drops below 13V, if so the alternator is functioning but marginal and may be on it's way out.
The basic DIY test of battery & alternator is with a volt meter over the battery +/- terminals without the engine running you are looking for at least 12.4 Volts on a good battery. Then with the engine running and electrical accessories OFF a healthy alternator should be giving around 13.7v - 14.5v. Turn on a load of accessories then see if the voltage drops below 13V, if so the alternator is functioning but marginal and may be on it's way out.
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost
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ph001
- Lifer
- Posts: 3870
- Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
- Location: N. Yorkshire.
Weird Electrical
Replace the battery before you even think of trying anything else.
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual 
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby
2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby
2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.
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Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23852
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Weird Electrical
Looks like your question has been answered OP - so welcome to the forum! 
Don't forget we like to see photos of new members' cars!
Don't forget we like to see photos of new members' cars!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black