2003 E85 Issue starting engine

edharly · Post by **edharly** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 8:33 pm

I have a 2003 E85. It has only 39K miles. Looks really clean and has no issues except the automatic top and driver door power lock. I purchased it a little less than a year ago. The starter sounded really sluggish when I got it so I had the battery replaced. The starting sounded stronger for a few months, and then began to sound weak and sluggish again. That continued for a few months and ultimately it began to make a repeating clicking noise when the ignition is turned and after several clicks/5 seconds ultimately then turns the starter and the engine starts. I then had the starter replaced. Everything went well for six weeks and now I'm back to the clicking noise. I don't drive it daily, but it is my main/only car and I put at least 160 miles per week on it driving to work and back. This is really frustrating. Any ideas? Thank you.

Drunkpanda42 · Post by **Drunkpanda42** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:22 pm

First thought would be the alternator is not charging properly, but would recommend getting an auto electrician to check it over. Could also be a power drain somewhere
You could also fit a trickle/solar charger when you aren’t driving it to keep the battery topped up.

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:24 pm

I'd take a guess that the alternator isn't charging the battery fully. Put a multimeter across the battery terminals and it should read approx 12v at rest and approx 14v with engine running

edharly · Post by **edharly** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:41 pm

Thanks all!

edharly · Post by **edharly** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 10:04 pm

patriot66 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:24 pm I'd take a guess that the alternator isn't charging the battery fully. Put a multimeter across the battery terminals and it should read approx 12v at rest and approx 14v with engine running

Thank you!

colb · Post by **colb** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:57 pm

Starter motors on the Z4 can fail without any advance warning, had this with my 2.5. A couple of blows with a hammer shocked it back into life but after a few test starts it failed completly. Replacement sorted that ok. Since you have already replaced yours then agree with the others test what the alternator is putting out with the engine running, voltmeter on the battery terminals you should be seeing 14volts if the alternator is producing enough to charge the battery and keep the car running. Battery condition is also a factor so that will need checking as well. Could be a duff cell in the battery preventing it getting fully charged.

edharly · Post by **edharly** » Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:37 am

colb wrote: ↑Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:57 pm Starter motors on the Z4 can fail without any advance warning, had this with my 2.5. A couple of blows with a hammer shocked it back into life but after a few test starts it failed completly. Replacement sorted that ok. Since you have already replaced yours then agree with the others test what the alternator is putting out with the engine running, voltmeter on the battery terminals you should be seeing 14volts if the alternator is producing enough to charge the battery and keep the car running. Battery condition is also a factor so that will need checking as well. Could be a duff cell in the battery preventing it getting fully charged.

Thank you

pilch · Post by **pilch** » Sun Dec 04, 2022 6:13 am

colb wrote: ↑Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:57 pm Starter motors on the Z4 can fail without any advance warning, had this with my 2.5. A couple of blows with a hammer shocked it back into life but after a few test starts it failed completly. Replacement sorted that ok. Since you have already replaced yours then agree with the others test what the alternator is putting out with the engine running, voltmeter on the battery terminals you should be seeing 14volts if the alternator is producing enough to charge the battery and keep the car running. Battery condition is also a factor so that will need checking as well. Could be a duff cell in the battery preventing it getting fully charged.

Yes they do fail without warning, mine did the other day! All replaced as starts beautifully again

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