xmas tree lights on my Zed

[Pauly]

Just landed in Sheffield with no steering Drove from Liverpool this morning and noticed my battery light was alight (red) Book states no power from the alternator! anyway thought id make it with only 15 mins left to my dads house! my dash lights are all on. Take it my car has stole all the functions of power to keep it self moving. Close one! any ideas fella's or do I have to live with my dad Anyway happy Christmas

 

[Stuart Truman]

If you're dad's got a charger, get it on charge and see if it comes back to life for the trip home

Otherwise looks like a trip to a Workshop

Merry Xmas!

 

[Pauly]

Cheers Stuart got my dad in his shed looking for his charger! strange as only yesterday I had looked at the battery and the little green light was on, thanks again and have a good day

 

[pvr]

The green light is not good enough as it will still be green when the battery is knackered.

How old is the battery?

 

[Stuart Truman]

Running it on battery alone is a short term, short drive fix. If you can resurrect it enough to get to a Lucas electrical centre or similar that's ideal

 

[powerontap]

good luck with that one, Christmas lights aren't always a treat for the eyes...

 

[mr wilks]

if you run the gauntlet home after charging use minimum extras that you can .
ie / travel in day with no lights,min on heater blower,no music/nav/phone/windows etc
if you fit a new battery & it is the alternator that's gone the new battery will also drain down 8)

 

[Pauly]

The green light is not good enough as it will still be green when the battery is knackered.

How old is the battery?

Cheers pvr, the car was purchased two years ago from a main Dealer so not sure to the battery's age. So in theory it could be old as the car (2003 plate) May have to try and find somewhere in Sheffield that is open tomorrow and purchase a new battery. Need to be back in Liverpool tomorrow (Everton FC at Home)

 

[Pauly]

if you fit a new battery & it is the alternator that's gone the new battery will also drain down

Yeah thought that, think I will take a punt with the new battery, so if it turns out to be the alternator, hopfully Im home and can use my Indy to sort the issue. Halfords or Quick Fit should be open tomorrow, any think I should be looking out for! cheers

 

[mr wilks]

if a charge up gets you home then ECP is the place at mo for battery's
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Coupe_3.0_2006/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/car-battery/?444770270&1&55b68b4a332f3fd06992d9729e6efd95d81da22d&000020

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Coupe_3.0_2006/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/car-battery/?444770277&1&55b68b4a332f3fd06992d9729e6efd95d81da22d&000020

 

[Pauly]

if a charge up gets you home then ECP is the place at mo for battery's
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Coupe_3.0_2006/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/car-battery/?444770270&1&55b68b4a332f3fd06992d9729e6efd95d81da22d&000020

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Coupe_3.0_2006/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/car-battery/?444770277&1&55b68b4a332f3fd06992d9729e6efd95d81da22d&000020

Cheers for that shame these guys aren't open tomorrow Halfords open at 9.00 so will take a trip there in the morning

 

[Taz]

have you got a meter? if the alternator is working you should see a good voltage on the battery when its running

 

[Pauly]

have you got a meter? if the alternator is working you should see a good voltage on the battery when its running

I have Taz but it's in my shed in Liverpool, of all days! My cars in Sheffield just joined the RAC two hours ago and in 24 hours time I will be in touch and getting my ZED dragged back to LIverpool! Sounds stupid but I'm glad it's happened just as I arrived at my dads rather than on the motorway! Seeing all them dash lights and then loss of steering was scary

 

[Pauly]

Little up date! Turns out it was my alternator! RAC guy thinks as I mainly complete short trips, that may of had an inpact on the alternators life span! I think BMW parts are shocking as the car only has done 38K. Anyway got it towed home for £250 which I was gutted about and seen many of passer buy on the motorway smirking at my Zed on the back of a low loader :x Today I have rang a stealer who want £610 just for the part Euro parts want £426 but will return £90 if I hand in my old alternator for them to refurbish. In summary, expensive but lesson learnt as when them dash lights come up red,just stop the car and get out! don't plod on a bit and loose steering/traction like me

Just like to say a big thanks for those people who chipped in with advice on X-mas day, much appreciated

 

[Z4Bob]

£250!! Didn't take out recovery option then?

 

[Pauly]

£250!! Didn't take out recovery option then?

No I didn't have now :| Cars still sat outside an Indy I use, he opens Wednesday and by then I am hoping I have sourced my own alternator