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Car Forum / BMW Cars / April 2004Stumped by Electrical Problem
On my 1997 E39 all the dash lights dim occasionally and the fan slows down and speeds up. It seems to be dependent on engine revs. If I play music loud then the flashing pulsates with the bass beats - almost like there wasn't enough power to supply the current draw. BUT--I had the regulator replaced under warranty (bough Certified Series) and I have a new battery. Still it continues. Is it maybe a bad ground or other connection? If so, would it be at some point for the panel? Since the fan is doing it too, should I check some "main" ground point(s)? Where? Thanks for any help. Cheers > On my 1997 E39 all the dash lights dim occasionally and the fan slows down > and speeds up. It seems to be dependent on engine revs. If I play music loud [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > If so, would it be at some point for the panel? Since the fan is doing it > too, should I check some "main" ground point(s)? Where? Could be a lame alternator too... -Fred W >> On my 1997 E39 all the dash lights dim occasionally and the fan slows down >> and speeds up. It seems to be dependent on engine revs. If I play music [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >Could be a lame alternator too... or a bad battery... > >> On my 1997 E39 all the dash lights dim occasionally and the fan slows down > >> and speeds up. It seems to be dependent on engine revs. If I play music [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > or a bad battery... All that was replaced. (Don't know about alternator/regulator-but they made sure the system was properly charging.). > > >Could be a lame alternator too... > > > > or a bad battery... > > All that was replaced. (Don't know about alternator/regulator-but they made > sure the system was properly charging.). Well it's obviously *not* charging OK since it can't maintain the current at low rpms. or when there is a heavy electrical load. Could be a bad connection anywhere in the charging circuit that is dropping some of the voltage at higher loads (currents) -Fred W > Well it's obviously *not* charging OK since it can't maintain the > current at low rpms. or when there is a heavy electrical load. Could be > a bad connection anywhere in the charging circuit that is dropping some > of the voltage at higher loads (currents) Dimming or poor operation of electrical circuits can easily be independent of the charging system - unless they share exactly the same wiring. As the OP guesses, the usual culprit is a poor ground shared by the accessories.  Signature*Plagiarism saves time * Dave Plowman dave.sound@argonet.co.uk London SW 12 RIP Acorn Get the positive cable line check from the battery to the engine bay. There's a junction point on the right side of the frame, outer side of the floor near the firewall. That junction, even if pretty well insulated, get rusty and lost continuity. While underneath the car check the negative cable from engine to frame as well. Good luck. > On my 1997 E39 all the dash lights dim occasionally and the fan slows down > and speeds up. It seems to be dependent on engine revs. If I play music loud [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Cheers |
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