BMW i5 and 5-Series Forum

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      03-05-2010, 08:41 PM   #1
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Exclamation Problem with 04' 545i - NEED HELP FAST

Hey guys, first of all sorry for posting in the wrong section, need help fast and the 5 series forum had only 7 current views.

My brother's 2004 BMW 545i is having a problem right now, it won't start. When ever we try to start it we hear 3-4 ticks and that's it. After the ticks all of the symbols in the speedometer come up. What could be the problem? Could it be the alternator?

Is there a way to get around it right now? We tried charging the battery but that didn't work either since the lights do turn on.

Please help.
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      03-05-2010, 08:56 PM   #2
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Take it to the dealer?
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      03-05-2010, 10:21 PM   #3
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Take battery and have checked. Sounds like it is not holding a charge.
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      03-05-2010, 11:03 PM   #4
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Can you jump start it? There may be enough of a charge to power the lights, but not enough to get the engine started.
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      03-05-2010, 11:35 PM   #5
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Dead battery. The clicking is the starter solenoid most likely.
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      03-06-2010, 05:09 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X7TIGER View Post
Hey guys, first of all sorry for posting in the wrong section, need help fast and the 5 series forum had only 7 current views.

My brother's 2004 BMW 545i is having a problem right now, it won't start. When ever we try to start it we hear 3-4 ticks and that's it. After the ticks all of the symbols in the speedometer come up. What could be the problem? Could it be the alternator?

Is there a way to get around it right now? We tried charging the battery but that didn't work either since the lights do turn on.

Please help.

Just because it can turn the lights on doesn't mean it has enough juice to turn the whole car on
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      03-06-2010, 05:14 AM   #7
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Try jump starting it.
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      03-06-2010, 08:12 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smmmurf View Post
Try jump starting it.
dude "stop global warming" bumper sticker on an m3 lol. classic
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      03-06-2010, 10:58 AM   #9
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Well I tried jump starting it but that didn't work either, I hooked up the + to the charge and had the - on the body. I know they say the - should be connected to the engine block to jump start a stalled vehicle.

Should I take the engine plastic cover off then try jump starting it?
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      03-06-2010, 12:25 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by fatjoez View Post
dude "stop global warming" bumper sticker on an m3 lol. classic
BMW Efficient Dynamics baby.
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      03-06-2010, 08:24 PM   #11
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"all of the symbols in the speedometer" sounds like the alternator problem.
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      03-10-2010, 08:51 AM   #12
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The culperate is a battery more than likely. Alternators do not fail that often these days.

When jump starting a vehicle, you need to make sure you have the negative cable on a good ground. A painted bolt will not suffice, there is a hook on the front of the engine that could work. There is also a grounding nut on the body that can be used as well. Make sure you have a powerful battery pack, and it's fully charged.
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My dog swallowed my FOB. Luckily it was Comfort Access so I could still drive the car. Of course I had to take him with me everywhere and every time he rolled over the windows went down.
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