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A few words on your vehicle’s electrical system The electrical system in your BMW is comprised of two major systems - a charging The charging system keeps the battery from going dead as the demand for more voltage is required due to accessory load. The charging system is comprised of an alternator, voltage regulator, and a belt which drives the alternator. The voltage regulator can be either internal or external. Internalized regulators are usually located inside the alternator, but there are some internalized inside the computer! The steady supply of voltage is crucial to the operation of today's vehicles, due to the increased uses of highly sophisticated electronics. The lack of a steady supply of voltage can result in computer malfunctions (engine stalling or poor performance, check engine light coming on, computerized climate control, ride control and ABS brake control malfunctioning, etc.) Due to the lack of or fluctuation in voltage, a charging system that overcharges the battery and vehicle's electrical system can cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics. This can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage! The right equipment and the operator are crucial to arrive at accurate diagnoses that can save you money! The improper use of equipment, or the wrong equipment, can result in possible damage to other sensitive electronics. Your starting system is comprised of a starter motor, starter solenoid, starter relay, neutral safety switch, and ignition switch. Starter solenoids and relays can be either mounted on, or made as a part of the starter. Some can even be mounted in remote locations. A vehicle that doesn't crank may or may not totally be caused by the starter. Your starting system is less complex but just as important. The battery must have enough capacity to turn the starter and overcome the resistance in the engine. That's why checking the charging system is necessary. Diagnosing the starter system requires several different tests. A starter-draw test will determine if the starter is drawing more amperage than is needed to turn the engine over. A circuit test will determined if all the other components are working properly and that voltage is present when and where it is needed. An electrical analysis can save you money and future headaches by diagnosing the problem right the first time! For more detailed information visit
the service section of our website |
| Chapman BMW of Scottsdale |
Chapman BMW Internet Hotline
- (480) 424-3542 |