[David916]

Troubleshooting why my car won't start and starting with the battery.

When I push the start button and the starter cranks loud and strong, is it safe to say the battery is ok?

I tried about 10 times and it won't start and the battery voltage has dropped a bit to 11.7v.

[slowblackx3f25]

The battery voltage must be at 12v , anything lower means the battery is defective...
I had this happen on my VW GTI and I eventually changed the battery, then the starter motor as I can hear the starter motor work hard when I turn over the car, now I plan to change the alternator at some point in time.

However, I started with the battery, the cheapest route and worked my way up.
Of course run your own diagnostic on your end. Forums will only GUIDE you.

[BIG_KID]

Prob blew the timing chain.
Is it the 4 banger

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by BIG_KID

Prob blew the timing chain.
Is it the 4 banger

SAVE THE N20'S!!! #savetheN20

[383vett]

If the battery had 10 starting attempts, the battery voltage would be expected to be down. Charge it up and look elsewhere.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by slowblackx3f25

The battery voltage must be at 12v , anything lower means the battery is defective...
I had this happen on my VW GTI and I eventually changed the battery, then the starter motor as I can hear the starter motor work hard when I turn over the car, now I plan to change the alternator at some point in time.

However, I started with the battery, the cheapest route and worked my way up.
Of course run your own diagnostic on your end. Forums will only GUIDE you.

Actually, a battery at 12v is going bad. A healthy battery at rest should be 12.6 - 12.7 volts.

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Actually, a battery at 12v is going bad. A healthy battery at rest should be 12.6 - 12.7 volts.

It's time for a NEW battery.
NEW YEAR NEW BATTERY!

I don't drive my GTI in the winter months here in Canada.

When I start the car every 7 days, the voltage rests at 12.1v/12.0v
I always thought this means it's a healthy battery... thank you for correcting me Opie55

I will shop around for a brand new healthy battery

[slowblackx3f25]

I am buying this

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/185669482552...mis&media=COPY

to check voltage on my other cars as well.

[BIG_KID]

Originally Posted by slowblackx3f25

I am buying this

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/185669482552...mis&media=COPY
.

[David916]

I didn't get any notifications and thought nobody answered. So sorry!!!

It's a 2011 X3 35i.


1. Is the timing chain relevant to my model ?

2. I charged the battery back up to 12.6v and 650 cold cranking amps. Would a bad battery be able to charge up this high?

3. I'm getting 2 error messages: 1) Deactivation of Terminal 15. Upper stability limit reached. 2) Deactivation of Terminal 30b. Upper stability limit reached. Do you think this could be related to a bad battery?

4. The fuel pump no longer primes when I unlock the car. Could this be due to a faulty battery, or faulty key fob?

Thank you so much. I'll Venmo $$ to whoever can help me figure this out. Our only family vehicle has been down for 3 weeks and it's depressing.

Dave

[BIG_KID]

The N55 engine (this is what you have) is pretty robust and dosent have the timing chain problems the 4 cylinder has. I would disconnect the battery for a few hours, reconnect and try to start the vehicle.

[David916]

I did. Even reset the ecu by connecting the positive and negative cables after the battery was disconnected.

It's the Deactivation of Terminal 15 and 30b codes that are the culprit.