Q: hi chris... i have a 2002 bmw x5 well taken care of.... light stays on in the car when you turn off key. think it has drained bat

asked by on March 29, 2017

hi ... my old bmw is in good shape but the interior light doesn't automatically turn off any more and think that's what may have badly drained the battery this winter. Have to jump to get it going for the first time each day. Does it sound like a new battery might be the problem and how much should I pay for this... thanks much... deb

The existing battery should be load tested and if it fails the battery should be replaced. The cost of replacement can be obtained by clicking on "Get a Quote" at the foregoing service link. But, at the same time that the battery is replaced the cabin light either has to be disabled or the time delay function repaired. Otherwise, your new battery will be continually discharged just like your old one. If you request battery replacement, the same responding certified mechanic can perform an electrical component diagnostic and get the light repaired. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

I am putting a lot of oil into my car between changes
The oil recommended for normal use on your Honda Pilot is 5w20w. There are other owners who have also experienced excessive oil consumption on these vehicles. If you are using only one quart every 2,000 miles, this could be considered...
Car still overheating
There are still a few more things to check beside the thermostat. The cooling fan, water pump, and radiator all need to be checked. If the engine is overheating while traveling at a constant speed above 20mph, you can scratch...
What tools will I need to replace the radiator on my 2000 Honda Civic?
At minimum you will need the following tools: a good ratchet, 10mm socket, 12mm socket, 14mm socket, long pliers for the hose clamps, a coolant drain bucket, another container to securely transport the old coolant to an appropriate waste facility....
Can I place gas back in my car after using 4 gallons of diesel?
Hey there. Unfortunately, diesel fuel (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-type-of-gas-should-i-use) does not combust the same as regular fuel does in a gasoline engine. Eventually, the car will run out of regular fuel and die as the diesel fuel is injected into the motor. Once...
how do i know if i have an bad PCM
PCM's are usually replaced at the end of a "process of elimination". That is, with most engine management control failures, there are a whole host of common causes that are evaluated first. Once that long list of most common causes...
overheating , stiff steering wheel and spilled anit-freze
It's hard to say what happened first, but the coolant tells a story of a leak. Of course a coolant leak can cause overheating, or overheating for some other reason can cause a coolant leak. You may have spilled coolant...
Van overheating when idle and ac is on
You need to open the hood and with a/c on and engine running see if the cooling fans are coming on. If not then system will need additional diagnosis to see if fan motors are bad or the control system...
toyota Tacoma truck won’t start
If you are referring to stalling that occurs after releasing the service brake (as opposed to the parking brake), a possibility is a vacuum leak in the power brake booster. If manipulating the parking brake has an effect on lighting,...
The trigger wire for ignition coil three has no signal.
The coil in your application has a power wire (red), a ground wire (black), and a PCM pulse command wire (5 volt pulse; Blue w/Red stripe for cylinder No. 3) that operates the coil’s internal switching transistor. Using an oscilloscope,...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator
Common signs include having to jump start the car frequently, dim lights when operating the vehicle, or the Battery Light coming on.
How to Purchase a Pre-Owned BMW
BMW BMW offers a wide selection of luxury cars. In many circles, owning a BMW is a sign of success. While most balk at the price of a brand new BMC car, pre-owned models provide a viable alternative if you...
How to Change a Car Battery
Changing your car battery is a simple and easy automotive repair that you can actually accomplish yourself with the right preparation and...