Car computer randomly beeps – 1998 BMW 323is

ANSWER : There are a number of driver-set functions which may cause the "3-beep" symptom: "top of the hour" clock warning (so you can catch the news), speed warning, icing conditions warning, etc. These are all set on the On-Board Computer. Check your Owners Manual to review which functions may be set.

ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

ANSWER : Hi there. Changing the battery has nothing to do with programming a battery. If the car was flat dead with a battery that lost all of the power because the dome light was on, then when jumped the vehicle will run fine. What may need programmed when the battery is replaced is the key fob. The key fob will lose programming to the computer as the vehicle computer is reset. However, if a 9 volt battery saver was put into a cigarette lighter and the car battery was removed, then the computer will not lose its memory and be just fine. If you need further assistance with your battery, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.

ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.

If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Check the ground wire from the main engine to frame ground to the right side engine mount. If this wire is corroded or loose, this will cause the engine to loose power on acceleration. Also, check the throttle position sensor (TPS) for any damage or loose wire connections. If the wires are all in good condition on the engine and the TPS, then I recommend replacing the TPS. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the vehicle’s loss of power and proceed with any needed repairs.

ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. What seem to happen is a door sensor / switch has failed. Turn on the dome light to door and shut all of the doors. See if the light dims after shutting all of the doors. If the light does not dim, then there is a door switch that has failed. Look at the switches on the cab where the door seals and see if any of the switched look damaged or at an angle. Most of the time the driver door switch fails for that door is used the most. Check each switch for power and see which door switch does not have power on the ground side when activating the switch. Replace the switch that does not work. This also goes for the back hatch switch as well. If you need further assistance with your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with your door light being on and the beeping noises.

ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.