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Symptoms of Alternator Malfunction

Model: BMW Serie 5 E39 - Years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Part: Alternator

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When an alternator or generator (on older car models) fails to charge the battery, a red warning light, typically with a battery symbol, will illuminate. This issue may be due to a broken belt that drives the generator or alternator, or it could be a problem with the generator itself, which, despite turning, fails to produce current due to a malfunctioning internal component.

In this situation, even a previously checked battery can drain, as the electrical system consumes energy that is not replenished by the non-charging alternator. Gradually, you will notice dimming lights and abnormal flickering of the warning lights on the dashboard.

If you turn the key off and then back on after a few minutes, you may see all the lights illuminate again because the battery still holds some charge. One check you can perform is to start the car and disconnect the negative cable (marked -) from the battery.

If the car shuts off, the problem is the alternator; if it stays running, the alternator is functioning properly.


Updated on 9 February 2026 by ScegliAuto


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