Generator & Regulator: Other BMW 3 series E46

BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE

Note. If ignition is not turned off when battery is disconnected, fault memories may be set in some control units.

Disconnecting Battery

1. Turn ignition off. DO NOT disconnect battery leads and leads from alternator and starter motor while engine is running.
2. There is a danger of mixing up battery leads. If battery positive and negative leads are the same color, follow the polarity to the battery. Then mark and cover leads.
3. On vehicles with radio code, radio code must be re-entered after connecting battery. Obtain radio code card from customer. Make a note of stored stations. Stored setting of on-board computer and clock will be lost.
4. Detach terminal of battery negative lead from car battery and secondary battery, if fitted. DO NOT pull lever off pole shoes by force. DO NOT remove socket-head cap screw of IBS. Cover battery negative terminals and secure.

Connecting Battery

1. When connecting battery, ignition must be off. No one must be in the car when battery is connected. AIRBAG module may activate when power is connected.
2. All available central keys must be coded for cars with first generation infrared transmitter locking systems.
3. If equipped, use radio code to enable radio. Reset radio station presets.
4. To set clock, time must be showing in instrument cluster display. Turn ignition on. To set ahead, turn button on right of tachometer to right. To set back, turn button to left. Adjustment speed will increase the longer the button is held. Pressing button will alternate setting from 12 hour to 24 hour mode.
5. On board computer settings will begin from zero.
6. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. Vehicle may have to be driven for a few minutes before engine runs normally.
7. On vehicles equipped with sun roof, recalibration of sun roof may be necessary. There is no anti-trapping protection during recalibration. Perform the following procedure: Press and hold sun roof switch in lift direction. In case of delayed starting or sudden stopping of sun roof, continue pressing switch in lift direction until roof reaches lift position. After reaching full lift position, hold switch in position for at least 20 seconds more. Calibration is completed when sun roof in lift position bounces slightly in lift direction. Release switch for no more than 5 seconds. Hold down switch in raising position direction until sun roof has returned to closed position after a complete opening movement. Release switch. Carry out function check (one-touch function, anti-trapping protection and, if necessary, comfort function).

Except 3-Series

1. Check charging system fuse No. 28. Replace fuse if necessary. Remove unloader relay. Turn ignition on. On 5-series, check for battery voltage at relay socket terminals No. 5 and 8 (Green/White wires). On 7-series, check for battery voltage at relay socket terminals No. 4 and 5 (Green/White wires). On all models, if battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, repair circuits.
2. Ensure relay socket terminal No. 2 (Brown/Black wire) is grounded. If socket terminal is grounded, go to next step. If socket terminal is not grounded, repair ground circuit.
3. Start engine and ensure charge indicator light goes out. If charge indicator light remains on, check charging system. If charge indicator light goes out, go to next step.
4. With engine running, ensure a minimum of 12 volts exists at relay socket terminal No. 4 (5-series) or terminal No. 8 (7-series). If voltage is as specified, go to next step to check voltage to accessories. If voltage is not as specified, repair wire to generator.
5. Turn ignition switch off. Connect a fused jumper wire between relay socket terminals No. 5 (Green/White wire) and No. 6 (Red wire). Turn ignition on. Ensure battery voltage is supplied to relay operated systems (i.e., rear defogger relay, heated seats, automatic A/C, etc.). If voltage is not present to these systems, repair circuits. If voltage is present to these systems, go to next step.
6. Install unloader relay. Start engine and ensure battery voltage is present at relay operated systems. If relay does not work, replace unloader relay.

STATOR

1. Place ohmmeter on lowest scale. Measure resistance between 2 of the 3 sets of wires. Move one ohmmeter lead to the other set of wires. Check resistance between the remaining set of wires. Resistance values must be identical. If resistance is incorrect, stator has open or shorted windings and must be replaced.
2. Place ohmmeter on X1000 scale. Connect ohmmeter between stator core and each stator lead. Continuity should not exist. If continuity exists, stator is grounded and must be replaced.

ROTOR

1. Place ohmmeter on lowest scale. Connect ohmmeter across slip rings. Ensure resistance is within specification. See ROTOR RESISTANCE table.
2. If resistance is too low, rotor has short circuit and must be replaced. If resistance is infinite (no continuity), rotor has open circuit and must be replaced.
3. Place ohmmeter on X1000 scale. Connect ohmmeter between rotor core and either slip ring. Continuity should not exist. If continuity exists, rotor is grounded and must be replaced.

ROTOR RESISTANCE