740 Electrical Problems

Dad23 · Post by **Dad23** » 22 Apr 2006, 01:47

I have a 1989 740 GLE that is having electrical problems. About two days ago the dash lights (idiot lights) started flickering while driving.
Last night while driving, the idiot lights flickered, radio shut off and the headlight and dash lights dimmed but would periodically come back to full brightness. As I pulled up to my house, the car died and would not start.
Any suggestions

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 25 Apr 2006, 03:37

Yes, your alternator is on its way out, and your car is running on battery power alone. The engine dies when the battery can no longer supply voltage to spark.

Before starting with a new battery (in which case, the problem seems to go away), get the charging system repaired/replaced.

You should've also noticed that the horn sounds powerless, and the tachometer dancing wildly while the car is steadily idling...