Flashing Battery, EML, and Oil Lights + Losing Power – Advice Needed

[jasecasecarr]

I’m having a pretty worrying issue with my 3-litre 2004 Z4. While driving, the battery light flashes, and at the same time, the EML (engine management light) and sometimes the oil light also flicker. The scariest part is that it feels like the car might lose power,?it’s intermittent but unsettling.



Earlier, I discovered that the fuse in the amp had blown. I tried replacing it, but it immediately blew again, so I’ve unplugged the amp and taped up the wires for now. Even with the amp disconnected, the battery/EML light still flashed once while driving, so it seems like the issue isn’t just the amp.



Has anyone seen anything similar? Could this be an alternator problem, battery/ground issue, or some wider electrical fault? Any advice or insights would be hugely appreciated, especially if anyone’s experienced the “losing power” sensation along with these flashing lights.



Thanks in advance Jase

 

[Nodzed]

First thing get a code reader on it see if its throwing any fault codes

 

[jasecasecarr]

I thinking it’s how the battery is attached now it’s not secured properly the metal bar is in wrong place going to try that first.. old owner swapped it but didn’t clamp it in

 

[AlexGSi2000]

Measure the battery voltage whilst the engine is running - should be 13v+
Sounds like you may have an alternator issue or a bad connection somewhere.

 

[Pond]

Check both battery terminals are tight and making a good contact. Check the earth strap from the battery to the car aswell.
Also check the alternator connections.
A battery light is usually alternator related.

I had a slightly dodgy earth connection on my battery a while ago (the tightening bolt had sheared the nut). It would work everything until I tried to start the car, then nothing. It took a while to find the problem.

 

[bertiejaffa]

As mentioned - make sure the contacts are tight - I have had it before where it has become lose - I sometimes find putting a little nail or tack down between the connector and the clamp helps to get a good grip.

Also check the voltage at the battery when running - it should be >14 volts to prove the alternator is charging the battery correctly