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Another SI battery question (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 6-series (E24) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by James Lee on September 02, 2000 at 23:57:19:

Is it possible to recharge the SI batteries while they're in the car? I understand they're rechargable and recharged by alternator supplied power - and that the battery alone does not charge the SI batteries as they can run a battery dead when the car isn't used for a while.
This leads me to my next hypothetical question: Suppose the car's a weekender, not a daily driver, and is only driven for a few hours or so per weekend. Is it possible the SI batteries wouldn't get the charge they need to stay charged and useful?
Also suppose that after the car is first brought out of it's weeklong inactive period, and the SI green lights remain illuminated after the car is started (an indication of failing SI batteries). Then, after the car's driven on a trip for a few hundred miles, the SI lights extinguish. Is it possible that the green lights are extinguishing (as they should) because the batteries have been charged back up by the alternator, as it was supplying power for a relatively extended period of time?
The above hypothetical situation happened to me today: I had the car parked for the last few weeks, and got it out to mess around with the SI lights as they didn't extinguish the green lights after the car started. On a hunch, I disconnected the battery ground momentarily, and the lights extinguished after starting, as they should. Figuring I fixed it somehow, I took the car on a trip; stopped for gas later and turned the car back on: same problem (green lights stay on after ignition). Drove another 200 or so miles touring today, then parked. Got back in car, green lights extinguished as they should after ignition, and everything seems normal. Were my batteries low because they hadn't been charged because the car wasn't driven very often? Did I charge them sufficiently to solve the problem to any degree? Or does it sound like the batteries are shot, not holding a charge, and need to be replaced?
Again, all followups are greatly appreciated, and I thank all who have information or opinions in advance.
James Lee

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