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What does it mean when a BMW won’t start and the display reads increased battery discharge?
I just tried to start my BMW and the engine won’t turn over. The display shows the message “increased battery discharge.” What does that mean, and what do I do about it?
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The ‘decreased battery discharge’ message in a BMW means that you’re draining the battery faster than the alternator can recharge it. This could be the result of:
- Frequent short trips
- Loose battery connectors
- Too many chargers/devices plugged into the car’s system
- An old/worn-out battery
If you’ve seen that message and the car won’t start, it means that the battery has been being drained faster than it can charge for a while—and now it lacks sufficient charge to start the engine. If your battery is more than five years old, you likely just need to replace it.
If your battery isn’t old, but you frequently take very short trips (which doesn’t give the battery time to recharge after starting the engine), then it’s simply a matter of your driving habits. Jumpstart the battery and consider walking to nearby locations in the future.
In any case, it’s probably a good idea to have a professional examine your battery —that way you’ll know what is causing the increased drain on your BMW battery. While the technician is looking over your vehicle, you can use the extra time to reduce
the cost of your car insurance
using Jerry
—the secure super app
and policy comparison tool. Using Jerry only takes 15-20 minutes and saves drivers an average of $800+ a year! You can use the app today for free to find great deals on
BMW insurance
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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