Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBMW1994318IS (E36) L4-1796CC 1.8L DOHC (M42)REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTARTING AND CHARGINGPOWER AND GROUND DISTRIBUTIONPOWER DISTRIBUTION MODULETECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSELECTRICAL SYSTEM - PARASITIC DRAW MEASUREMENTOVERVIEW
1994 BMW 318is (E36) L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42)
Electrical System - Parasitic Draw Measurement: Overview
1994 BMW 318is (E36) L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42)SECTION Overview
SI B61 08 00
General Electrical Systems
May 2012
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 08 00 dated December 2010.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Closed-circuit Current Measurement
MODEL
All
SITUATION
Increased closed-circuit currents may occur permanently or intermittently and cause the battery to discharge prematurely. The increase in closed-circuit current may be caused by a faulty control unit, or by the installation of a non-approved accessory.
In a situation where a vehicle has broken down due to a discharged battery, for diagnostic purposes it is important not to disconnect the battery. This is because a control unit will be reset if the battery is disconnected. Following a reset, the faulty control unit may start functioning correctly again, making accurate diagnosis impossible.
[NEW] To correctly measure closed-circuit current, the 50-amp clip-on probe (previously used with the MIB) or the 100-amp clip-on probe can now be used in conjunction with the IMIB (Integrated Measurement Interface Box) to properly diagnosis closed-circuit current problems over an extended period of time. Connect the amp clip-on probe directly to the IMIB Measurement input 3 (green socket). Refer to SI B04 35 09 for information about the IMIB.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Not applicable
General Electrical Systems
May 2012
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 08 00 dated December 2010.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Closed-circuit Current Measurement
MODEL
All
SITUATION
Increased closed-circuit currents may occur permanently or intermittently and cause the battery to discharge prematurely. The increase in closed-circuit current may be caused by a faulty control unit, or by the installation of a non-approved accessory.
In a situation where a vehicle has broken down due to a discharged battery, for diagnostic purposes it is important not to disconnect the battery. This is because a control unit will be reset if the battery is disconnected. Following a reset, the faulty control unit may start functioning correctly again, making accurate diagnosis impossible.
[NEW] To correctly measure closed-circuit current, the 50-amp clip-on probe (previously used with the MIB) or the 100-amp clip-on probe can now be used in conjunction with the IMIB (Integrated Measurement Interface Box) to properly diagnosis closed-circuit current problems over an extended period of time. Connect the amp clip-on probe directly to the IMIB Measurement input 3 (green socket). Refer to SI B04 35 09 for information about the IMIB.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Not applicable
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.