Battery management systems for electric vehicles play a huge role in keeping EVs operational. They keep the batteries in good condition to maximize the vehicle’s performance.
But what exactly does this system do, how does it work, and what makes resetting it so important?
The BMS stands for “Battery Management System”. It’s an assembly that contains the batteries that power an electric vehicle and performs various functions to keep the battery operational, including the following:
Drivers need to pay close attention to the BMS because it tracks the overall state of health (SOC) of a battery.
The BMS uses sensors that monitor the current, voltage, temperature, and state of charge of the battery (SOC). Then, it adjusts and allocates how much charge the battery takes in and puts out based on its findings. It actively protects the battery against overcharging, deep discharge, overheating, and excessive current draw to prevent damage to the battery.
The system also sets the optimum range and parameters under which the battery should operate. The BMS checks to make sure all cells in a battery pack charge and discharge evenly and flags bad cells. The BMS controls the heating or cooling systems within the battery to keep it operating within its ideal temperature range.
It also generates reports on the battery’s status and performance. Additionally, it can limit the vehicle’s power output or put the car in fail-safe mode to minimize risks if a fault is detected.
Resetting the BMS restores the system to its default settings, allowing it to make adjustments to battery performance according to the vehicle. The reset helps extend a car battery’s lifespan by ensuring efficient power use.
A reset can also fix BMS issues because it clears the system’s data and reboots the sensors, allowing the BMS to gather data and start anew.
Resetting the BMS is only necessary when the system malfunctions or the battery isn’t performing as usual. It’s also a must if the BMS was recently installed to let it make the adjustments needed to optimize battery performance.
Non-electric vehicles don’t have complex battery management systems like those used on electric vehicles. However, newer non-EVs do have a basic system to manage the battery, so on a non-EV, a BMS reset might be necessary after a 12-volt battery replacement or a system malfunction.
Non-electric vehicles don’t have complex battery management systems like those used on electric vehicles. However, newer non-EVs do have a basic system to manage the battery, so on a non-EV, a BMS reset might be necessary after a 12-volt battery replacement or a system malfunction.
–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
You might need to reset the BMS if the car battery drains quickly or overheats. Irregular charging patterns and frequent false alarms are also signs to watch out for.
Batteries that can’t hold their charge well are either defective or being mismanaged by your vehicle’s BMS. That’s why a battery that empties quicker than usual might indicate the need for a reset. If the battery is very old it may need to be replaced. No battery lasts indefinitely.
If a battery overheats due to a malfunctioning BMS, it runs the risk of exploding via thermal runaway. Not only can this permanently damage your vehicle, but it can also injure you and other people.
When the car battery overheats, it can affect engine performance and emit smoke and foul sulfuric smells. In some cases, it might even make hissing noises. If it catches fire, it’s almost impossible to extinguish, even for firefighters.
The BMS manages the battery to ensure it operates within certain parameters using data from sensors that measure electronic activity and battery consumption.
When these sensors detect that the battery is malfunctioning, they trigger an alarm to indicate that something is wrong.
A faulty BMS can trigger these alarms even when the battery works as intended. In this case, it’s a good idea to reset the BMS. It’ll recalibrate the system and its sensors, potentially stopping the BMS from making the same mistakes.
If the voltage allocated to the battery when charging fluctuates drastically, resetting the BMS could stabilize it.
Every vehicle is different, so the steps to reset the BMS can vary. For more precise instructions for your vehicle, it’s best to check your owner’s manual.
Resetting the BMS usually involves the steps below.
If no reset button is available, you might need to bring your vehicle to a dealership or an auto shop. Professionals can examine your vehicle and reset the BMS if it’s necessary.
Resetting the BMS battery doesn’t always fix battery-related issues. Thankfully, there are alternative fixes you can try.
For one, you can perform a discharge and recharge cycle. To do so, you’ll have to fully discharge the BMS battery and charge it back up. To discharge, you need to connect a load (like a resistor) to the battery’s discharge terminals.
You can also check your BMS model for firmware or software updates. These updates not only improve performance but can fix certain issues.
If these alternatives don’t fix the issue, then it’s best to reset the BMS battery or take it to a mechanic. They’ll have better knowledge on what’s causing the problem and ways to deal with it.
Your vehicle’s BMS can run into issues, but solving the problem doesn’t usually warrant replacement components. However, other EV components like brakes, headlights, and body components can get damaged and require replacement. Need new EV components? Going to your dealership might not be the right call. Here at CarParts.com, you can get the parts that you need for less.
CarParts.com has a wide selection of parts that can get your EV back to perfect working condition. All our parts are sourced from leading aftermarket manufacturers, ensuring their quality and reliability. Our aftermarket parts are just as good as original parts because they also passed strict quality checks to ensure that they fit and function just like the originals. Moreover, our strategically located warehouses let us ship your order quickly, so you can get your parts in as fast as two business days.
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