BMW 2002 FAQ - Help needed with Electrical Gremlin-- radio in 1976 BMW 2002

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Thread Topic: Help needed with Electrical Gremlin-- radio in 1976 BMW 2002

Date: 7-23-08 05:59
From: c1cc

Subject: Help needed with Electrical Gremlin-- radio in 1976 BMW 2002

I am trying to hook up power to a radio in a 1976 2002. I found a line coming to a terminal block (on the interior firewall near the steering column penatration) that is hot with the key on. The problem is, it has power only intermittently. Must be a gremlin. I checked the fuse and it is OK. Where is the relay, if there is one, that powers this line or any other line I can use? Is there another possible reason than the relay?

This is the wiring diagram that I am using.

http://home.comcast.net/~randymolson/02wiringdiagram-76.pdf

The hot lead with the key on comes from one of a three prong connector block that is also under the dash by the steering column. I think it is #63 on the wiring diagram.

Of a smaller concern, how do you get a hot lead that connects to the instrument lights dimmer switch so that the radio face light can be dimmed. Thanks in advance!!!

Date: 7-24-08 05:25
From: mike in Beavercreek, OH

Subject: Help for radio installation, 1976 BMW 2002

If you have an "period" radio with no electronic display, then all you need is a lead that's hot only when the ignition is on. If your radio is modern, with a station memory, you'll need in addtion a lead that's hot all the time, or else you'll lose your preset station memory every time you turn the ignition off.

Presuming the former, it's easier to connect the radio to the "ign on" hot lead on the back side of the ignition switch. A voltmeter will quickly tell you which one that is; wire color varies with the car's year. And if it's the latter, the "always hot" lead on the ign switch (usually a thick red wire) will give you the continuous power to retain the radio's memory. Most radios have an in-line fuse (or you can easily fit one), so your circuit will be fuse-protected

As for dimming, you'll have to go to either
1. the headlight switch itself (accessible after removing the instrument cluster, then check your wiring diagram for the wire that goes from the switch to the instrument cluster)
2. tap into this wire at the multiprong connector that plugs into the instrument cluster's backside
3. tap into one of the wires that feeds the little bulbs in either heater control panel

Let us know if you're still stuck...

cheers
mike
_________________
'69 Nevada sunroof--"Wolfgang"--bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-- "Ludwig"--mine since '78
'87 eta E30 coupe--"Johannes"
+ Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette)...
and Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

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