BMW 2002 FAQ - Electrical gremlins

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Date: 7-25-08 02:09
From: Teedub

Subject: Electrical gremlins

Newbie to the whole posting thing, with a question for the electrical gurus.
H20 temp gauge, Alt light and blue high beam light does not work. High beams DO work, when I turn key on the H20 needle does move a hair, so there is voltage to it.
The odd thing is the fuel gauge, oil light, and the turn signal lights work.
I have swapped out the gauge with a runner , and the same.
What would cause half the gauge to work? BTW, also swapped the sensor on the block to no avail.
Appreciate any suggestions.
TW

Date: 7-25-08 03:41 From: jgerock in Alexandria, VA Subject: Re: Electrical gremlins
As with everything else on these cars - check and clean the grounding points. Most of the time, it clears up all the "gremlins". Use contact cleaner after you've scratched/wire brushed/sanded the grounding points. _________________ Jim Gerock BMWCCA # 381868 73tii "Celeste" # 2764081 71 VW Cal-look Bug

Date: 7-25-08 04:12
From: JerryC in Santa Rosa, CA

Subject: Re: Electrical gremlins

It sounds like you're familiar with removing the gauge cluster. Once you pull the cluster, examine the fuel/temperature gauge circuit board on the side facing the instruments. Mine had a burned-out trace (looked like a blown fuse strip) which caused one of the gauges to not function at all. I think it was the fuel gauge, but don't remember. I soldered a piece of wire across the gap, added the frequently described brass nut ground wires, and it's been working fine for 10 years.
_________________
Jerry

Date: 7-25-08 09:56
From: Chris_B in Scotts Valley, CA

Subject: Re: Electrical gremlins

This is a bizarre problem, for sure. When you say that you "swapped out the gauge," do you mean that you replaced the temp gauge itself, or the whole instrument panel? The fuel and temp gauges share the ground, and the warning lights are on independent circuits. Also, generally if your charge light is burned out, your charging system will not work. I presume your charging system is OK, since you did not mention that. It could be that you have more than one problem going on. Are any of your instrument panel lights in that part of the panel non-op?
_________________
Chris B.
'73 ex-Malaga

Date: 7-26-08 12:09
From: mike in Beavercreek, OH

Subject: As has been pointed out, all the gauges go thru the same

fuse, so it shouldn't be a fuse problem. After you've checked the other things mentioned (grounds, bad bulbs) I'd carefully examine the multiprong plug that all the cluster electrics pass through. Look at the end attached to the car's wiring harness, and the socket on the cluster that the holds the harness plug. Sounds like some of the pins aren't functioning, have corrosion or perhaps have come loose from the circuit board.

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

Date: 7-26-08 04:56 From: Teedub Subject: Re: As has been pointed out, all the gauges go thru the same
Thanks for all the tips, as I rooted around, I found the culprit. The little five prong plug that is right behind the heater/defrost tube against the firewall was disconnected. I couldn't see it at first, but when I took the heater box out, for a completly different reason I said 'your kidding right?' Anyway, all is good, and thanks again. TW

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