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Ground problem?


jim57759

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I have a recurring problem with the turn signal indicator light in the dash glowing at start up and then gradually dimming until it completely goes out after running for ten minutes or so.  Doesn't seem to have any affect on turn signal operation.  This problem has survived engine rebuild and replacement of most of the wiring in the engine compartment, checking all grounds in engine compartment, etc.

Is there a ground behind the dash I should be checking which could be causing this?  I will be pulling the gauge cluster soon to work on the odometer which is slipping.  Just wondering about grounds inside the car I might check to fix problem with the turn signal indicator light.  

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Just recently this topic came up again.

 

I would check the screws and holes that mount each front signal light fixture.  These screws are the ground connections for the light fixtures. The holes get rusty and the screws get loose.  Driving vibration and heat make the contact less effective.  Remove fixtures, sand the holes to bare metal, clean the sheet-metal screws and re-tighten.  See what happens.

 

I only mention the fronts and not the rear.  It has been my experience that the fronts are a problem.  The rears, not so much.  Remember that all bulbs should fit firmly and cleanly inside their sockets.

 

It may also be the flasher unit needs help. Search for the topic about re-bending the contact arm within the flasher unit.  I have no experience with this as my original flasher unit has not been a problem (yet).

73 Inka Tii #2762958

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My project car sometimes does something similar to that. Tap the flasher relay next time that happens, and see if it has any effect. I bent a leg inside the relay to revive my indicator light. Perhaps slightly too much.

 

Cheers,

Ray

Stop reading this! Don't you have anything better to do?? :P
Two running things. Two broken things.

 

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Lots of possible causes:

Flasher - as previously mentioned. This one is my guess for your dimming indicator light.

Front blinkers - as previously mentioned.

Poor instrument grounding - search for lots of discussions about "jumping fuel gauge". Adding a ground from the "two brass screw-nuts" behind the fuel gauge is a favorite modification. There's a harness-to-chassis ground connection behind the dash, too.

Alternator to engine block ground wire - frequently disconnected or left off after engine work

Poor regulator grounding - I've had good luck with electrical issues by improving the mounting screw connectivity, it's in front near the standard battery mount. Frequently rusted out.

Trunk ground wire - next to the gas tank under the right side trunk board, frequently rusted out

BMW liked to use sheet metal screws for ground connections, back in the day. They may not be the most reliable over the long run.

 

Jerry

no bimmer, for now

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Quote

Alternator to engine block ground wire 

 

Reef on this sucker...  it needs to be at least as big as BMW made it, if not bigger.  Then check the 3- wire plug on the back of the alt.

The wires there can start to fatigue, losing strands slowly, causing all sorts of odd orange, red and green indicator problems...

 

t

 

"I learn best through painful, expensive experience, so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth." MattL

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