Dim dash warning lights show whilst driving?

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

Post Reply
mash
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 84
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Manchester

Wed Nov 11, 2020 2:24 pm

Windscreen-wiper and electric windows running slow too.

Also dash lights flicker when reving engine

Does this indicate a failing alternator or something else?

Any help appreciated

1990 316i
User avatar
paultv
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1541
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:00 pm
Location: Auf dem Schnee: Germany

Wed Nov 11, 2020 4:29 pm

Could well be worn brushes on the alternator....remove the regulator pack and check the brushes for wear and pull on them to extend the springs...this at least will increase their life a bit ...clean the comm with fine 600 grade wet and dry...as well as removing any crap on the comm. Reasemble and check if it all works correclty...order a replacement regulator brush pack and fit at your leisure.

Paul :-)
Last edited by paultv on Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
4th May 1990 325i Convertible.

BMW E30 Cabriolet Best Mod Ever:

https://bmwe30cabriolet-wdm.blogspot.com/
User avatar
Contours
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 245
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:00 pm
Location: Ireland-West

Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:44 pm

Worn brushes can cause the alternator to charge intermittently and you would have flickering from the battery light on the dash. You should check the alternator output with a multi-meter to see if its charging the battery. If electrics are operating slowly then a weak battery not charged will hardly have enough beans to start the car.
sweep
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 10112
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: spares & repairs in sheffield

Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:42 am

Check the battery earth in the boot if it’s a 325
mash
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 84
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Manchester

Thu Nov 12, 2020 3:10 pm

Cheers guys, that seems to have solved it.

Cleaned up the blackened contacts and some other corroaded electrics, reassembled and now runs with no dim warning lights, even with all lights/wipers/radio on.

Will get a new one on order
Post Reply