Computer, Fuel gauge and instrument lights not working

[Carlostrance]

Hi there,
New member here hoping someone can help with this electrical problem.
We have a 1990 E30 325i.
Last week the gear knob came loose, when I pushed it back down the small wires that light the gear knob shorted out (wiring insulation had cracked).
There was a small puff of smoke came out of the center console air vent.
Since then, the computer doesn't function correctly, saying its -30 degrees outside temp and will not show normal information, the instrument cluster back lighting is out and the fuel gauge seems to have a guess what the fuel level is.
The car is still starting and driving normally, and have checked the fuses in the fuse box in the engine compartment.
Any advice or ideas gratefully received.
Thanks
Carl

[fixedwheelnut]

There are wiring diagrams in the E30 Zone wiki pages , you will have shorted out the dash light wiring, which may have burnt out the rheostat in the light switch before blowing a fuse, follow the Grey/red wire back to see if it has melted together any other wires and I would start where you saw the smoke appear from. You might find that has damaged the outside temperature sensor wiring .

1984 models https://www.e30zone.net/e30wiki/images/ ... e30_84.pdf

1989 models https://www.e30zone.net/e30wiki/images/ ... etails.pdf

[Carlostrance]

Thank you for the reply and the link to the wiring diagrams.
I'll have a look at following the wiring back and look for some burnt wiring.
Carl

[martauto]

Welcome to the zone mate, lets see what you have in terms of pics please ??

Mart.