E30 Cluster Issue!!!! :x :cry:

[GEO85]

Hi all....

Cluster on my 1989 318i is playing up. Petrol gauge stays on full and the only way of me knowing about my petrol is when the orange light comes on. Also the Rpm and temp gauge does not light up any more. Dials do work at times but only when they feel
to. The only dial that still works constantly is the temp dial. Rest are playing up. What can I do as this is my first e30 and not to clued up on her.

Thanks in advance

[Billwill]

You need to check the rear of the cluster for loose screws and bolts.
Check if the small light bulbs are not blown....they are small incandescent bulbs. First make sure you have turned the round Lights On Switch fully clockwise...turning it left dims the panel lights.

You may need to remove the fuel-level sensor in the fuel tank under the rear seat to see if it is jammed tight.

There are also cluster problems related to the SI (Service Indicator) batteries which sit on the back of the cluster and maintain voltage on the cluster when the main battery is dis-connected.
Thes are either Ni-cad rechargeable batteries or Lithium non-charging batteries...look into replacing them if the above steps do not relove your problems.

[Billwill]

You need to check the rear of the cluster for loose screws and bolts.
Check if the small light bulbs are not blown....they are small incandescent bulbs. First make sure you have turned the round Lights On Switch fully clockwise...turning it left dims the panel lights.

You may need to remove the fuel-level sensor in the fuel tank under the rear seat to see if it is jammed tight.

There are also cluster problems related to the SI (Service Indicator) batteries which sit on the back of the cluster and maintain voltage on the cluster when the main battery is dis-connected.
Thes are either Ni-cad rechargeable batteries or Lithium non-charging batteries...look into replacing them if the above steps do not resolve your problems.

[mcbonio]

I had this same problem with my fuel gauge, always read full. You need a new fuel sender which is located under the rear seat. Theres an inspection plate on the drivers side with 4 screws, inside that theres the fuel sender held on with 4x8mm brass nuts IIRC. It should slide right out. Very quick and easy job.

As for the dash blubs you need 3w 12v 504 capless bulbs. About 60p each from any motorfactor, to not put 5W in as you WILL melt things on the board, they get too hot.!



Here is guide on removing the instrument cluster, takes all of 3 mins. The bulbs use a twist style holder on the exterior of the board. Easy.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... eplacement


Ok so if your gauges are being silly, you can try tightening the 2 brass nuts on the back side of the instrument cluster, if that doesn't work then its new SI batteries. They live on a secondary board inside the instrument cluster, desolder the old ones and replaces with 2 of these. But before doing all this, is your INSPECTION light always on the dash? This is a better indication of failed SI batteries.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VARTA-CR1-2-A ... 19c587595e

Tutorial PDF can be found here,
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/imag ... attery.PDF

If your going to start fixing electrical issues on your e30 then invest in a good multimeter, they are invaluable.!

[GEO85]

Thanks a lot for that guys...That really does help. Ive managed to get my hands on a fuel sender that works and will be installing that in tomorrow,will let you all know how that goes. I love this Forum