328i Coupé Clocks
 

Hi,

i just bought a 328i Coupé bout 2weeks ago the only problem that i've encountered is that the speedo/rev counter/fuel guage/engine temp and MPG clocks (basically any clock in that cluster that is suppose to give you a reading of something).

One moment i could be driving along everything hunky-dory nothing to worry about then all of a sudden the instrument cluster will just shut off as if there is no power to it (but the backing light that is controlled by the side lights will stay on)

Anyone have any ideas what this problem could be?

The car is an E36 328i Coupé on a 1995 chassis

My vote is poor ground - according to the BMW E36 Electrics Manual it is pin number 24 on Connector X16 (the 26 pin white connector on the back of the cluster) described in the manual as "Terminal 31/Ground for instrument cluster electronics". The other end of this wire is grounded at a strip connector designated X10009 which is located just to the right of the centre console under the dash on LHD cars.

Other ground connections to the dash are via pins 3 of connector X17 (the 26 pin blue connector on the back of the cluster) which provides an earth for the indicator and warning lights and pin 21 on the same connector, which provides an earth connection to the ASC control on later cars. I would say that the earth is loose at X10009 or you have a dry joint inside the cluster as you mention that the connectors are clean and tight on the back of the cluster.

The lights stay on because they are drawing earth from Pin 3 of connector X17.

According to the manual, the wire should be Brown, but as this is my interpretation of the electrics manual for a 98 model E36, proceed with caution.

Cheers mate,

will remove the clocks then probably add a new additional earth to each of the earthing wires on the clocks so there isnt an excuse for a poor earth then try the clocks again.

Any tips on how to remove the clocks as this looks like a full dash removal job?

This link should give you some ideas. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=251379

Good Luck