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I have a 1991 BMW 318i, 5 spd. I drive and then all dashboard

Sent to BMW Experts October 6 2008 at 9:41 AM
   

I have a 1991 BMW 318i, 5 spd. I drive and then all dashboard gauges go down to "0." Then, while driving it does it intermittenly. What could be the reason why? Please help!!

 

Optional Information:
1991 BMW

Already Tried:
I have tried nothing so far. This is the only problem I have with this BMW. The problem is that all the gauges go down to zero while driving, especially when you shift to 3rd gear.
1991 318i 5 spd.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value:  $9
Answer
October 6 2008 at 5:45 PM (8 hours and 4 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Thanks for choosing JA,

The instruments get all the information from the different sensors. Since all the gauges are dropping, I doubt there is a short in each wire/ sensor. You will need to replace the instrument panel.
There is a TSB on changing over the mileage

085765



Hi, remember I don't get paid until you click accept. If there is anything else you need just ask! and POSITIVE FEEDBACK is always welcome! I use only the best resources to verify all my answers and BONUSES really help out.
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Tim West -- ASE Certified Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 12 BMW Accepts
ASE certified service manager BFRC - Electrical Specialist
Reply
October 6 2008 at 6:43 PM (58 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         

Tim West,

I forgot to mention that before I got all these problems with the car instrument cluster guages, I replace the differential pinion gear and the crown gear, also from the differential. Now the parts we replaced them with had more teeth on the crown gear and the pinion gear was much smaller or finer. I want to make sure I ask you again so I am sure the solution you gave me is the right one. One concern I have is that if this could be the reason why the OBC on the instrument cluster was messed up. If that is the case, wouldn't just a clear or reset to the whole car ECU or OBC could restore the car back to normal? Please help! Thank you. I will be waiting for further instructions.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 7 2008 at 2:57 PM (20 hours and 14 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
I have to stick to my gut on this one. I don't see how all guages can be inop, without drivability problems. Yes replace the cluster.

Hi, remember I don't get paid until you click accept. If there is anything else you need just ask! and POSITIVE FEEDBACK is always welcome! I use only the best resources to verify all my answers and BONUSES really help out.
Picture
Tim West -- ASE Certified Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 12 BMW Accepts
ASE certified service manager BFRC - Electrical Specialist
Reply
October 7 2008 at 3:45 PM (47 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         

Tim,

one more thing, there is an OBC (on board computer?) attached to the cluster. Is this part of the cluster or is a separate part? I just want to make sure if I need the instrument cluster or just the OBC. I will be waiting. Thank you.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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