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Question

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!!

Submitted: 412 days and 23 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

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.

Accepted Answer

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

Accepts:
Expert:	Tim West
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/6/2008

ASE Certified Technician

ASE certified service manager BFRC - Electrical Specialist

412 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

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.

Posted by Tim West 411 days and 17 hours ago.

Answer

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.

411 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

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.

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Question

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.

Accepted Answer

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

085765

Reply

Answer

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.

Reply

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.

BMW

Have your own BMW question?

Related Bmw Topics:

Question

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.

Accepted Answer

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

085765

Reply

Answer

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.

Reply

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.

Related BMW Questions

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.

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

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.