Dash Problem

rr-d2 · 03-22-2008, 10:55 AM

Hi Guys,

I have a problem whereby the dash on my car does not show all lights properly, I have a 1999 BMW 318ti Compact Sport.

I get all headlight lights, front and rear fogs, air bag and indicators but no oil, ASC light handbrake light pad warning light etc etc...

Any ideas folks im mega stuck, I checked all the fuses nothing wrong there...

naustin · 03-22-2008, 02:40 PM

The handbrake light could be a problem with the switch at the handbrake itself. Pretty common that those wear down/loose. Pull off the boot and see if you can find it.

Otherwise i'd be thinking i have some dead bulbs in the dashboard. I have no idea how to get to those, but if you can and can decide if theyre burnt out the dealer would probably be able to replace them.

rr-d2 · 03-22-2008, 04:44 PM

Thanks for your reply, However Its not just the handbrake light i have a problem with its more than that i dont have the oil light, battery light, handbrake light, pad warning light, ASC light and anything else thats meant to be on.

Have had the dash out and have swopped bulbs aouut to check and nothing wrong from that point of view. I know this as I have the fog lights working, Main beam light. indicator lights and Airbag light.

Is there meant to be a light for the Side and Dipped beam if so there not on either! I can get access to a 1996 316 compact arde the dash's the same? If so I would swop and see if that sorts it!

thesk8nmidget · 03-24-2008, 05:26 PM

the bulbs could have been removed by the previous owner or the bulbs could simply be burnt out.

aceyx · 03-24-2008, 05:33 PM

There is another fuse box under the kick panel--on US cars it's driver's side but it may be passenger for you.

Have you tried this: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/e36gauge.html

marko · 03-24-2008, 07:30 PM

tap it lightly with your hand.. maybe its just a contact.
I know it sounds retarded, but it works sometimes..

Quote:

Originally Posted by rr-d2

Hi Guys,

I have a problem whereby the dash on my car does not show all lights properly, I have a 1999 BMW 318ti Compact Sport.

I get all headlight lights, front and rear fogs, air bag and indicators but no oil, ASC light handbrake light pad warning light etc etc...

Any ideas folks im mega stuck, I checked all the fuses nothing wrong there...

ronomonroe · 03-31-2008, 09:48 PM

Quick question - are the heater controls supposed to light up when the headlights are on? If so, I must have some burnt out bulbs or something, it's annoying at night not having them lit up.

thesk8nmidget · 03-31-2008, 09:53 PM

yeah its a pretty common problem. its about a 5-9 dollar bulb at the dealer and you have to pull the stereo out to get to the back of the heater controls.

ronomonroe · 04-01-2008, 04:00 PM

Thanks - I'll be putting a new stereo in soon anyway so I'll get it then.

Laxpunk2006 · 05-06-2008, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceyx

There is another fuse box under the kick panel--on US cars it's driver's side but it may be passenger for you.

Have you tried this: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/e36gauge.html

Is there anyway you can show me a picture of this. I'm having a similar issue with my gauge lights/heater controls/window switch lights not working. I have my interior completely gutted right now so it shouldn't be too difficult, I was just unaware there was a second fuse box.

**cooljess76** · 05-06-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laxpunk2006

Is there anyway you can show me a picture of this. I'm having a similar issue with my gauge lights/heater controls/window switch lights not working. I have my interior completely gutted right now so it shouldn't be too difficult, I was just unaware there was a second fuse box.

If any of the wires on the dimmed circuit short out, it blows the rheostat inside of the headlight switch. Myself and atleast 3 other members have all had the same thing happen when we were messing with the radio. The grey/red wire going to the back of the radio is more than likely your culprit. You're going to have to replace or repair your headlight switch. Just make sure you fix the short that caused it to blow in the first place.

Laxpunk2006 · 05-06-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooljess76

If any of the wires on the dimmed circuit short out, it blows the rheostat inside of the headlight switch. Myself and atleast 3 other members have all had the same thing happen when we were messing with the radio. The orange wire going to the back of the radio is more than likely your culprit. You're going to have to replace or repair your headlight switch. Just make sure you fix the short that caused it to blow in the first place.

Any link you could send me to explaining the repair in detail? I've been searching all over here and bimmerforums with no luck.

As far as the short I believe the culprit was a loose wire coming off the window switch. I formerly had a lighted M knob and I must of half assed when I switched it out for a ZHP knob and not properly addressed the wiring. This has since been cleaned up so I think I'm good on that.

As far as the headlight switch I am unfortunately clueless. Is this a fairly complicated fix or something relatively simple. I guess at this point considering my entire interior is stripped short of the upper dash it shouldn't really matter now that I'm in this far.

seanski · 10-12-2008, 07:16 PM

Hi,
I have the same problem - my heating controls bulb must not be working as they are blacked out in the dark.. I understand i must remove the stereo to access the buld.

Do you have any further detail on this procedure?

thanks
S

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