E36 Tacho and fogs problem

[Venom]

On the E36

1. With the key in the 0 (off) position, depress the trip odometer reset button. This will illuminate the odometers, but will not reset them.

2. Hold the trip odometer reset button for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the odometer illumination will go out.

3. When the odometer illumination goes out, turn the key to the 1 (accessory) position and release the odometer reset button.

4. The instrument cluster will display "test 01" and begin the self test process. The odometer display will show the test number on the right (01 - 06) and that test's associated code on the left. The tests are as follows:

01: BMW Part number - 6 digits
02: Internal coding plug number - 5 digits
03: K Number - 4 digits
04: Chassis number - 5 digits (partial VIN)
05: Software version - 3 digits
06: Revision index - 2 digits (Hardware #)

5. After the self test codes are displayed, all 5 instrument needles will automaticall sweep their full ranges.

6. The instrument test function is cancelled by turning the key to either position 0 (off) or position 2 (run).

[kdevitt]

Yeah - did that, was one of the first things I did. All tests run fine on the cluster!

[Venom]

Might be in need of one of these: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BMW-E36-Fuel-Tank-Level-Sensor-Sender-Float-1182842-/290754650734

But that would not explain the rest of the issues.....hmmmm

[kdevitt]

Pretty certain its caused by a common earthing point or something -lots of google hits for people with similar issues, but none seem to have a resolution.

[kdevitt]

Bit of a breakthrough with this - decided to check the bulbs in the gauge cluster. Fitted some new ones, and the front fogs symbol on the cluster is now lighting up. The rear fogs symbol isn't lighting up, but reversed the car up against the garage and could see they're working. Tried two new bulbs for that and no joy - but not a major concern to be honest. So looks like the fogs issue was caused by two sets of bulbs being gone.

With that out of the way - its more likely to be one of the more common causes. Diff sensor probably next item to check.

[Ketron]

Bit of a breakthrough with this - decided to check the bulbs in the gauge cluster. Fitted some new ones, and the front fogs symbol on the cluster is now lighting up. The rear fogs symbol isn't lighting up, but reversed the car up against the garage and could see they're working. Tried two new bulbs for that and no joy - but not a major concern to be honest. So looks like the fogs issue was caused by two sets of bulbs being gone.

With that out of the way - its more likely to be one of the more common causes. Diff sensor probably next item to check.

The speedo and econometer not working sounds like a speed sensor in the diff alright. Does your mileage still increase correctly when you drive?

[kdevitt]

Bit of a breakthrough with this - decided to check the bulbs in the gauge cluster. Fitted some new ones, and the front fogs symbol on the cluster is now lighting up. The rear fogs symbol isn't lighting up, but reversed the car up against the garage and could see they're working. Tried two new bulbs for that and no joy - but not a major concern to be honest. So looks like the fogs issue was caused by two sets of bulbs being gone.

With that out of the way - its more likely to be one of the more common causes. Diff sensor probably next item to check.

The speedo and econometer not working sounds like a speed sensor in the diff alright. Does your mileage still increase correctly when you drive?

Nope - its static. Going to go with the new diff sensor first up anyway and see if that sorts it.

[Ketron]

Bit of a breakthrough with this - decided to check the bulbs in the gauge cluster. Fitted some new ones, and the front fogs symbol on the cluster is now lighting up. The rear fogs symbol isn't lighting up, but reversed the car up against the garage and could see they're working. Tried two new bulbs for that and no joy - but not a major concern to be honest. So looks like the fogs issue was caused by two sets of bulbs being gone.

With that out of the way - its more likely to be one of the more common causes. Diff sensor probably next item to check.

The speedo and econometer not working sounds like a speed sensor in the diff alright. Does your mileage still increase correctly when you drive?

Nope - its static. Going to go with the new diff sensor first up anyway and see if that sorts it.

Deffo is the diff sensor, connector on mine came loose the other day on the way back up to dublin, speedo became very erratic so I unplugged it until I got home so I could take a look at it properly. Was just a loose connection in the end.

They are easy enough to remove and clean if you want to try that first but I think a new one is about €30 from the dealers.

[kdevitt]

Think I'll try a new sensor alright - have a 3.15 diff to go in at some stage, but that will probably wait until the car has a bit more grunt.