Charge light: SOLVED

[3seriersD]

1985 325e

For a few months I’ve been dissecting wire diagram after diagram trying to figure out why my charge light still doesn’t work. I replaced both alternator and battery. Still no luck, even changed the SI board just to make sure and nothing. Tested all connections and grounds leading to the cluster and everything check out as far as voltage and continuity. Noticed that the charge light gets power from the C1 connector at pins 14 and 16. Pin 14 coming from the green wire from the ignition switch and pin 16 coming from the D+ blue wire from the alternator. Turn the key and nothing work on the dash besides the oil light and my turn signals and high beam warning light. Car does turn over and start but won’t charge the battery. Any ideas?? Help is much appreciated


edit: problem solved on 11/24
blue charge wire from D+ on harness side was severed and wasn’t properly spliced together.

[reelizmpro]

Assuming you have the original 85 cluster without the bypass resistor, take a look at the bulb and trace. If the trace isn't making good contact the bulb won't illuminate and therefore won't charge the battery on early cars. What I did was reflowed all the joints and traces on the cluster PCB including the charging bulb socket. I also used a new bulb.

[3seriersD]

Assuming you have the original 85 cluster without the bypass resistor, take a look at the bulb and trace. If the trace isn't making good contact the bulb won't illuminate and therefore won't charge the battery on early cars. What I did was reflowed all the joints and traces on the cluster PCB including the charging bulb socket. I also used a new bulb.

yes it’s the original cluster without the bypass resistor. I put in all new bulbs and even sent the cluster out to ProgRama for bench testing. Came back good.