Tach and Econometer Problems

[AWDBOB]

Hey all,

I've done a moderately extensive search and haven't found any information related directly to my issue, so I figured a thread was in order.

I picked up an 89' 325IX recently as a project car. The car was in great shape about a year ago, until a young kid who knew NOTHING about cars got ahold of it and destroyed the thing. It is now my duty to bring it back to life.

An aftermarket radio was installed in the car when I got it, and the Tach, Econometer, radio, and clock only work when the lights are on.

I know he probably just cut and made a union into the wrong wire, but I'm not terribly familiar with E30s, so I'm not sure what wires go to what. Any guidance to expedite the repair process?

Thanks!

[Gregs///M]

I would remove the radio and inspect the wires for improper wiring. I suggest you remove all after market harnesses and re-do them. Also, check your fuses 10, 12, and 21 and replace them with 7.5A.

I would also pull your headlight switch/dimmer to see if there are any wires tapped into it.

[AWDBOB]

I would remove the radio and inspect the wires for improper wiring. I suggest you remove all after market harnesses and re-do them. Also, check your fuses 10, 12, and 21 and replace them with 7.5A.

I would also pull your headlight switch/dimmer to see if there are any wires tapped into it.

Thanks a ton, I'll start there this weekend. Also, thanks for the pointers about the fuses!

[AWDBOB]

I would like to update this thread, as I'm still stumped.

I pulled everything apart to closer inspect the wiring. Nothing is tapped on the headlight/dimmer switch, however, I did notice that there was no fuse in spot 21, which is for the following things:

21 - 7.5 - Glovebox light
Flashlight
Ignition Key/Seat Belt warning
Interior Lights
Radio Memory
Trunk Light
Active Check Control
Service Interval Indicator
OBC
Fuel delivery
Tachometer/Fuel Economy Gauge
Digital Clock
Multi Function Clock

However, I put a fuse in spot 21, and the interior lights stayed on constantly, even with the key off. There are no tapped wires from the cluster, either. I don't know where the white wire connected to originally, as I can't find anything that looks like an empty connection.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

The white wire that is ran to the radio and the harness it comes from (underneath drivers panel, clutch side)



And I don't think it matters, but here's the hideous head unit wiring with some loose wires that apparently don't matter. I cut the connection off from the white wire to the radio and it still functioned perfectly fine.

[AndrewBird]

White wire is antenna turn on wire. Does your antenna go up when you turn the radio on?

Definitely looks like some screwy wiring. I'd follow this thread and try and get everything wired correctly first.

[AWDBOB]

White wire is antenna turn on wire. Does your antenna go up when you turn the radio on?

Definitely looks like some screwy wiring. I'd follow this thread and try and get everything wired correctly first.

Yep, just checked. Thanks for the cue on the antenna wire.

Going to follow that and get the radio wired up correctly first, for starters. It's a nightmare in there.