Gauges Not Working

[Bullhead]

I just traded for a 87 325e and the gauges were working last week. Now with the battery installed the radio stays on with the CODE lit up with the ignition switch in the fully off postilion and when I start the car all of the warning lights are on and none of the gauges work except the speedo, I assume it still functions because it is mechanically driven. The window switches don't work either but the power mirrors work. The guy I traded was decently honest and I don't think he lied to me about he had no clue. Sense the car still runs I don't think it's has anything to do with the engine electrical. Is their a relay or fuse or something that would cause this? I will take a pic of the lights that come on while it is running.

[Navarone]

CODE means the radio went into it's security mode, like if it got stolen it would be without power and it would need a code to unlock it. Go to BMW with your proof of ownership and ask for the code, they'll have it on file unless the radio was swapped from another car. If that's the case then they might pull the radio and check it's serial number and give you the code, but not likely. Staying on while the key is off im not so sure about, someone could have screwed up the constant 12v / acc wiring.

Power windows have a breaker in the dash near the radio, the symbol is probably warn off, but when it's tripped you can see a red outline around the button where it would push into the housing when you reset it.

The gauges not working is from what's called the SI (service indicator) board. It has onboard rechargeable batteries that die over time and cause all kinds of funny problems with the gauges. It could also be cold solder joints on the board itself. If I recall correctly, the gas, temp, and tach stop working. The entire gauge cluster is electronic, there is no spedo cable to the rear.

The warning lights I'm not so sure about, maybe it could be SI board problems, which you can resolder yourself, or send out to be completely overhauled by garagistic or bavrest I think, or it could be actual warnings like low oil pressure etc. so watch out.

[Bullhead]

CODE means the radio went into it's security mode, like if it got stolen it would be without power and it would need a code to unlock it. Go to BMW with your proof of ownership and ask for the code, they'll have it on file unless the radio was swapped from another car. If that's the case then they might pull the radio and check it's serial number and give you the code, but not likely. Staying on while the key is off im not so sure about, someone could have screwed up the constant 12v / acc wiring.

Power windows have a breaker in the dash near the radio, the symbol is probably warn off, but when it's tripped you can see a red outline around the button where it would push into the housing when you reset it.

The gauges not working is from what's called the SI (service indicator) board. It has onboard rechargeable batteries that die over time and cause all kinds of funny problems with the gauges. It could also be cold solder joints on the board itself. If I recall correctly, the gas, temp, and tach stop working. The entire gauge cluster is electronic, there is no spedo cable to the rear.

The warning lights I'm not so sure about, maybe it could be SI board problems, which you can resolder yourself, or send out to be completely overhauled by garagistic or bavrest I think, or it could be actual warnings like low oil pressure etc. so watch out.

Thanks I will check that out. I have already replaced the radio per the instructions in the stickies :) I need to order the batteries radio shack doesn't carry them in store anymore.

[Bullhead]

Ok here's what I got, it was dark so I turned on the lights and the window switches were lit up. When I pushed the power window breaker where it showed red the window switches went out, then when I pushed it back in the lights in the switches came back on but the windows were still non active, they don't even grunt or try to do anything not even a buzz.
I would like to order those aa Nicd batteries if anyone knows a good spot and a part number.

[itskingsteelo]

My gauges weren't working when I reached my starter not too long ago, all I did was take out and place back the fuses

[Bullhead]

My gauges weren't working when I reached my starter not too long ago, all I did was take out and place back the fuses

I tried that lol, but no dice. I have thought of replacing the rest of the stock fuses but they look better made than the ones you can get at your local parts store.

[Navarone]

You can take out the window switches really easily and test for continuity and voltage on the output pins and the wires going to the motor. I've seen someone even blow the switches apart, clean and adjust the contacts and get em working.

Get a Bentley manual and a wiring specific manual and start troubleshooting all your problems.

[Gregs///M]

I tried that lol, but no dice. I have thought of replacing the rest of the stock fuses but they look better made than the ones you can get at your local parts store.

Replace fuse 10, 12, and 21 with new and your gauges might work again. However, from your situation, the SI board batteries are most likely dead.

[Bullhead]

Thank you sirs :)