fuel gauge wiring

[DTRguy]

Hey all... I have done some searching and I can't seem to figure out what is the problem with my fuel gauge. The wiring diagram doesn't match my car exactly. That is problem no. 1. Basically, I have an 89 325i four door that the fuel gauge only flickers but basically stays on the dead empty spot. I have checked the board, batteries, reflowed the contacts, switched out the gauges for a known good gauge, same with the sender. Which leaves only the wiring to check out. But, alas my diagram doesn't match up with the wiring I have in the car. So tracing wires has left me scratching my head. If I jumper the 12v source to ground the light comes on (that's good at least). But the br/grn wire in plug position 2 doesn't make any direct run into the gauge cluster (that I can tell with checking) anywhere and the wiring appears to be untouched. Any ideas? Does anyone have a more complete diagram than the Bentley? It seems that this volume is a little lackluster in the wiring info dept.

[rs4pro3]

here you go, that's out of the ETM

[DTRguy]

Thanks... I will disect that and tear into the problem. See, it seems that there are two brown w/ green wires that are in the back and on the harness leading up to the plug. HOwever only one goes to the sender (but doesn't go to the guage) and vice versa. Even that diagram is a little weird as there isn't two br/grn wires going to (my) cluster. What is the dotted line that is connecting? And, where can I get the complete set of those diagrams as I now have an additional issue with the diagram on the oil level sensor. The diagram has the ground not labled, 1 and 2 being sensor wires but on the diagnostic, it says 1 and 3 (through interpretation) is sensor because 2 is (as wired) ground. WTF is with this Bentley???

[DTRguy]

looky there! There is TWO COUNT THEM TWO SENSORS! Yeah the Benley didn't say anything about that. And when I grounded that BAM the guage worked. So, probably now I can replace that sendor and that "should" fix this issue.

[rs4pro3]

yep, two level senders as the diagram shows. That picture is from the factory electrical manuals for these cars, you can buy a hard bound copy at the dealer or electronic copies online threw ebay

[Dave]

Kevin - I emailed you those wiring diagrams a long time ago!!!!!! :p

Guess you forgot.

Thanks for helping my boy out there, Ely.