Dash lights off, no blown fuses

[Mastrcruse]

I have had a problem for a while now.

All the "dimmable" lights are out on my dash. First it was everything including the OBC, window/heated seat switches, and glovebox light.

Found a bad fuse, got the OBC, window/heated seat and glovebox lights to work about. No fuses are blown now.

When I turn on my lights, the OBC (I think I still see it), either dims A LOT and can barely be seen and my gauge back lights aren't on.

The warning lights on the bottom of the cluster are bright but the backlights are off.

Any suggestions? I have been trying a couple things, like rechecking the fuses but nothin.

Thanks in advance

[Mike325]

Hey man. I would start looking at possibly a bad light switch. Could not be sending the current to turn the lights on. They will not dim or light up at all when you turn it?

[Mastrcruse]

Correct, no dimming (actually seems like the OBC is still there but VERY faint) and no lighting up.

OBC is bright as day when I dont' have the front lights on but when they are the gauge cluster isn't lit and the OBC fades till almost non-existence.

[Mike325]

I vote bad light switch.

[Court M3]

bad light switch

[Mastrcruse]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BB13&mospid=47326&btnr=61_0764&hg=61&fg=35

New number 6 would do it then? Thanks guys for the input.

Just cause I am picky. If I bought a new # 7 would it have the white etching in it (since it would be new)? I can't tell if our cars came with the white or not since mine is black...or now that I think about it maybe I am thinking about the wrong button.

[Mike325]

Yes. Number 6 and 7 is correct. I think they do come with white on the button too.

[Mastrcruse]

I just noticed that there are different part numbers.

Which would an 88 convertible use? I see the up to and From statements but these aren't always right for the convertibles, before I buy I want to make sure I am buying the right thing.


06 LIGHT SWITCH 1 "UP TO" 09/1987 61311376001 $82.86
06 LIGHT SWITCH 1 "FROM" 09/1987 61311377281 $41.01

[Mike325]

Look at the build date on the little black sticker in your front driver's door jam. There it will say month/year. Then you should be all set in knowing which one to get. Hopefully it is the cheaper one.

[Mastrcruse]

I found this in my VIN decode. Would this be the date that I need or would it be something different on my car? I haven't been by my car but thought I'd ask.

Prod. date 1988-05-30

That would put me at the $41.00 one then! Yea

[Tree18is]

my 318is had a blown out bulb on the speedo side, replaced it and BAM!
alllll good. i also did the same trouble shooting tree that you did.. so check that. i got new bulbs at auto zone and it was as good as new

You know the bulbs under-neath the orange covers that illuminate the housing in "our" red.

[Mastrcruse]

Yea, I was also thinking about that too. I'll check them out. Thanks for the heads up.