Gauge cluster startup

[spoolin318i]

So I have recently been getting a coolant light show up on my obc and check engine light is on as well. It has plenty of coolant and the temp gauge is stuck to cold the entire time (doesnt move at all-even at startup). Anyone have any ideas? New gauge cluster time? I know I also just had a anti lock brake light show up so im thinking that might be whats throwing the code. I dont really know where to start. Any ideas?

[AndrewBird]

Might be a ground on the back of the gauge. They are know for coming loose and causing gauges to not work/read incorrectly.

[spoolin318i]

Sounds like somewhere to start. Today the check engine light stopped blinking then started again next startup. Does the temp gauge have to warm up or does it just start in the middle of the temp upon startup?

Anyone got any pics of the ground wire on the back of the gauges? What is the best way to remedy the sittuation if it is as described?

[equate975]

Maybe the float broke off the sender for the coolant level. Happened on my e30.

[spoolin318i]

Maybe the float broke off the sender for the coolant level. Happened on my e30.

float? not familiar with that part. Where exactly would it be loacted?

[Fidhle007]

I think you're refering to the "CHECK" light in the center of the cluster, this indicates that you have a warning light on your check control panel (above the mirror) and will go away when you hit the "CHECK" button.

[spoolin318i]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJtUZmMWebo

Having a problem with my '86 325e

Upon startup the coolant light (OBC) stays on and check engine light comes on as well (I think maybe due to ABS failure as the light indicates in video). Odometer has stopped working before I bought it so I am thinking I have a cluster problem that just needs to be replaced. I also noticed that when the key is turned half way on to turn on the accs. the entire bottom part of cluster does not light up like on my E36. Im thinking it smells like a gauge cluster problem since the odometer isnt working to begin with. Any opinions?

Considering that alot of lights dont seem to light up upon accs. on and the odometer and coolant temp gauge dont seem to be working, do you think its time for a new cluster?

[Fidhle007]

Dude, that is NOT the check engine light, I just explained that. That light alerts you to the fact that you have warning lights on on the Check Control Panel. The brake light is normal, it will come on at startup and go off when you step on the brake pedal.

As for the coolant light, check your coolant level sensor.

[Fidhle007]

As for the ABS light, take it to a shop and have them plug it in.

[spoolin318i]

Dude, that is NOT the check engine light, I just explained that. That light alerts you to the fact that you have warning lights on on the Check Control Panel. The brake light is normal, it will come on at startup and go off when you step on the brake pedal.

As for the coolant light, check your coolant level sensor.

There seems to be a misunderstanding.

I understood what you said about the board with the lights. My problem was that on the BOTTOM of the cluster the only lights that come on are the antilock brake light and the battery light when the key is turned halfway, therefore I am assuming a good portion of the other features cannot be seen if it is not working correctly. I was trying to link that and the fact that the odometer has failed to possibly time for a new cluster.

Thanks for the help BTW

[Fidhle007]

I was referencing your video where you kept talking about the check engine light.

it may be time for a new cluster, but you might want to check the coolant level sensor too because the coolant warning light is separate from the cluster.

[spoolin318i]

I was referencing your video where you kept talking about the check engine light.

it may be time for a new cluster, but you might want to check the coolant level sensor too because the coolant warning light is separate from the cluster.

I should have mentioned I shot the video before your post

twas my fault

[Fidhle007]

Haha, no worries!

[FreedS4]

Also, make sure all of the screws/nuts are tight. I went back and made sure all of them were tight and it "fixed" the temp, tach, and fuel gauges. The nuts on the temp and fuel gauges like to back themselves out.

c.freed