1985 325e cluster problems again!!!

[goyal99]

Hello everyone

I have replaced the 2 Varta batteries in the bakc of the instrument panel and the cluster speedo worked for a while (4 months I think) and now it's not working again.

Only the speedo is not working at all, everything else on the cluster seems to work...My question is : can I replace those 2 batteries with regular AA batteries or do I need to buy special Varta rechargable batteries???

Does anyone have a procedure on how to install a remote battery holder to be able to change the batteries without removing the cluster everytime??

Thanks for your time - VK

[KC Ron Carter]

the speedo sender connector on the aft face of the differential is a big cause of speedo issues.

After cleaning the aft connector,if still not working I would check the connector on the back of the cluster. It is C2.

The c2 connector is the big white one.
The speedo uses pins 10 and 19 on that connector.

Here is the SI battery information but I am sure you will not need it this time.

SI reset and batteries

With the ignition switch at (position two) and the engine not running, grounding pin seven #7 of the diagnostic connector to pin one #1 for approximately three (3) seconds will reset the oil service lights. Grounding pin seven #7 to pin one #1 for approximately twelve (12) seconds will do an inspection service reset.

More information.

http://www.specialistcarsbmw.co.uk/stevenage/service/service_lights.htm


http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif


1. Ground
4. Temperature sensor
7. Reset
8. TDC sensor yellow
9. TDC sensor shield
10.TDC sensor black
11.Start signal
12.Alternator charging excitation voltage
13.Ignition coil
14.Alternator charging supply current
15.Oxygen Heater

It will signal an oil change need between 5k and 7k depending on your indicated speed since the last reset. It will signal stealer inspections at all the predesignated miles.



http://www.eskimo.com/~dalus/bmw/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html




SI Board Swap Out

Last but not least - the SI Board. Above is a new SI Board with lithium batteries and below is the old one. Note the blown battery on the old SI Board (green circle). The light blue rectangle shows the actual service indicator LED's which appear on your dash display. These LED's are mounted on a separate circuit board which must be pulled out of the old SI Board and plugged into the new one. This is an easy task. The purple arrow shows the orientation of the SI Board relative to the driver.


If it fails to reset then you need batteries.

Varta battery 500RST OE part.

Radio Shack: part number 23-191: $6.49 for set of two; they come w/solder tabs on them.

1.2 volts / 700mAh

Charge fully B4 installation on SI board.

Consider mounting batteries "remotely" under dash, etc. in separate holder for easy removal in future (i.e. not pulling the console out and apart); you can buy a plastic holder at RS. Run leadwires from holder to SI board connections. Makes life easy if you ever need to replace batteries again.

From Radio Shack, get:
1) You'll need a twin AA battery holder ($3)
2) 2 AA NiCAD rechargeable batteries ($6)

Later,