E36 instrument cluster test

[acbx]

I know this sort of not warrants a thread, but ok, for the life of me I can't seem to get this to work. The OBC unlock functions works fine and dandy but I really want to see that digital engine rpm/speedo. :( Can't seem to get to the instrument cluster test, maybe my OBD1 EWS2 95 instrument cluster just doesn't want to do it?

I press the trip reset button, hold it, mileage lights up, put in the key and turn it to accesories, you know where all the lights light up, and nothing happens. I've been attempting it for like 30 mins now and it's just bugging me that I can't get it to work! It's like trying to get to dyno mode in my brothers e500 (completely disables Mercedes nannys traction control, lotsafun), took me forever to figure out how to do the sequence right. :shifty

Anybody ran into this not working?

[flyfishvt]

Your car has to be OBDII. OBDI cars don't have the tests you're looking for

[slocar]

^ Is this controlled by the DME or by the cluster? My car is OBD2 and has an OBD1 cluster (5/92) .. it goes into the test mode just fine doing what OP describes. :dunno

[Marv17]

What are the different "tests"? What modes do what?

[PpRecuero]

Your car has to be OBDII. OBDI cars don't have the tests you're looking for

I have OBDI and I can get the tests OP mentions, in the way he mentions them...

[acbx]

I don't know, after reading some people's results I think it's sort of a hit or miss thing whether it will work on your car or not. I wish I had extra clusters to test that theory but unfortunately I'm too lazy to get spares but more because it means I have to pay for it since instrumental clusters are too big to pocket from a junkyard.:dunno

Maybe there's a different way to do it on my car? I doubt it. :shifty

[PpRecuero]

Let's ask Saint Google for that... Although I think there's no other way...

[flyfishvt]

There are 2 possible tests availabe on the cluster. The first is a self diagnostic test. Press and hold the reset button while you turn the ignition to position 1. Once the odometer display starts to change you can release the button and watch it test all the lights and gauges in the cluster. This test is available on all e36 clusters. The second test isn't really a test. It allows you to access additional functions and data. Very similar to the hidden functions in the OBC. I have owned 4 OBDI cars....92,93,94 and 95. That second set of tests/data/functions is not available on OBDI clusters. I currently have a 94 325 I'm working on and I just tried this last week. The only thing available is the self diagnostic. OP wants to change the display and it wont work on an OBDI car. At least it wont work with stock parts. Ive never tried to put a OBDII cluster into an OBDI car.

[acbx]

Hmm interesting. So the self diagnostic test should be available on all cars (OBD1 and OBD2)? I must be doing something wrong because I can't get to the self diagnostic test.

[hlmiii]

There are 2 possible tests availabe on the cluster. ... That second set of tests/data/functions is not available on OBDI clusters. ... OP wants to change the display and it wont work on an OBDI car. At least it wont work with stock parts.All of this is 100% correct. Verified from hours of work, much of it frustrating, parts swap, talking to BMW techs, and online research and documents.


Ive never tried to put a OBDII cluster into an OBDI car.Again - not possible, due to chip difference (I cluster has no chip, nor any way of adding one; II cluster has a chip and cannot interface with car without one.)

BTW - The ONLY way to change out the cluster on an OBDI car and display the correct, original mileage, is to purchase a new one and have it set up by dealer at the time of initial power up.

[acbx]

Interesting, I guess there's no way unless a lot of work wants to be involved, not worth it I think. Oh well I guess. It was a cool gimmick though. :)

Also OT but hlmiii I see you're in sugarland, we're having our seasonly meet for Houston BMW club at August 3, you should come swing by if you have the time. :D

[hlmiii]

Hey, thanks, acbx.
:)

You are correct - I should go. My '99 Techno hasn't been for a drive in a while.
And there's something new coming soon that you might find interesting. :D

August is out, though. I will be in Chicago for (yet another) Lollapalooza.

Maybe next time? When and where would that be??
Thanks.

[acbx]

They hold it once every season, summer/fall/spring/winter. I rarely see techno-violet m3s here in houston, in fact I've only seen one e36 m3 in that color and it was at the auto-x. Well anyways if you can't make it this time, maybe in the winter. If you have FB they usually have the date listed up on here, it's usually held at costco parking lot somewhere in downtown Houston. :Dhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/HoustonBMWClub/
Here was our summer one, pretty good turnout. :) http://i.imgur.com/54LR3qrh.jpg

[TipsyMcStagger]

Bump

Is there any significance to the values that are indicated in the odometer display during the self test while "2" through "6" are indicated?

Tipsy

EDIT: Found this in another thread;

This is what the 6 numbers mean:

1st display: BMW PART NUMBER (6 digits)
2nd display: CODE NUMBER (5 digits) Internal Coding Plug #
3rd display: K NUMBER (4 digits)
4th display: CHASSIS NUMBER (5 digits) this is part of your VIN
5th display: SOFTWARE VERSION (3 digits)
6th display: REVISION INDEX (2 digits) Hardware #

[JDStrickland]

Press and hold the odometer reset button
Turn the key to Position I (ACC).
Continue to hold the odometer reset until the display changes. Release the odometer reset and the instrument (odometer window) will display factory information. The speedometer and tachometer needles and the fuel and temp gauges will swing to full scale and back to home position.

My Bentley manual says to turn the key first, then press the odometer reset button. But my car worked as I described, and not how the manual says it should.

[graphikg]

Reviving an OOOOooollddd thread due to searching. My E36 M3 cluster temp gauge is failing. No, not a stuck open thermostat and not the temp sensor on block or radiator. I tried the cluster test and the temp gauge does not even move past the 1/4 mark during the test - Fail.

So quick question. What are my options to fix this? New/used working cluster? Or can I pull the temp gauge off another cluster from the junkyard and replace it? Maybe I will go Euro cluster to get the oil temp feature. What are my options here?

[E36328Coupe]

Again - not possible, due to chip difference (I cluster has no chip, nor any way of adding one; II cluster has a chip and cannot interface with car without one.)Completely wrong the cluster with coding chip can be put into an older car. There is a BMW tech note for it and even a part number for the wire that needs adding (clamps onto one wire on another connector and jumped across)

- - - Updated - - -


Reviving an OOOOooollddd thread due to searching. My E36 M3 cluster temp gauge is failing. No, not a stuck open thermostat and not the temp sensor on block or radiator. I tried the cluster test and the temp gauge does not even move past the 1/4 mark during the test - Fail.

So quick question. What are my options to fix this? New/used working cluster? Or can I pull the temp gauge off another cluster from the junkyard and replace it? Maybe I will go Euro cluster to get the oil temp feature. What are my options here?I've had this on two black plastic backed clusters. Both times fixed by sweating the pads the temp gauge contacts on the board are attached to and tightening the springy ends. First cluster lasted another say 5 or so years before total failure of everything which they are known for.

[graphikg]

E36328Coupe --- Thanks! I will try it. PM'd you hoping to get more instruction/insight on this.

[E36328Coupe]

E36328Coupe --- Thanks! I will try it. PM'd you hoping to get more instruction/insight on this.Replied to PM. I think I may have uploaded some pictures on bimmerforums.co.uk