Euro Cluster Engine Light?

[Benzg1818]

Done a small amount of research on my 1992 318is, trying to troubleshoot some random problems with the car. Was trying to do the "Stomp" test but with no luck at all. Did some digging into it and found that apparently European models (I live in Australia) didn't come with the engine light wired in. Took out my cluster and checked for a bulb in the correct position (there was a globe there). Tried swapping globes to see if it was blown, the globe did in fact work in other sockets. So i deduced that its something to do with the cluster. Found some people disusing the same issue, apparently you can get the socket to work properly. Is this easy to wire up, seen a few people say you can do it but not 100% confident of my abilities nor if the process is worth my time.

Cheers Ben

[ultimatetester]

So how do you know the check engine light should be turned on?

[jc43089]

A clue might be does the check engine light turn on for a second when you turn the key to run and then turn off? That is a self test.

[MParallel]

There's nothing to check. EU models don't have a "Check Engine" light. It has Check Control light that comes on with OBC prio 1 and 2 warnings. Where on 1 it can't be turned off, on 2 it goes off when you hit the check button.

[E36328Coupe]

This is correct, there is no light.

However, the Euro 325 has the capability and is just missing the bulb and the wire from the X20 to the bulb.

You can therefore do the stomp test on a euro E36 325 if you either add the above or stab a test lamp (it is switched earth IIRC) into the X20 at the correct wire.

IF the US 318 had the engine warning lamp you might be able to get it with a flash but you could also be missing extra lambda sensors and be in a world of pain

OP if you have a right hand Euro car you would be better off on the .co.uk site

[Benzg1818]

Yeah light doesnt turn on at all even when turning on the car. This is what made me suss in the first place. Car does run but pretty poorly. bought it for next to nothing and am trying to get it up to scratch. Not a big deal but was just wondering if it was something you can change or not. Can you swapm clusters to a US spec on or is it more complicated then that?

[E36328Coupe]

^ Already given you all the info you need. How would swapping a cluster magically connect the cluster to the ECU and magically install firmware on the ECU to operate a light?

If you want to see all the bulbs light up for no good reason do the "cluster test" (google or you tube)