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Thread: E46 instrument cluster issues

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    E46 instrument cluster issues

    I’ve seen a few post related to this issue but non that match my problems. Ok so yesterday I started my car to notice the turn signal indicator on my instrument cluster are not coming on. My turn signals work fine but it doesn’t appear on my instrument cluster. something else to note is that my trunk release button stops working at random since yesterday and also the back lighting on my instrument cluster comes on sometimes. I tried removing the fuses for the instrument cluster does not seem to make a difference. I also unplugged the battery over night and the weird thing is that my radio displayed disabled but it went away after I turn the car off and on again. I’m very lost as to what else to attempt plz give me your thoughts
    Ps. The clock on my radio doesn’t come on anymore neither. And also after performing the instrument test all my lights and gauges come on.

  2. #2
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    Google “BMW E46 hidden OBC functions.” Test #9 will show you the voltage as seen by the engine computer (DME). Check and report back the voltages when the:
    - ignition switch is in the run position with the engine OFF
    - engine idling - engine revving at 2000 rpm.

    These cars are rolling computers. Whacky voltages cause whacky issues. How old is the battery?

  3. #3
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    Google “BMW E46 hidden OBC functions.” Test #9 will show you the voltage as seen by the engine computer (DME). Check and report back the voltages when the:
    - ignition switch is in the run position with the engine OFF
    - engine idling - engine revving at 2000 rpm.

    These cars are rolling computers. Whacky voltages cause whacky issues. How old is the battery?

  4. #4
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    Update ok so today my windows stopped working for a bit. Then I got frustrated and gave the dash a little “love tap” and everything started working again. I’m thinking this is just a temporary thing and I need to find the culprit.

  5. #5
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    I did the voltage test and this what I came up with. At idle I ranges from 13.9 to 14.0 volts, with the engine off it ranges from 12.5 to 12.7 volts. When I rev the engine to 2k the voltage also stays at 13.9 and jumps to 14.0 volts. I don’t really know how old the battery is since i just recently purchased the car.

  6. #6
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    The idling voltage is low. I’m betting the battery is toast.

  7. #7
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    Ok ima try that, I don’t really know about car battery’s can you telling me what brand I should get. I believe the one in the car is Bosch.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini View Post
    The idling voltage is low. I’m betting the battery is toast.
    What? 13.9-14.0 is damn near perfect.

    His problem sounds more like a k-bus issue.
    Last edited by TerraPhantm; 10-01-2018 at 10:52 AM.

  9. #9
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    I’m not sure how to go about checking the k-bus.

  10. #10
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    Update so today I got a gear light nexts to the drive symbol on my instrameant cluster. I look online and people say most of the time that’s because of a faulty battery. Can anyone confirm

  11. #11
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    Ooops! TF, you are correct.

    Go to www.bmwgm5.com to get the “troubleshooting the k bus” document.

  12. #12
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    nominal voltage with engine off should be around 13.4 volts. it will vary with temp , but your battery sounds suspect to me unless it’s not getting charged well.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by targaone View Post
    nominal voltage with engine off should be around 13.4 volts. it will vary with temp , but your battery sounds suspect to me unless it’s not getting charged well.
    I have never seen a single E46 have a resting battery voltage that high. Usually it's 12.5v regardless of the age of the battery, and I've run such batteries for 10+ years. Anything above 12v should be enough to not cause electrical issues.

  14. #14
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    When I first bought the car it the battery died on me twice, I took it to auto zone and they recharged it for me, after then it’s been ok. Ps there’s a sticker on the batter that says October 2015 I’m guessing that’s when it was made correct me if I’m wrong.

  15. #15
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    So far after buying that car I fixed a vacuum leak, coolant leak, changed the belts , spark plugs, ignition coils , control arm bushings. Also replaced the radiator because the oem one was leaking. Final thing only list is finding this vibration I get at low Rpms I believe it’s my center support or guibo so I’m just gonna replace them both.

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