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Thread: Battery died and instrument cluster/OBC wont work

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    BMW 740i 2001

    Battery died and instrument cluster/OBC wont work

    Help! my battery died - left the key in the ignition overnight! Had it jumped and now the OBC won't let me program it and the instrment cluster won't display spedomter/odometer/gas gauge etc... it is practically dead. Do I need to reset this? is it a blown fuse (fuses)??? it is a 2001 740i.

  2. #2
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    98 528i 00 ML430
    Jumping a sophisticated car like the 740iL is a frowned upon. It is always recommended that you take the battery out and charge it out of the vehicle. Jumpstarting creates a power surge that the computer and electronics may not tolerate. I hope this has not happend to you.

    My suggestion is to take the battery out and charge it. After a good charge, start it up and drive around for about 10 miles. If all's well, that should be it. Keep us posted.

  3. #3
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    The car does run. I drove it for about 20 minutes after the jump start. Should I still take battery out and charge it? Or is that moot? The instrument panel is somewhat new (only about 1 year old). OBC is in km and celsius. does it sound like it is blown, if some of it works, but not all?

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    The MID can easily be changed between kilometers & miles...and the ambient temperature and HVAC temperature can be switched from Celcius to Fahrenheit.

    Here's how you switch the MID over from Kilometers to Miles:
    1. Turn ignition to position 2 (not position 1)
    2. Push the BC button on the MID until the OBC features appear
    3. Look at the far right of the MID and you should see MLS (miles) as one of the choices. It should be next to or near the SET button which is at the very far right.
    4. PRESS the MLS button and the OBC calculations will change from KM to MLS


    I don't have a pic of the MID's OBC features in my library of images...but I do have one showing the TIME features (see pic below)...you can see the SET button at the far right...and the 24H button just to the left of it. The MLS/KLS button is in the same location as the 24H button when you have the BC features pulled up on the display (instead of the TIME features):



    Here's how to change the ambient temp scale: the HVAC unit automatically changes to the same scale as the ambient temp scale that's selected



    If jump starting a BMW 7 series was NOT to be done...I wonder why the BMW engineers went thru all the trouble to design a remote jump start location under the hood...plus print directions on how to do it in the owners manual? Not refuting anyone...just wondering about these diverging opinions between "non jump-starters" and BMW engineers.

    Last edited by Qsilver7; 01-13-2008 at 11:56 PM.
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  5. #5
    Join Date
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    BMW 740i 2001
    I get the prompts to change it, but they will not take...It just stays at km & c, and the date/time will not set. I will try it again with the key in the proper position. It did start to take when I first tried to set it after the jump and then I accidentally pressed another button on the OBC before finishing (was probabaly just the menu button as I recall). I wonder if I should disconnect the battery and try to start over... I will keep you posted on my progress this morning! Thanks for the reassuring info on jump starting - I was worried all night about doing that!

  6. #6
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    Not meaning to sound simple...but do you have to press the SET button after entering or changing the MID? I can't remember off hand...but give it a try if it's not taking the change from KL to MLS.

    And the ignition positions are different for the mileage and temp scale. To change mileage from KM to MLS the ignition needs to be in position 2...to change the temp scale from Celcius to Fahrenheit...you press & hold the trip odometer button while turning the ignition to position 1 then back off.
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  7. #7
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    I had a similar problem with my e32. Disconnect the battery for a while (10 min should be enough, but maybe an hour to be sure). It should reset.
    Jay
    '84 M635CSi
    '86 M5
    '88 325i Cabrio

  8. #8
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    update

    I charged battery to full. And it solved problem. Was able to set Inc and instrument panel works! Thanks for helping.

  9. #9
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    Cool..and thanks for the follow up...its always good to know how things turned out.
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  10. #10
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    01 740i, 02 ML320, 02 FLHRCI, 80 911 SC

    You HAVE to be kidding me! But dammit...it worked.

    2001 E38 740i. Left the Sirius on while I was gone for a long weekend. Car dead as a doorknob. In a hurry, hooked a trickle charger at 12 amps to the front posts for ten minutes, turned it over, and it barely caught...but caught. Immediately noticed dash lights off, MID system dark, fuel gauge inop, Nav system in Spanish, massive bummers. Figured it needed a transplant. Drove it for nearly a week...battery fully recharged, or at least it started, and still, no dash and foreign language Nav.

    I live in a family of engineers. I read this silly post, and thought somebody had been hallucinating. Disconnecting and charging a battery should have no effect whatsoever. The electrical power should have been 12v...period. Shouldn't make a bit of difference whether it comes from the storage device, or trickles through the alternator. However, I had a few minutes, so I thought I would indulge this idiocy.

    As my great grandmother said..."Well shut my mouth!". Damn if it didn't work like a friggin' top. Dash back, system in English. All is good. Thanks for the tip. You saved me a transplant.

    Charles.

    PS...I am going to buy a lottery ticket, and I now also believe in UFO's.

  11. #11
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    I am having similar prblem

    Looks like I am having similar problem with my BMW x5, did your problem resolve without you have to disconnect the battrey?
    Thanks
    Manisha

    Quote Originally Posted by LABMW740i View Post
    I charged battery to full. And it solved problem. Was able to set Inc and instrument panel works! Thanks for helping.

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    Addressing Cluster Gauge Failures and Onboard Computer Display Going Blank

    After jumpstarting my 2002 X5 experienced conditions including:
    -Instrument Cluster Gauges Not Functioning, specifically Gas and RPM
    -Onboard Computer Display Not Functioning, No Odometer Display or any other LED lights at all.
    -Temperature Display reset to Celsius

    Fixed all issues above by:

    1. Turning car off
    2. Taking out fuses for Instrument Cluster - ON 2002 BMW X5 they were 1, 43, 45
    3. Turning ignition to position 2. You can try and crank it, but mine wouldn't turn over.
    4. Turn car off
    5. Reinsert fuses from step 2.
    6. All functions are reactivated.

    Hope this might help LABMW740i or others that stumble across same issue.

  13. #13
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    1999 BMW 540i Sedan

    Exclamation Battery Died/nothing works

    I worked i my 540i , replaced the front right window regulator, so I disconnected the battery because of the air bag in the door, well when i finished the battery was dead ! so i jumped the car from under the hood and nothing was the same. the instrument panel was dead, the radio was dead, the car is misfiring (thou i don't know is the misfire is related)

    Please advise

  14. #14
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    How can your battery die when it's disconnected?

    You have to little power in the battery.

    You should ask this in the E39 section though

    Have a technical question, don't send me a PM but post it on the board so others can benefit from it!

  15. #15
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    (EDIT: ahhh...Edwin you beat me to the same question. )

    Quote Originally Posted by 99bmw540i
    I worked i my 540i , replaced the front right window regulator, so I disconnected the battery because of the air bag in the door, well when i finished the battery was dead ! so i jumped the car from under the hood and nothing was the same. the instrument panel was dead, the radio was dead, the car is misfiring (thou i don't know is the misfire is related)

    Please advise
    How can a battery die when it's been disconnected? There's nothing that can drain or put a draw on its power. It would be like saying that you removed the batteries from a working flashlight, then when you reinserted them...they had drained while sitting on the counter.

    Make sure that when you reconnected the battery (in the trunk), that the cables are tightened sufficiently to each post. (did you undo the negative & positive cable...or just the negative cable?)

    And to 99bmw540i... welcome...and I applaud the fact that you took the time to search past threads for an answer...but be mindful that asking a NEW question in an OLD thread is NOT the best way to get answers to your questions. And in this case...you asked a question in a thread that is not model specific to you car. Again, this is why it's better to ask your question in a new thread on the proper forum if you've found info that needs clarification/explanation while searching. If you think the OLD thread is necessary in explaining your situations...you can always copy & paste the URL of the thread in your NEW post...that way...those replying to your inquiry, can click on it to verify what it is that you read.

    Search, then if you have a new question...start your OWN thread...that way if you start to get responses and questions...they will be geared directly toward your situation. Sometimes people will respond to a thread without noticing the date...and start answering questions that other people may have asked. Which in this case could go back TWO YEARS AGO...those people may not even be on the board any longer...thus filling the thread with useless replies etc.
    Last edited by Qsilver7; 04-10-2010 at 02:37 PM.
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  16. #16
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    When he replies, Ill chop this out and relocate to E39 board...
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  17. #17
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    Angry 740il rpm and mpg guages not working?

    Hi i recently bought this car and it runs like an ultimate machine but i am having issues with my rpm and mpg gauges they dont work i know its not the cluster it self got a new one installed but when i do the cluster test 02 they all go up and down so the gauges seem to b working fine.what could possibly cause this?

  18. #18
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    I registered to specifically say thanks to tcbmwx5 for his post. BMW specialist (LOLS) Mechanic said I needed to go to dealer for replacement instrument panel @ around $1000. Followed tcbmwx5's procedure and fixed it myself.

    U da man!

  19. #19
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    Thanks tcbmwx5

    Thanks for your advise. My dealership wanted to charge me $1000 to fix instrument cluster problem caused by jumpstarting. Said no and registered with this forum and found how to fix it in 5 minutes using tcbmwx5 instruction. I will buy you a beer whenever you are in my area.

    Oh the fuse number for 2001 525i is 18,24 & 40

    Quote Originally Posted by tcbmwx5 View Post
    After jumpstarting my 2002 X5 experienced conditions including:
    -Instrument Cluster Gauges Not Functioning, specifically Gas and RPM
    -Onboard Computer Display Not Functioning, No Odometer Display or any other LED lights at all.
    -Temperature Display reset to Celsius

    Fixed all issues above by:

    1. Turning car off
    2. Taking out fuses for Instrument Cluster - ON 2002 BMW X5 they were 1, 43, 45
    3. Turning ignition to position 2. You can try and crank it, but mine wouldn't turn over.
    4. Turn car off
    5. Reinsert fuses from step 2.
    6. All functions are reactivated.

    Hope this might help LABMW740i or others that stumble across same issue.

  20. #20
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    Need some help here, I have a 2005 X5, got it jump start last night. Now the instrumental panel has the problem

    all LED display are gone
    gas gauge is not working
    RPM gauge is not working
    clock/date on the center console is not working

    what is working is

    speed gauge
    engine temprature gauge
    cd/radio display on the center console

    so, which fuze should I try to disconnect/reset? where to find the fuze box? THanks a lot.

  21. #21
    Join Date
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    2001 BMW X5 4.4I

    2001 BMW X5 gauges issues

    Wife left lights on her 2001 BMW X5 4.4i on over night and it killed battery. We got the battery charged, but now Gauges, Dash lights, Nav screen setting for Date, time, miles, etc don't work any more. Any help please?! Dealership is trying to charge me $1000!

    Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by nicendeasy525i View Post
    Thanks for your advise. My dealership wanted to charge me $1000 to fix instrument cluster problem caused by jumpstarting. Said no and registered with this forum and found how to fix it in 5 minutes using tcbmwx5 instruction. I will buy you a beer whenever you are in my area.

    Oh the fuse number for 2001 525i is 18,24 & 40
    You by any chance know what fuses I would need to remove on a 2001 BMW X5 4.4i Thanks?

    Quote Originally Posted by tcbmwx5 View Post
    After jumpstarting my 2002 X5 experienced conditions including:
    -Instrument Cluster Gauges Not Functioning, specifically Gas and RPM
    -Onboard Computer Display Not Functioning, No Odometer Display or any other LED lights at all.
    -Temperature Display reset to Celsius

    Fixed all issues above by:

    1. Turning car off
    2. Taking out fuses for Instrument Cluster - ON 2002 BMW X5 they were 1, 43, 45
    3. Turning ignition to position 2. You can try and crank it, but mine wouldn't turn over.
    4. Turn car off
    5. Reinsert fuses from step 2.
    6. All functions are reactivated.

    Hope this might help LABMW740i or others that stumble across same issue.
    You by any chance know what fuses I would need to remove on a 2001 BMW X5 4.4i, and where i may locate the fuse box? Thanks.
    Last edited by Bugz1; 01-19-2013 at 11:51 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  22. #22
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    Did you jump start this car? If you read this whe thread, know that the battery must be charged fully. I don't know if the fuses are the same, but your owners manual in the glove box can confirm it, and tell you where the fusebox is.
    99 540iT, Jet Black on Black. Dinan mods ( CAI, MAF, TB, Brace, Stage 4 engine and tranny software ). 00 750iL, Jet Black on Black. MPars, Sport Steering wheel, alpina replica lip. 05 Mini S, Dinan CAI, Strut brace, UUC exhaust.

  23. #23
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    Pulling fuse 43 and 45 only (fuse 1 was hard to remove so I tried without it) with the car off, then reinserting and starting up fixed the cluster problem for me.
    bmwpower / bmwcca 147895 / 05 X5 / 99 M3 / 90 535i / 89 325is track project

  24. #24
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    Thanks tcbmwx5

    I just applied your instructions and Wa-La ... fixed!
    You saved me a bundle ... if we ever meet, I owe you a cold one.

  25. #25
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    Followed Instrucions from tcbmwx5 and niceandeasy525i and got everything back in order on my 2003 530. Thanks guys!

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