A couple of corrections, first the connector on (archive)
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Posted by Bill R. on March 19, 2001 at 00:33:40:
In Reply to: Re: Fuel & Temp. gauges not lit anymore. How t posted by Jim -TX on March 18, 2001 at 23:15:56:
(posted from: cx800837-a.tucson1.az.home.com (24.177.218.119))
bottom of the steering column for the airbag should be disconnected first. Remove the screws holding the plastic halves on the steering and you'll see a yellow connector on the bottom, Disconnect this first after disconnecting the battery. Then remove airbag etc. Next the wheel won't come off unless you turn the key to the on position.... Next the e34s don't have battery's in the instrument cluster and there are a ton of bulbs in there you can change while your at it. Something like 19 total. Next the bulbs in the light switchs are replaceable, its just a little tougher. You have to unsolder and replace them with either 14v amber bulbs from model trains or use LEDs and a resistor. I have done both. Compared to the prices of the switches, theres always a way to change the bulbs. You can see some of the bulbs here on Brunos site.
You'll have to pull the entire instrument cluster to access the bulbs. FIRST disonnect the battery. This will prevent damage to the SI board on the cluster and air bag deployment.
You'll have to move the steering wheel. This can be done by either dropping the entire steering shaft with the wheel on from below the dash and then removing the screws from the top of the cluster and pull forward on the cluster to access the electrical connectors. It's tight but can be done.
Or pull the steering wheel. If you have an air bag you'll have to use a torx driver to remove the four screws from the backside to remove it.
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN WORKING WIH AIRBAGS. STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN CAUSE THEM TO DETONATE IN YOUR FACE. NEVER WORK ON AIR BAG WHILE SITTING IN THE SEAT. ALWAYS WORK FROM THE SIDE. I've seen some nasty black eyes and borken noses from detonation in the face.
Once the bag is unbolted, gently pull it forward and locate the plug. Unplug it and gently lift the bag out.
Watch out for additional clips that may be used to position the bag. Be sure to mark the steering wheel shaft and wheel before removal so when you put it back it'll align correctly. Also watch out for the horn contact plates and spring. They have to be aligned exactly for the horn to work correctly.
You'll probably want to replace all the bulbs while you have the cluster open. And if the cluster has them I'd consider replacing the backup batteries too. They are Nickel Cadmiums and you can get Lithium Ion for replacements. A bit more money but they last three times longer. The batteries are soldered in, so you'll have to de-solder the old ones first. Soldering in the new ones can be tricky.
The fog lamp switch has an integrated lamp & bulb in the rocker switch. Some switches allow for the bulb to be replaced. Others require an entire new switch. You'll have to get up under the dash to access the tangs that hold the switch in place. Release the tangs and push the rocker switch forward out into open. From there you should be able to determine if its repairable or time for replacement.
Be careful working with the plastic tabs and tangs as they become quite brittle with age and if broken will require replacement as they are what hold the devices in place. I've had to buy lots of switches and piece parts because of all the damn plastic used. Sure would have been nice if they had used metal tabs instead.
Good Luck.
- Jim
creekside@verizonmail.com1991 525i. My fuel and temp. gauges next to the tach and speedo are not illuminated anymore. What light bulbs do I change and how do I access them? Also... fog light switch is not illuminated anymore either. Any info would be great.
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