![]() |
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 176
|
onboard computer help...
Hi there,
I have a 98 328is with an onboard computer. Is there a way to make the onboard computer display turn on when you start the car? Everytime I start the car the display is off, and I have to push a button in order for it to turn on, I find that really annoying. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! |
||
![]() |
|
Senior Advisor
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: state.....of confussion
Posts: 440
|
I always thought that it did turn on when you turn the car on,,ummm, strange. give the dealer a call, I think it can be re-programed via the modic connection.
__________________
...96 Chevy heavily Modded such items include... lil' pine tree air freshner.... duct tape rht front arm rest (i'ts falling) zip tie holding in rear tail light.... hi concentrate windsheild washer fluid... sticker of Speedy Gonzales..rear bumper... |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Posts: 878
|
Mine is off when i start up the car (unless there is some problem then stupid check whatevers light comes on). I like it that way, the obc is a novelty in the beginning, then just takes up space after awhile.
__________________
1997 M3 Sedan 5spd Artic Silver/Dove M3 Bumpers/Mirrors/Sideskirts S52 3.2L, M3 Wheels, M3 suspension, M3 Brakes Oh wait...it's a stock M3 |
||
![]() |
|
In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
|
If you have to press a button for it to come on, i would suspect tha something is wrong there. You should only have to turn on the car and it turns on automatically.
|
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 32
|
Exept for the clock, It will only display when a function button is pushed or if the check control senses a problem.
|
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Posts: 878
|
yeah, same here
__________________
1997 M3 Sedan 5spd Artic Silver/Dove M3 Bumpers/Mirrors/Sideskirts S52 3.2L, M3 Wheels, M3 suspension, M3 Brakes Oh wait...it's a stock M3 |
||
![]() |
|
![]() |
Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 176
|
hmmm...how come everyone is saying different things
![]() |
||
![]() |
|
In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
|
Well I do have an E30 rather than an E36, that is the first thing, sorry.
|
||
![]() |
|
Senior Advisor
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: state.....of confussion
Posts: 440
|
In the engine compartment ther is a large plug wher the dealer connects their sysytme to the car (modic) thats how they check codes and reprogram the computers.
__________________
...96 Chevy heavily Modded such items include... lil' pine tree air freshner.... duct tape rht front arm rest (i'ts falling) zip tie holding in rear tail light.... hi concentrate windsheild washer fluid... sticker of Speedy Gonzales..rear bumper... |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
|
The right side of the unit is the 'time' & 'date' display, which is always on. The entire left side is an informational display that comes on when either prompted, or detects a problem. The temperature is one button, which only displays when you press it. Now the 'check control' button can be pressed to read fault codes, but usually says 'check control ok' unless you've got a problem. When a problem is detected, the yellow check control dummy light on the instrument cluster comes on first, in conjunction with the error description on the OBC. I personally haven’t found the check control feature all that useful. However under a few circumstances it has come in handy. I've got a minor leak in my coolant tank, so when the level dips too low, the OBC will flash "coolant level low-see owners manual" or something to that effect. It's nice cause it prevents you from missing something that could cause bigger problems. It's not an exact science though. I was getting a "break light failure" warning for a while, but after I replaced the bulb it appeared to be, the code persisted. Finally I replaced the 'plug n play' holder that the bulb sits in, & twists into the back of the light assembly. It finally worked.
__________________
Every Boy Becomes A Man. A Fortunate Few Reverse The Process. 97 328is Black on Black 5 speed Sport Package, Short Arm Intake with ABS Molded Heat Shield, Custom Mounted Front Strut Bar, Elevated Clutch Stop, Polished Aluminum Roundel Shifter, AC Schnitzer Aluminum Pedal Set, Chrome Instrument Cluster Rings & Carbon Fiber Bezel, Crystal Clear Corners, OEM Clear Tail & Side Lights, Scalloped Headlight Trim, Custom 'is' Grill Badge, Alpine C43 Stereo Upgrade, Front Bumper Filler |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 38
|
I just use the clicker on the turn signal stalk to scroll through my pre-programmed display on the OBC. I hate reaching down for the individual buttons when I'm driving!
|
||
![]() |
|
In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
|
If i am correct, i believe that the OBC for the 3 Series E36 was the same used on the 5 series. Am i incorrect?
|
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 176
|
Not sure about the OBC for the 3 and 5 series....
Steve, I use that too, but it's just annoying having to push any button to turn it on. Wish it would just come on when you start up the car! I sent an email to a BMW dealer, still waiting for their response... |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 176
|
called the dealer and ask them if it was possible to reprogram, and they said no. i kind of find that hard to believe, becuz electronically speaker, that should be something quite simple. I dunno...maybe i'll call a different dealer and see if they say something else...
|
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Orlando
Posts: 26
|
Nothing wrong with OBC. Only comes on if you have a prob.
|
||
![]() |
|