Tachometer Problem and Steering Issue
 

Hello folks,

I have 2 unrelated issues that I was looking for some help on. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to make sure all of the info was included.

First...The other day, my tach and MPG indicator died. They were intermittent for a couple of weeks and then they just died completely. Additionally, my fuel guage has been a little squirrelly lately. Generally it is fine, but occasionlly wanders high. The first time I noticed it, the yellow light was already on and I was heading to get gas and the guage was reading full (light stayed on.) Since the tach failed, I had the SI inspection light come on. this was expected as the greens have been going out. After I reset the light (by shorting pin 7 to 19 like I always do), All of the green lights are on and the "inspection" is blinking. This condition continues even after the car is running. I suspect that the NiCAD batteries need replacing. Any thoughts?

Second...I am having some problems with my steering. Over the past couple of months, I noticed that the steering is inconsistent. By that, I mean that when I turn the steering wheel with the car moving, it seems stiff at first and then will suddenlly turn more quickly. I have checked the obvious stuff like the fluid level and tie rod ends. The tie rod ball joints seem OK -- When I try to move the tires/wheels with the car on jack stands they are fairly tight and there is no looseness in the tie rod ball joints (original). I have also inspected the control arms which are new in the last couple of years and see no problems. I suspect that the control valve in the rack is failing. I would like to have more of a warm fuzzy before I spend the money to go this way. Any thoughts?

thanks in advance

Gregg

Forgot to say...'89 325i

update on tach
 

OK, when I got in the car to go home from work, the tach was working and the lights were all out. The car was hot from the sun. Later, after it rained, I went out and the symptoms returned. It seems that the heat makes it work.

If your car has the flexible coupling like the Australian E30 have a look to see if the centre of the coupling is breaking up.
This has just happened to our car with the result that sometimes there is a lot of play and sometimes none.
Very dangerous because the coupling could shred within a couple of miles. You can still steer the car but it's more like steering a boat.

Thanks, will take a look

SI batteries do affect the instrument cluster as you mentioned, in particular, the tach. Not so sure about the fuel gauge, but I would definately fit new batteries.