e36 instrument cluster help
 

Hello,

I have a 1995 318is with a non-functioning temp gauge on the cluster (every other gauge works). I pulled the connector to the sender unit and shorted it to see if my gauge would peg on high but nothing. I checked continuity from said connector to the wires going to the plug on the back of the cluster and they are OK (there's continuity). I performed the cluster self test and the gauge pegs out as it should (so that rules out the gauge itself). I have been doing some research to try and figure out why the gauge is not working and the only thing I can think of is this: the person who sold me the car said that the dealer who sold him the car had replaced the cluster and that the gauge never worked for him. Correct me if I'm wrong, but could it be that this cluster is not coded properly to this car? i.e. it is for a 6 cyl car and I have a 4 cyl etc... If this is the case I need help with recoding this cluster to work on my car (if this is even possible). Your help is greatly appreciated :(

check the trunk there are some wires on the driverside, the top seam of the trunk, remove the rubber that protects the strut

Photos of that are here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-82-Electrical-Problems/101-Projects-82-Electrical-Problems.htm

But, I'd be sure to test the sensor, and also test the sensor wiring to the gauge cluster with a multimeter. I'd bet, there's some type of break somewhere in the wires...

-Wayne