Need Help

[jld93325is]

Just put a new aftermarket radio in the car......now the Instrument panel is not working......it lights up, but tack, fuel, temp are not working and no fuses blown.......now what do I do ???? 93 325IS

[Manolito]

First step is to pull it and check all the ground connections within the cluster and cluster-to-car. Good luck. These clusters can drive you crazy when they fail.

[jld93325is]

Are you talking about taking the Instrument panel out and checking the wires or for ground, or the radio......thanks for your information

[Manolito]

There is a wire from pin 10 in the radio plug that goes to the dash cluster, but that wire gets the signal so it knows when to brighten or dim the radio display. I just looked at the wiring diagram, and I have to think that the failure in the dash cluster that coincided with the radio replacement was a coincidence.

I would look at the dash cluster.

That wiring diagram is really complicated and has connections that disappear into solid state devices and come out elsewhere with no clear path. It is tough to see what might be causing the failures you describe.

Good luck.

[jld93325is]

I have taken the instrument panel out, but to check for ground, I am not sure what to check for. If I check with the power on, the manuel states that it will give the airbag a false reading and more trouble ?? Anyway, pin 10 on the radio plug, how would I find out which pin that is...to, could this be a relay problem ??? Thanks again for the help

[Manolito]

Unfortunately, you are already ahead of me because I have never had occasion to pull the cluster from any of my cars. I can't tell you exactly what to look for. Sorry.

With regard to pin #10, some plugs on your BMW have the pin numbers marked on the plug. You need good eyes or a magnifying glass to read them if they are there.

[jld93325is]

I placed the panel back in just to see if the speedomator would work, but it is not working either, I wish it was a coincidence, but I realized, when pulling out the panel, I did not unhook the battery when I was doing the radio install, which I should have. Thats what I was thinking if it could possibly be a relay, knowing no fuses were blown, and I my have touched some wires together at some point......I am thinking I may have "cooked" it, but dont have the resourses near me to have it checked. If you can think of anything else to check for, or anyone on the board, please let me know........guess I better start looking for a replacement.....thanks for all your help