i cant read my codes because the whole dash is dead. help
 

I have a 99 528i . heres the deal with the car.
first the whole dash is black and inoperable including climate control, radio, wipers,all but drivers window and mirror, seat memory, power seats, and i am probably leaving something else out. you understand though ... nothing works. I tried an ignition switch from a parts car i have and it didn't change anything. I got another that was used and said to be tested and it didn't help either. tried the cleaning of the contacts on the original as well to no avail. i have heard of the ignition switch causing some of these problems but not all of these at once with 3 different switches tested pretty much rules it out in my opinion.

I have heard there is a fuse under the passenger seat. is it associated with the circuit that runs all of these non working items?

also could it be the general module. (my thought as the culprit) doesn't it run all of the accessories above? if i need to replace it i have heard that it needs to be programmed to the car. is that true and can the dealer only do it and how much does it cost?

I need help to solve this problem to get the dash electronics working so that i can get the code for what is wrong that is causing it not to start.i plugged in my obd2 code reader and it gets no info. there is fuel at the rail and i hear the fuel pump kicking on to prime when turning on the key. the car turns over fine just wont start. I am guessing that it is the crank position sensor but don't want to start throwing parts at it to figure it out if you know what i mean.

any ideas as to what could be the culprit on the electrical failure would be greatly appreciated.

Free Bump...
 

I know the feeling... (Once I was on a Navy ship when on of our Top Secret equipment stop displaying. It had a Build In Test Equipment which I could hear running through the diagnostic but could not display that the "Display Drive" was duff)... Thus the free bump.

Is the car still cranking after changing the ignition switch? (which you shouldnt do because of the EWS)

It's possible this couls be as simple as a bad battery in your key, or the crank position sensor. Put the original ignition switch back in and hope that you havent already triggered the immobilizer on your car.

Yes it still cranks after replacing the switch. Battery in the key lights up the led. If ews was triggered it wouldnt crank. I know the cps could be the problem. What I am looking for is advise on the electrical problem with the dash. Thanks for the reply.

Heres the problem. Water under passenger seathttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1320819257.jpg