Gauge Cluster issues

maya0401

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Apr 20, 2021
Points
4
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Model of Z
2001 3.0 Z3
Hello Team,

I've been having problems with the Gauge Cluster. Sometimes it working perfectly, but other times the fuel gauge, and RPM gauge specifically start to act crazy. The RPM stays at 0, and then goes to like 5k, and then starts acting correctly. The fuel sometimes acts correctly, but then it goes to 0, or stays at the middle.

I've been thinking it's my battery, and I'm planning on replacing it very soon, so hopefully, it'll help with that.

In case that doesn't work, what idea do you think may be the issue?

I would really appreciate everyone's comments and expertise!!
 

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colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
First thought would be to take the instrument pod off, just two screws and pull it towards you, disconnect the plugs on the back and clean the connections with electrical spray cleaner. Whilst its out inspect the wiring left in the car, not unknown for the loom to rub on the dash support and chaff the wires causing shorts. Put it all back together and carry out the instrument test sequence, known as the hidden menu, that will test the instruments by making them do a test, you will see the dials do a full swing as they test themselves. More reading here
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1024681-Hidden-Menu-Tests
 

maya0401

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Apr 20, 2021
Points
4
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Model of Z
2001 3.0 Z3
First thought would be to take the instrument pod off, just two screws and pull it towards you, disconnect the plugs on the back and clean the connections with electrical spray cleaner. Whilst its out inspect the wiring left in the car, not unknown for the loom to rub on the dash support and chaff the wires causing shorts. Put it all back together and carry out the instrument test sequence, known as the hidden menu, that will test the instruments by making them do a test, you will see the dials do a full swing as they test themselves. More reading here
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1024681-Hidden-Menu-Tests
Thanks for your response!
I did the test from the hidden menu, and they worked correctly. However, I agree with your suggestion! Over the weekend I’ll get the cluster out and clean it properly.

My intuition is leading me towards the battery however,my car has been getting stalled recently, but when I use the help of another car or a battery starter, the cluster works normally for some time, until it starts to fail again…
I have to change it ASAP to confirm it deny my intuition!
Thanks for the help,
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Someone such as Pep Boys or Autozone should be able to test your battery for you, but it does sound as though it could be the culprit.

Tony.
 
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