No Speedometer

[Dunkelgrun]

Hoping for a little help or suggestions... 98 z3 2.8 manual, the speedometer doesn’t work, just sits on 0. I’ve done the “E36 cluster test” where you press the little button and turn the key to on, all of the dials spin like they’re supposed to. I replaced the speed sensor on the differential and cleaned up the connector. Haven’t pulled the cluster yet, not sure what I’d be looking for. Also, the fuel gauge is wonky, like it moves around a lot, but I thought that might be related to the fuel sender in the tank. I could live with that for now if my speedometer/tripmeter worked.
Is there any way to test the cluster or wiring? Is it a straight shot from the sensor to the speedometer? Lots of other things to do on this new buggy, but one thing at a time... Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[black fingernail]

SWMBO's had a similar problem last year, I disconnected the battery, left it for a couple of hours, re-connected, all was well, and still is. (thank goodness).

 

[Dunkelgrun]

SWMBO's had a similar problem last year, I disconnected the battery, left it for a couple of hours, re-connected, all was well, and still is. (thank goodness).

Will try that, thanks. Will post the outcome

 

[NZ00Z3]

I see that you are new to the forum. Best we get you set up for Z3 ownership, that way you will have the resources on hand to sort your car's problems.

Wiring diagrams. There are 6 sets that cover the Z3 production run. You'll need your cars build date. This is likely on a sticker under the bonnet/hood. It will be in mm/yy format. Go to the "Resources" section of this forum. It's in the blue ribbon at the top of your screen. On page 2, you will find the wiring diagrams. The first page of each set has the date range that it is for in the lower right corner. Download the ones for your car.

Scanner. For engine related problems, a cheap OBD2 scanner is all you will need. Not a code reader but a scanner, so you can see PID data. Many people here use the Creator C110 or C310+ as they are cheap and can read more than just the engine computer.

For talking to all computers in your car, the Foxwell NT530 with BMW software is more expensive but good. Another cheap option is the INPA software running on a windows laptop. See here: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation.

Part number and exploded diagrams. Go to www.RealOEM.com Put the last 7 digits of your VIN number into the search tool and you can browse for part numbers specific to your car.

Build Spec. This is now a charge for service. There are several BMW decoders on the internet. Pay the $ and get your build spec. This is useful when you are searching for parts. Different Z3's have different spec's. This means different parts. When using RealOEM you may see the part has several different part numbers dependent on the "S" code. You use your build spec to see if you have a S code for that part.

The fuel gauge on the Z3 is a problem child. Your issue is most likely the sender at the pump. Having said that, the wiring diagrams show that the speed sensor and the fuel sensor share a common connection to the instrument cluster, most likely an earth. So, the problems may be related. Best you get the wiring diagrams and do a bit of testing.

 

[Dunkelgrun]

SWMBO's had a similar problem last year, I disconnected the battery, left it for a couple of hours, re-connected, all was well, and still is. (thank goodness).

Well, I disconnected the battery and left it overnight, and still no speedo worth a try, I appreciate the suggestion... I may have to dig a little deeper. Ordered a cheap gps speedo just for now, have to prioritize brakes and shocks, worn out! Thanks

 

[Dunkelgrun]

I see that you are new to the forum. Best we get you set up for Z3 ownership, that way you will have the resources on hand to sort your car's problems.

Wiring diagrams. There are 6 sets that cover the Z3 production run. You'll need your cars build date. This is likely on a sticker under the bonnet/hood. It will be in mm/yy format. Go to the "Resources" section of this forum. It's in the blue ribbon at the top of your screen. On page 2, you will find the wiring diagrams. The first page of each set has the date range that it is for in the lower right corner. Download the ones for your car.

Scanner. For engine related problems, a cheap OBD2 scanner is all you will need. Not a code reader but a scanner, so you can see PID data. Many people here use the Creator C110 or C310+ as they are cheap and can read more than just the engine computer.

For talking to all computers in your car, the Foxwell NT530 with BMW software is more expensive but good. Another cheap option is the INPA software running on a windows laptop. See here: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation.

Part number and exploded diagrams. Go to www.RealOEM.com Put the last 7 digits of your VIN number into the search tool and you can browse for part numbers specific to your car.

Build Spec. This is now a charge for service. There are several BMW decoders on the internet. Pay the $ and get your build spec. This is useful when you are searching for parts. Different Z3's have different spec's. This means different parts. When using RealOEM you may see the part has several different part numbers dependent on the "S" code. You use your build spec to see if you have a S code for that part.

The fuel gauge on the Z3 is a problem child. Your issue is most likely the sender at the pump. Having said that, the wiring diagrams show that the speed sensor and the fuel sensor share a common connection to the instrument cluster, most likely an earth. So, the problems may be related. Best you get the wiring diagrams and do a bit of testing.

I see I have a lot to learn! I appreciate you taking the time to point me in the right directions. My other 2 cars are a Honda that never needs anything and an old Jeep CJ that I’ve almost completely rebuilt, but it doesn’t even have any computer. When there was electrical issues I just ran new wires. Electrical diagrams to me is like trying to read Sandscrit.
This Z3 is brand new to me, it’s the most beautiful car I’ve ever driven, but sometimes beautiful things need a lot of maintenance? The build date on “Zoey” is 7/98, and I guess things changed in 9/98, so yeah it’s very specific. Looking forward to this project and warmer weather so I can really start making some progress.

 

[Lee]

I see I have a lot to learn! I appreciate you taking the time to point me in the right directions. My other 2 cars are a Honda that never needs anything and an old Jeep CJ that I’ve almost completely rebuilt, but it doesn’t even have any computer. When there was electrical issues I just ran new wires. Electrical diagrams to me is like trying to read Sandscrit.
This Z3 is brand new to me, it’s the most beautiful car I’ve ever driven, but sometimes beautiful things need a lot of maintenance? The build date on “Zoey” is 7/98, and I guess things changed in 9/98, so yeah it’s very specific. Looking forward to this project and warmer weather so I can really start making some progress.

The Speedo is taken from the diff. If you look under the back of your Zed you’ll see a sensor on the right side of the rear plate. Pull the connector off and make sure it’s clean inside then reseat the connector, we’ve seen these wiggle off over time.

 

[Dunkelgrun]

The Speedo is taken from the diff. If you look under the back of your Zed you’ll see a sensor on the right side of the rear plate. Pull the connector off and make sure it’s clean inside then reseat the connector, we’ve seen these wiggle off over time.

Thanks, I tried that (2x) and replaced the sensor with a new one, still no speedo. It was 20 degrees far. though and I rushed, I will look again now that it’s warming up some. Do you know if the wire is a straight shot from the speedo to the cluster? I might run a jump wire and test for continuity to rule that out, but don’t want to introduce errant electricals into the ECU.

 

[Lee]

I’m not sure on its route. I recently found a break in the wire on a car that just left the shed and that cured it for that Zed. Sounds like that might be your issue.

 

[Dunkelgrun]

Just in case anyone else ever has this problem, I’ve fixed my speedometer. Every situation is different, but mine was a broken red/brown wire from the differential speed sensor to the connector behind the cluster. I pulled the cluster and ran a jump wire from the sensor connector to the cluster and tested for continuity with a multimeter. The brown/black wire had continuity, the red/brown did not. I ran a new 20gauge wire up through the trunk, through the console, to the dash. Now the speedo/odometer works fine. Inexplicably, it fixed the wonky wandering fuel gauge too, it’s dead steady and accurate now My guess is that’s a coincidence and that refilling it with new gas and driving it cleaned up the fuel sensors in the tank... plus I ran a can of bmw fuel injector treatment.

 

[Robert Hill]

Look up ECU testing on YouTube excellent company and can repair cluster if required

 

[DrWong]

Glad you got it sorted and nice one for updating with your fix, will be helpful to others no doubt

 

[Delk]

Whats the difference between the Foxwell 510 and 530?

 

[Dunkelgrun]

Whats the difference between the Foxwell 510 and 530?

I’m not sure, this question should be directed to NZ00Z3 or someone else more knowledgeable than me

 

[Robert Hill]

Install inpa on a old laptop

 

[AthensGA]

There is a free iPhone speedometer app. Not very good at real slow speeds (under 10 mph), but not bad otherwise. I had a 1973 BMW who’s spedo was off by 30% and used in that car when watching my speed was necessary.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Whats the difference between the Foxwell 510 and 530?

Here are the links, have a read and see for yourself.

NT510 https://www.foxwelltool.co.uk/whole...te-bmw-software-pre-loaded-same-as-nt530.html

NT530 https://www.foxwelltool.co.uk/wholesale/foxwell-nt530-bmw-software-pre-loaded-updated-version.html

 

[Sharpie9963]

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