bmwrepairs: November 2011

Headlight Switch

Removal & Installation

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the lower/left trim panel screws and remove the panel.

Unscrew the knob from the switch.

Pull off the connector plug from behind the dash panel. Pull out the switch from behind and remove it.

To install:

Push the switch onto the back of the dash panel-make sure that the terminal connectors are installed in the proper holes.

Screw the knob back onto the switch.

Install the trim panels and connect the negative battery cable.

E30 Models

Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

Remove the lower left dashboard trim below the light switch.

Unscrew the light switch knob.

Detach the electrical connector and pull off the light switch.

Install the switch, connector and knob.

E36 Models

Fig. Remove the mounting screw in the dash below the head lamp switch

Fig. Use a soft plastic wedge to ease out the trim panel

Fig. Slide the panel outward to access the electrical connector. Turn the connector counterclockwise to release it

Fig. Pull the panel, along with the switch, away from the dash and remove it from the vehicle

Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the screws for the lower left dashboard trim below the light switch. Remove the panel.

Disconnect the electrical plug by turning it counterclockwise and remove the panel with the switch from the dashboard.

Protect the light switch knob with masking tape and pull the light switch knob off the switch's shaft. Remove the switch shaft mounting nut and remove the switch.

To install:

Install the switch with the notch matching the retainer in the dashboard, then install the nut and knob.

Connect the wiring.

Install the panel into the dash. It may be necessary to use a thin long shank screwdriver through the vent to help line up the dash vent with the duct in the dash. Do not force the panel into place.

Once in place, install the mounting screw.

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For more car related problem troubleshooting:---

This are the sections, you can go through and click the link to read its troubleshooting.

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The car will not start?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-will-not-start.html

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Car will not crank?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-will-not-crank.html

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Car has no spark?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-has-no-spark.html

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How to troubleshoot car battery?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-troubleshoot-car-battery.html

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How to test starter solenoid?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-test-starter-solenoid.html

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How to test cars starter?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-test-cars-starter.html

How to replace starter in car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-replace-starter-in-car.html

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car will turn over but will not start?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/05/car-will-turn-over-but-will-not-start.html

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Car wont start?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/10/car-wont-start.html

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How to replace Interior Lights on car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-replace-interior-lights-on-car.html

Car lights not working, even after replacing the bulb/lamp?

Click this link below:--

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-lights-not-working-even-after.html

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How to replace head lights on car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-replace-head-lights-on-car.html

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How to replace Parking, turn, and Brake Lights on car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-replace-parking-turn-and-brake.html

Instrument cluster needs to be removed.

Gauges

Removal & Installation

E30 Models

Remove the instrument cluster.

Remove the 9 screws from the back of the cluster; 8 arranged around the perimeter and 1 in the center.

Pull the housing off the cluster.

Remove the gauge mounting screws and pull the gauge off.

Install the gauge and the mounting screws. Mount the housing on the cluster and affix the screws.

Install the cluster in the dashboard.

Testing

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

The engine coolant temperature gauge uses a heat sensitive variable resistance grounding circuit to monitor the engine's coolant temperature.

The coolant temperature information is conveyed to the instrument panel from the gauge temperature sending unit. To test the gauge and its related components, first test the gauge operation to make sure the problem is not in the gauge or gauge wiring. To test the gauge operation, perform the following procedures.

Gauges Using Single Wire Sensors

Check the fuses and replace as necessary.

With the ignition switch OFF , disconnect the electrical connector from the gauge sending unit.

On models with a single wire coolant sensor, connect the wire for the temperature sensor electrical connector to a known good chassis ground.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for a brief moment. The coolant temperature gauge should register as full hot.

If the gauge reads correctly, replace the sensor. If the gauge does not register, check for a damaged or shorted wire, electrical connector or a faulty gauge.

Gauges Using Two Or Four Wire Sensors

Check the fuses and replace as necessary.

With the ignition switch OFF , disconnect the electrical connector from the gauge sending unit.

On 1996-98 models with the 4-wire electrical connector, locate the electrical terminal positions 1 and 2 of the electrical connector (refer to the illustration provided). On E36 M44 models, the terminal position 1 is the brown wire with the violet tracer and terminal position 2 is the brown wire with the yellow tracer, however this may differ from year to year and model to model.

Obtain the listed resistors to achieve the following gauge results:

8,200-10,500 Ohms: Temperature gauge should read cold (12-16°F (-9-11°C))

2,200-2,700 Ohms: Temperature gauge should read slightly warm (66-70°F (19-21°C))

500-400 Ohms: Temperature gauge should read normal operating temperature (174-178°F (79-81°C))

300 Ohms: The gauge should read full hot.

CAUTION

Failure to correctly identify and probe the correct terminals of the four wire electrical connector may cause severe damage to the control unit or other electrical components.

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

Connect one of the three resistors in series with two suitable electrical probes attached to terminal positions 1 and 2.

CAUTION

Do not force a test probe into an electrical connector. When using an electrical probe use care to not damage the connector. If an electrical connector is damaged it should be replaced.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for a brief moment and monitor the operation of the engine coolant gauge. The coolant temperature gauge should register as outlined above.

If the gauge reads correctly, replace the sensor. If the gauge does not register, check for a damaged or shorted wire, electrical connector or a faulty gauge.