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It seems like the dashboard is a weak point on all E28. The instrument
cluster board is fitted with two NiCa rechargeable batteries. Sounds
like a good idea if the car lasted around 5-8 years... lifespan
of the battery.
Where the dealer wants to change the board and charge you $200 +
labor, you can do it in 2 hours and $5.00.
Failure syndromes: Service lights acting funny and impossible
to reset. Tach, temperature gauge or other gauges not working.
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1. If you have an adjustable steering wheel, adjust
it all the way toward the rear.
2. Remove the 2 phillips screws holding the dashboard. |
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3. Turn the cluster toward the right of the steering
wheel and disconnect the connectors.
Make sure that you take note of where the speedometer wires are connected.
To disconnect the large connectors, you have to pry up the
black locking tab. |
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4. This is what you end up with... an empty space.
Time to bring the cluster to the kitchen table and disassemble
it.
Bring needle noise pliers, small Phillips screw drive, small
soldering iron, board contact cleaner and the new batteries. |
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5. Remove the (8 I think) Phillips screws at the back
of the instrument cluster.
6. Remove gently the black cover and set it aside
Now be careful as you don't want to bend the
needles or leave fingerprints everywhere.
7. You can remove the speedometer unit now or later by pushing
from the back. |
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8. Be careful with the needles and turn the cluster
around. (Place pieces or wood or foam on the side not to damage the
needles.)
9. Take the needle noise pliers and remove the two 5.5mm screws along
with the washers and the spacers. They hold the temperature/fuel gauge
combo. |
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10. You have to remove two little Phillips screws
to remove the back of the board. Then pry the little tabs on
the edge of the board to release the board. |
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11. You see these two red batteries... That is
the problem. Change them and your problem should be fixed. |
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12. Locate the soldering points at the back of
the board and remove the batteries. Find a battery replacement
(AA 1.2V 600mAh is ok), get them fully charged if not already
charged (16 hours is an standard AA battery charger would do).
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Installation is reverse of removal.
Start the car, check that everything works. If you have some
red lights on the service board, it is normal you have to reset
the light.
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