[jasondotcom]

So i finally had my meter attended to by a tech from electronic shop to repair the non functioning backlight on the temp gauge section. All the needles and etc were dismantled to assessed it as the usual. They found a burnt circuit under one of the capacitor which was slightly leaking. Had the cap replaced and jumped the circuit to reinstate the power to the backlight LED on the temp gauge section. All lights on the meter is finally now all in working order.

HOWEVER, new problem raised. My speedo isn't working. All the needles were working fine before. HELP me out guys. Opinions and guidance please.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Use the hidden tests to see if the speedo is working.

Test 02 in: E46 Instrument Cluster Test

If it does not work, send the cluster back and get them to fix it.

If it does work, then it could be your car. Check for blown fuses. I don't expect it to be a faulty wheel sensor as the traction control and ABS warning lights are not showing.

You could also scan the cluster for trouble codes. You'll need a scanner with BMW software. Here is a cheap set up: How to Install BMW Standard Tools

 

[jasondotcom]

I did the cluster test mode. Speedo does not move too.

 

[NZ00Z3]

I did the cluster test mode. Speedo does not move too.

Send it back for repair.

 

[jasondotcom]

Is it possible the small motor behind the Speedo meter is faulty? When it's tested with the covers off I touch the needle I do feel it's vibrating a little .. but the needle does not move no matter how I adjust it.

Could it be the inner gear of that little motor is screwed?

 

[paraklas]

Is it possible the small motor behind the Speedo meter is faulty? When it's tested with the covers off I touch the needle I do feel it's vibrating a little .. but the needle does not move no matter how I adjust it.

Could it be the inner gear of that little motor is screwed?

Most attempts to remove the needles end up damaging the stepper motor at the back. There's a thread here with replacement parts iirc from some years ago.

 

[JosephMosher]

Before you send it back, I’d take 2 minutes and pull the cluster out, hopefully one of the two connectors in the back are just slightly out of place.
There’s two t20 torx bolts above the cluster, once those are removed you just poll the cluster towards you.

 

[jasondotcom]

Before you send it back, I’d take 2 minutes and pull the cluster out, hopefully one of the two connectors in the back are just slightly out of place.
There’s two t20 torx bolts above the cluster, once those are removed you just poll the cluster towards you.

Thanks man. You've been quite a help. I have sent back the cluster but to another specialist as i find the first not so comfortable with anymore.

At the second shop, they confirmed that the motor is broken and advised me to source a scrap unit to salvage the motor over.

Thank God i found one scrap donor for it yesterday! How lucky! So its back to the shop for them to swap it over. I was just about to purchase new replacement motors for it if i didnt find a donor unit.

And the on the post someone that did a repair to the meter, for ease of reference (which i found out later too), the link is below.

Instrument cluster woes after gauge face install? Look here!

Instrument cluster problems after gauge face install? Look here! If you are like a lot of the people who attempted the Bimmian gauge face install, there's a pretty good chance you messed up your speedometer. There is a DIY thread on the forum for repairing broken instrument clusters. The...

www.e46fanatics.com

 

[machingundrew]

Hello Jason, I am also experiencing this exact problem with my car, just the temperature coolant light is not lighting, may I ask where u sent your cluster to have it repaired?

 

[jasondotcom]

Hello Jason, I am also experiencing this exact problem with my car, just the temperature coolant light is not lighting, may I ask where u sent your cluster to have it repaired?

Hey bud, I am in Sarawak, Borneo. I'd like to assist if you're from here though. 😁

 

[Bali]

Hey bud, I am in Sarawak, Borneo. I'd like to assist if you're from here though. 😁

Where did you find an E46 cluster repair specialist on Borneo?

 

[jasondotcom]

Where did you find an E46 cluster repair specialist on Borneo?

Just a freelance guy in Kuching City. This guy used to run a electronics shop for many years specializing mainly in ECU repairs and settings and also meter repairs of all car makes. Currently the shop is closed down due to the pandemic and he now runs his business home based.

If any Kuching City members in this forum is interested:
Desmond is his name. Contact number +60168882296

 

[jasondotcom]

Hello Jason, I am also experiencing this exact problem with my car, just the temperature coolant light is not lighting, may I ask where u sent your cluster to have it repaired?

VERY likely the printed circuit on the board is burnt and you need to have a jumper to reconnect the circuit.

For my case, the capacitor (blue) was slightly leaking and caused corrosion to the circuitry. Capacitor was replaced and circuit jumped. Lights all working now.

Note the circuit going across is burnt / deteriorated. This is seen under a microscope.

Circuit jumped and capacitor replaced. If you zoom in closely you will see the tiny wire connecting on both ends. See between the two white step motors. The replacement capacitor is in black.

 

[jasondotcom]

My meter is all in working order. Thanks and case closed. 😁