[Mattbel]

I have a 2002 330i and out of the blue the LCD display under the instrument cluster -- the one that shows the odometer, clock, temp, etc. -- stopped lighting up. The other LCD displays that show the door ajar and the current gear also do not light up.

At first I could get them to turn on by playing around with the dimmer switch for the interior lights, but now even that doesn't work.

Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[Ballistic325]

Sounds like it might be the ambient light sensor.

If you look at the controls for the lights you will see a small white dot (bad explanation but you get the idea). Try shining a torch light on there with your key in position 2.

 

[DarkJoker]

on certain clusters(i dont recall if the e46 has them)

there are 4 little light bulbs on the back of the cluster that are accessible and replaceable

you might want to check those

 

[Mattbel]

Thanks for the advice. I don't think the problem is with the ambient light sensor because the other instrument gauges all dim appropriately.

I was think it could be the bank of lights (LEDs?) that are behind the computer readout but it seems strange that they would all go out at once.