E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

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E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:38 pm

Gentlefolk
As we are off on holiday Sunday, decided to go out and fill up with fuel. On way to get fuel noticed that the instruments had gone 'funny' Temp gauge at max, fuel gauge at max and no readings for mileage, gear selection etc. Filled up and the instrument's were again all over the place but different! No speedo, rev counter stuck at 800 rpm, fuel now at 3/4 (although full) temp at 3/4 also. Tried indicators not working, wipers working but will not park,
On getting home checked all fuses and the instruments still all over the place, speedo now reading 180 plus! (if only). So decided to disconnect and reconnect the battery and tried again. Instruments still all over place.

Tried to restart, it just turned over with no signs of life. At this point I have pushed it back into the garage.

Thoughts please. is it something simple i have missed or is it oh dear!

cheers
Dave

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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by jolls » Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:47 pm

Sorry to hear of this. Is the battery ok? I have heard of unusual happenings when the battery is on its way out although to my mind this does seem to point to an electrical gremlin somewhere.
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:50 pm

Battery is a couple of years old and it spins the engine over fine, plus its kept on an optimiser when stored.

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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by rc944 » Sat Apr 09, 2022 12:29 am

get a fault code reader plugged into the obd port before anything else
also check the fuses in the black box top right engine bay remove 4 torx bolts for access
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Sat Apr 09, 2022 10:45 am

Progress of sorts:

Pushed it out this morning, easier when it's slightly downhill.

I left fuse 43 (instrument cluster power) out overnight and this morning all gauges were at zero, fuse back in, ignition on and speedo went round to 180+ and then back to zero, and we now have indicators, OBC and the engine starts and runs clean. Gauges still all haywire, fuel and temp at zero, engine rpm stays at 200 ish. Result that at least I can drive back in the garage rather than push it uphill.

Many thanks for the advice on the under bonnet fuses. Removed the cover, 5mm Hex key on mine, and spotted the fuses, Unfortunately the cover seemed reluctant to come off. Is there more than the one clip opposite the panel mounting clip? However it was possible to check as there is a small area on the top of the fuse where access with a probe is possible. All 4 fuses have continuity.

Thus, I'm down to getting a fault code reader. As there are so many out there, are there any recommendations for a good device.

Cheers
Dave

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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by AG » Sat Apr 09, 2022 3:34 pm

Possible a faulty alternator?
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Sat Apr 09, 2022 3:57 pm

had not thought of that, would it show up on the OBD codes? Or do I just 'gamble'!

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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by rc944 » Sun Apr 10, 2022 9:26 am

its an electrical issue and you need to pull down codes and reset adaptations etc before anything else
theres no issue with the alternator
do you have a friendly bmw specialist local to you that can help? they will have dealer software or something like carlogic as its the live data which you need which some generic fault code readers cannot provide
im in south bucks and have factory inpa on a laptop should but thats not much help to you
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by rc944 » Sun Apr 10, 2022 9:28 am

get a voltmeter over the battery and check voltage before trying to start just to rule out the obvious
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by rc944 » Sun Apr 10, 2022 9:29 am

and presumably you have checked other fuses than just no 43?
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by Charles » Sun Apr 10, 2022 9:39 am

You might also want to check the wiring in the engine bay, particularly on the RHS under the inlet manifold. Over time the protective covers perish, leaving exposed wires which can chafe.

I had this quite a few years ago when the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and the car fluttered, spluttered and ground to a halt! It was one wire but it caused the ECU to have a complete wobbly!

A relatively easy check whilst waiting for a code reader.
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by bss325i » Sun Apr 10, 2022 12:47 pm

I had a similar issue with a B3 3.3. The fault was an intermittent connection at the DME plug in the E box.

It does need to be diagnoses correctly though as it could be an I bus or K bus fault.

If it is the cluster that it faulty then fear not as a new (expensive) one is not needed, a suitable donor E46 cluster with a similar hardware and software number can be used for its internals along with the Alpina facias and needles the programmed with your current mileage and VIN.
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by JohnW » Sun Apr 10, 2022 5:12 pm

In general, I’d be having the alternator/rectifier checked too, as above, if not a main general electric issue then electronic gremlins, that are beyond me.
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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:55 pm

Gentlefolk,
Very many thanks for all this advice, will keep me busy when we return from holiday at the end of the week.
The first task will be to buy a decent OBD reader and check earths, charging and for chaffed wires.

Had the wiring issue on a Vauxhall Astra. Turned to be worn through on the TPS. only all or no throttle. Was interesting!

Cheers
Dave.

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Re: E46 B3S Instruments all over the place and won't start

Post by davettf2 » Sat Apr 16, 2022 12:48 pm

Gentlefolk
A minor update, Code reader ordered, should arrive towards the end of the coming week. As mentioned previously it now starts and this morning functions, Radio, nav, wipers indicators, all work fine. It seems that only the instrument cluster is not working correctly. Tried to do an instrument cluster self test using the 'hidden codes' and it does not activate. which it has previously when I bought the car.

Have checked for frayed or chaffed wires in the engine as far as possible and all seems good with all looms in place and no obvious damage or tight runs. Checking voltages at the battery, engine off - 12.3 volts, engine running - 14.04 volts. Thus no alternator or charging issues.

I'm beginning to suspect the instrument cluster, and hopefully the code reader will allow me to get a better handle on the issue.

Cheers and enjoy your Easter weekend
Dave

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