Z4 2006 E86 Dash lights go off

M

Mchatelier

Member
Hi all, hoping someone can help.
I have an issue in that when the car is idling, the dashboard and interior lights will switch off an on again.
I thought the issue was being caused by raising the handbrake — which for a period, would trigger it to happen. Occasionally it happens when idle and the handbrake off.

I have replaced the battery and tried a new ignition switch and no joy.
I live in Berkshire, if anyone local can take a look I would be most grateful. Anything else I can try?

Many Thanks
Mark
 
Hi Mark, apologies for not seeing this the first time around.
A code reader 'may' help, but sometimes transient faults don't show up.
I assume there are no other issues with the car? Electronics are odd and sometimes something that seems completely unconnected can in fact cause the problem.
Any other lighting issues that could suggest the LCM?
Any locking, unlocking, window issues that could point to the GM5?
Definitely only happens at idle? Is the car in gear? Moving or stationary?

How far are you from Hook, Hampshire? You could speak to Ross at RBM?
Or find an auto-electrician to look at it?
 
Hey EZ, thanks for your reply, very much appreciated.
I sent the dash off for investigation to a cluster repairist, it works but issue exactly as before.

Car is absolutely fine in every other way other than…
Stationary, with handbrake lever up. It can sit running with lights off and lights on, no issues. But the moment handbrake lifted, it trips all the electrics. The car engine still runs. On the move no issues at all.

Have tried the ignition switch, dash investigation. Is there a switch mechanism below the lever I could try? I live in the country so a mouse could have nibbled on something handbrake related perhaps?

I’m in Berkshire, Tidmarsh, junction 12 of the M4.
I can likely get it to wherever it needs to get to.

Thanks again.
Mark
 
I haven't used the handbrake in a long time, so my memory is rusty.

When you raise it, the light on the dash goes on to remind you, correct?

Forgive my rambling below, but I was thinking through the problem as I wrote it...
I think the problem lies in that circuit. On my other non BMW car, the handbrake is a reverse circuit. Raising it triggers the ground and completes the circuit. I wonder if a mouse nibbled on the handbrake wires and chewed through the jacket but not through the wire. When you complete the ground (by raising the handbrake) the un-insulated wire grounds out (though I would think that would blow a fuse instead of turning on the lights) But possibly, the ground has been chewed through and the circuit is grounding out through the dash lights.

My suggestion is to raise your car and see if you can see any damaged wires underneath. Especially around the grounds.
 
Thanks for your reply DD, I’m not mechanically minded but I’m sure I can spot something corroded/chewed if exposed. Where abouts would the grounds be? Really appreciate your help on this all. The car needs an MOT but at the mo I need to fix this first.
 

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DashingDaryl said:
I haven't used the handbrake in a long time, so my memory is rusty.

When you raise it, the light on the dash goes on to remind you, correct?

Forgive my rambling below, but I was thinking through the problem as I wrote it...
I think the problem lies in that circuit. On my other non BMW car, the handbrake is a reverse circuit. Raising it triggers the ground and completes the circuit. I wonder if a mouse nibbled on the handbrake wires and chewed through the jacket but not through the wire. When you complete the ground (by raising the handbrake) the un-insulated wire grounds out (though I would think that would blow a fuse instead of turning on the lights) But possibly, the ground has been chewed through and the circuit is grounding out through the dash lights.

My suggestion is to raise your car and see if you can see any damaged wires underneath. Especially around the grounds.
Click to expand...

Yes the light does come on to remind you it's lifted. If there is anywhere specific to look at I'll try and have a good look. Are the handbrake cables visible anywhere? Going to try Ross at RBM (thanks @enuff_zed). Is he on here? Thx Mark
 
Mchatelier said:
Yes the light does come on to remind you it's lifted. If there is anywhere specific to look at I'll try and have a good look. Are the handbrake cables visible anywhere? Going to try Ross at RBM (thanks @enuff_zed). Is he on here? Thx Mark
Click to expand...

Hi Mark I see you have changed your battery, but some of the warning lights I got when mine died stayed on after I fitted a new one.

Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of random "faults" on BMWs of this era. Ross at RBM sorted mine by resetting the Steering Angle Sensor.

He is on here as "bowser134" but contacting him here would probably work better:- https://www.rbmhampshire.co.uk/
 
Mr Tidy said:
Mchatelier said:
Yes the light does come on to remind you it's lifted. If there is anywhere specific to look at I'll try and have a good look. Are the handbrake cables visible anywhere? Going to try Ross at RBM (thanks @enuff_zed). Is he on here? Thx Mark
Click to expand...

Hi Mark I see you have changed your battery, but some of the warning lights I got when mine died stayed on after I fitted a new one.

Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of random "faults" on BMWs of this era. Ross at RBM sorted mine by resetting the Steering Angle Sensor.

He is on here as "bowser134" but contacting him here would probably work better:- https://www.rbmhampshire.co.uk/
Click to expand...
Mr Tidy said:
Mchatelier said:
Yes the light does come on to remind you it's lifted. If there is anywhere specific to look at I'll try and have a good look. Are the handbrake cables visible anywhere? Going to try Ross at RBM (thanks @enuff_zed). Is he on here? Thx Mark
Click to expand...

Hi Mark I see you have changed your battery, but some of the warning lights I got when mine died stayed on after I fitted a new one.

Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of random "faults" on BMWs of this era. Ross at RBM sorted mine by resetting the Steering Angle Sensor.

He is on here as "bowser134" but contacting him here would probably work better:- https://www.rbmhampshire.co.uk/
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, really appreciate that. Have messaged vi the website. The handbrake being lifted gives me the issue. Hoping he can help.
 
Hey all, looks like the fault is with the instrument cluster itself. Would anyone happen to know where I can source a replacement one from?

Serial number is: 9 129 377-01.

Many Thanks
Mark
 
Just checked the two I have but they are not compatible.
Put a wanted ad up on the forum
And also try asking [ref]bigwinn[/ref], [ref]street[/ref], and [ref]umfaan[/ref],
Edit: and [ref]wassup[/ref].

Also, talk to Stuart (bigwinn) as I believe he now knows how to swap the chip from your instruments into the replacement one so you keep all the car-specific info.
 
None of mine are compatible I’m afraid.
Here’s the alternative list:
 

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