318i fuse/electrical problems

[ncjmac]

I have a '97 318i, and a little while back had a problem with the turn signals on the passenger side of the car not working. I replaced the fuse, checked the bulbs, and they still didn't work. I then had a new relay switch installed, but it shorted out. Now my instrument cluser lights aren't working. I replaced that fuse, but they still aren't working, and the passenger side tail light doesn't work when the lights are on. Additionally, when I apply the brakes, the right turn signal lights come on, as do the reverse lights. Does anybody have any ideas about a remedy, short of going through all the wiring on the whole car? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated....

J

[ImperialDuckM3]

You are currenlty experiencing an electrical fault. I recommend a certified auto electrician, to solve your problems. But you can try some DIY. First open up your trunk, you will notice some wiring cable around your trunk latch. Open up and see if there's any expose wiring. Second, if you good with a voltmeter. You can try to isolated the problem and find an open ground. Please follow the Bentely manual and it will help you trace and find the root of the problems.

[johnf]

A short in the trunk to trunk lid wiring could explain the dash illumination going out. It wouldn't explain the other symptoms, however, as the responsible wiring doesn't go there. I suspect something has gotten pinched or rubbed through elsewhere – or also pinched or rubbed through elsewhere, as the car appears to have been accumulating problems.

I would check the trunk to trunk lid wiring because it could be about time for that problem to appear. This is something of a wild shot, but you might also check the wiring that runs near the driver's knee protection panel as wires connected with everything you describe come near there. That protection panel has some sharp edges that press against the wiring on my car. Or rather it used to.

Good luck and tell us how things go!

[ncjmac]

Thanks for the tips johnf and ImperialDuckM3. I'll definitely check the wiring around the trunk latch, and go from there. I'll let you know how it all turns out. :)

J

[obd2guru]

take out the bulbs ,make sure the lead material on the bottom is not melted , check your tailligh plastics for melted conectors on the plastic .

[NC318]

I had a short in my 1991 (it's an E30, but I am not sure the difference on this issue is significant, if it is please ignore) and it basically bounced from component to component. Rather than what promised to be very expensive electrical work we simply let it "settle" in the overhead airbag light display; they check the status of that twice a year anyway. if it works for you this solution might save you some cash.