tach, mpg gauge, radio and obc not working

Just started up and drove my 89 325i coupe for the first time in a while, usually start it up once a week during the winter, everything always worked fine until today. The tach, mpg gauge, radio and obc all are not working. Everything else works. I checked fuse #10 which controls everything but the radio, fuse seemed good but when I'd plug in a new fuse into that slot with the key on it'd "spark" like there was a short or something but didn't blow.the fuse. Help!!

also noticed tonight neither dome light works when you put the switch to the "on at all times" position (neither ever worked on the position that should light them up when you opens the doors though)

Originally Posted by Afredo

also noticed tonight neither dome light works when you put the switch to the "on at all times" position (neither ever worked on the position that should light them up when you opens the doors though)

Start checking all the OTHER fuses. There are multiple fuses that are interconnected and protect more than one circuit. You got one blown somewhere.

I think it's fuse 11 or 23? Check the owners manual, and check each one individually. I went through about 25 fuses while diagnosing an electrical problem with the radio, they can really suck.

Hi! I have the same problem.. Have you figured it out?

This just happened to me tonight!!!! right before my coolant started leaking everywhere....
I feel terrible
Please tell me what happened, or what fuse needs to get checked

Fix the coolant leak first, then worry about the dome light not working. DO NOT drive the car if it's leaking coolant at any more than a drip.

Have a similar current drain problem on my 91 325i. I disconnected the battery, connected a multimeter to the positive and negative battery cables, and set the meter to the continuity setting. If there is a short the meter will beep. Simply pull each fuse until the beeping stops. My fault was on the 7.5 amp fuse which controls the obc, tach, radio, and interior/trunk lights. I found a short in the trunk light circuit.

I was tinkering with the trunk light before all this happened to try and make it turn on and see if i needed a new bulb....
how can i fix that?

i replaced most of the fuses, and not only did i fix everything that went wrong, but both my fog lights work now

and btw, I fixed that hose no prob. 8 bucks at autozone

BTW fuses 20 and 21 i think were the real culprits if that helps anyone else with this problem