New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice : )

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p4uke
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New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice : )

Post by p4uke »

Hello

Iv have just recently purchased last week my BMW E21 316, 1780cc, 1983, Red (I have some images but not sure how to post them)

The only problem which i am having is the dashboard backlights aren't working when the headlights are on, all the other warning lights are working fine, I just cant see the speedo and rev counter at night. Is this just a few bulbs that may be out? if so is it an easy job the replace the bulbs, i have checked all the fuses, all seem ok.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and also any other tips I may need to know


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johne21
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by johne21 »

Hello

have you tried turning the dimmer on the headlight switch ?
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p4uke
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by p4uke »

Hi

Yes i have done that, well, to be sure the dimmer switch is the on the headlight pull out switch? do you just twist it?
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e21-Mark
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by e21-Mark »

Yes mate, just twist it and your dash lights should get brighter. Actual failure is pretty rare.
p4uke
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by p4uke »

yes iv done that, still no dash lights
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e21-Mark
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by e21-Mark »

Fuses? Roll them in their holders as they can corrode and break contact without blowing.
p4uke
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by p4uke »

iv cleaned each fuse with a fibreglass pen
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e21-Mark
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by e21-Mark »

You need to check there's power reaching the light switch and/or bulbs then.
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Jeroen
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Re: New BMW E21 owner! Dashboard backlight problems, advice

Post by Jeroen »

Perhaps the bulbs are all dead. There are three located above the cluster, requires removing the cluster.
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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