temp, tach, fuel gauges not working

[brandonturner]

Hi Guys,

I picked up a 77 BMW 320i, and the gauges are not working. I checked fuses, ground, and gauge cluster connectors. The guy I bought it from converted the car from fuel injected to carburated. Any help would be appreciated, I have spent to many hours without any luck.

Thanks

[e21-Mark]

When you checked fuses did you just look at them? The contacts can corrode and even though they look OK, the circuit can be broken. Clean the contacts with wire wool etc.

[drjim]

I have similar on my Baur at the moment, fuel and temp gauge fuse keeps blowing. I suspect it's my fuel sender wiring which is DIY. From what I can see the circuit also supplies the reverse light. Not sure what else though, will look into it over next couple of weeks.

I second what mark says about the fuse though, clean the contacts and change the fuse.

Jim

[Jeroen]

The fuse connected to the reverse light blowing is a common E30 issue and this may very well be the same problem. I think just like with the E30 the reverse light wiring enters the passenger compartment along the gearstick. The wire insulation may be damaged there causing a short circuit. I'm not 100% sure the E21's wiring follows the same route but you might want to have a look under the gearstick boot.

[drjim]

My reverse switch wiring is non oem as well. Top tip to everyone, put the switch in, test it and connect the wires up before you put the gearbox/engine/prop/exhaust on the car. Nightmare job to do even on a ramp.

Will look at that too.

[brandonturner]

Hi, I have my aftermarket fuel pump hooked up to fuse 14, that powers all these gauges and the fuel pump works good. Cleaned the fuse really well and is still not working? Any other ideas? Does anyone have a wire diagram to look at to make sure everything is hooked up properly?
Thanks