Re: [bmw] E28 Dash Gauge Failure

[ebainesjr@xxxxxxx]

Miguel: usually a battery failure manifests itself by the service interval 
lights coming on and being unable to reset them.  If that's what you mean by 
the dashboard failure, then that's probably what it is.  However, if the 
failure is more significant - for example, several gauges not working, 
perhaps the turn signal indicators not working right - then I would suspect 
that you may have one or more faulty traces on the printed circuit boards.  
It is not uncommon for the printed circuit boards to develop small cracks in 
the traces over time.  I had this happen on my '86 528e - I solved the 
problem by carefully inspecting and repairing a few traces on the boards.  
This is not too difficult a task, as long as you're reasonably comfortable 
using an ohm-meter and a soldering iron.  See the Bentley manual for 
instructions on how to remove the dash board (one word of advice - you do not 
need to remove the steering wheel as described in the manual).  You should 
also check the ground connection for the dash electronics - a bad ground 
connection can make several things go hay wire all at once.  Good luck.

-Chip

> 
> I know this is somewhat common with these cars.  Is the usual cause the 
> degradation of the batteries on the circuit board or a problem with the board 
> itself?  Any light that could be shed on this would be appreciated.
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