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DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: krwndklown on March 19, 2010, 08:27:10 AM

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: krwndklown on March 19, 2010, 08:27:10 AM

It was acting funny before, a brake light out here, a reverse light out there... yesterday they stopped working. my tail lights work fine, still have a brake light out, but the turn signals and hazards are out completely. i checked the forums and came up with nothing. New fuses still didnt do anything. and the relay was changed as well. no dice! i checked the switch on the steering column and it was good. right about now a gallon of gas and a match sound nice. anyone with similar problems or suggestions, please, your input is welcome.

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: DesktopDave on March 19, 2010, 08:35:29 AM

Check the wiring in the trunk lid for cracking.  BMW has a TSB out on this and a dealer kit to fix it IIRC.

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: dvmotorsports on March 19, 2010, 10:58:59 AM

IIRC that TSB is E46 only

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: DesktopDave on March 19, 2010, 12:02:24 PM

The early e36 is famous for electrical gremlins & trim issues.  It's still a great car.  Hopefully a little time & a little money should fix it right up.

I've also thought about solving problems with a gallon of gas & book of matches on occasion, you're not alone!

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: krwndklown on March 19, 2010, 08:03:28 PM

Quote from: DesktopDave;89744

The early e36 is famous for electrical gremlins & trim issues.  It's still a great car.  Hopefully a little time & a little money should fix it right up.

I've also thought about solving problems with a gallon of gas & book of matches on occasion, you're not alone!

nice to know i'm not alone.

and i traced all wiring in trunk up to the point where it snakes into the sheet metal for the quarter panel. no frayed,cut,dry,or stripped wires. also font know if i mentioned but no signals in the front either. no hazards, nothing. no clicking or green indicator when i turn on the signals or hazards. well i'll keep at it and i apreciate all the help guys. worst case scenario...automotive electrician here i come! what better way to solve a problem then to make it someone else's!

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: DesktopDave on March 19, 2010, 08:41:55 PM

I was inspired by this post:
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-series-e36/attention-all-e36-owners-beware-wiring-55136.html

How far does the wiring harness go down into the rear seat?  If it isn't chafed wires or the turn signal stalk/relay, I'd suspect a loose ground somewhere.  Get the old DMM out and do continuity tests like the ETM suggests.

Title: 92 318I No turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights
Post by: krwndklown on March 21, 2010, 07:42:58 PM

well here's an update! now my brake lights don't work either!YAY!:confused: