Instrument Cluster - Failure of Acoustic Transmitter

9232bmw01

Group 62
Instruments


Bulletin Number
62 04 92 (3539)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1992
Product Engineering


This Service Information Bulletin supersedes (Orange) S.I. 62 01 92 (3455) dated
Jan. 1992. Please remove and discard (Orange) S.I. 62 01 92 (3455) from your S.I. Binder.

SUBJECT:
Failure of Acoustic Transmitter in Instrument Cluster

MODELS:
3 Series (E36)

Situation:
The acoustic transmitter for the "Lights On" warning and for the turn signal indicator may fail on E36 vehicles.


Important Note:
Because complete instrument clusters have been replaced for this complaint, some supply shortages have developed.

Effective immediately, all orders for replacement Instrument Clusters (for vehicles exhibiting this complaint only) should be canceled, in order to ensure the supply of replacement parts for other complaints.

Cause:
Residue on the armature can cause it to stick to the core of the relay.

Correction:
In the event of this failure, a repair method has been developed.

Note:
Instrument Clusters with an improved acoustic transmitter will be introduced into production in mid-1992. These Instrument Clusters are identified by a blue baseplate.


A drilling template and special drill bit with stop are required to perform this repair. Also required is a contact cleaning spray, CRC QD Contact Cleaner (CRC Part No. 51 01 or 5102).

Note:
This contact cleaner is available locally, and is manufactured by CRC Industries, 885 Louis Dr., Warminster, PA 18974. If this cleaner cannot be located, call CRC Industries for assistance at (800) 556-5074 (outside Pennsylvania) or at (215) 674-4300 (within Pennsylvania). The cleaner is available in 6 oz. (part # 5101) and 16 oz. (part # 5102) spray cans.


Cleaning sprays may damage components of the Instrument Cluster. Such damage will not be covered by Warranty.

The repair kit, consisting of one (1) drilling template and two (2) special drills will be shipped to you under the Automatic-Tool Shipment Program.
Additional repair kits may be ordered through your Parts Distribution Center, using P/N 90 88 6 621 130.

Procedure

1. Remove steering wheel

2. Remove instrument cluster





3. Attach the drilling template to the rear of the Instrument Cluster (behind temperature gauge area), as illustrated by arrow.





4. Using the special drill bit from the repair kit, carefully drill into the Instrument Cluster until the stop on the drill bit contacts the template. Remove any accessible drilling shavings.





5. Remove the template. Attach the tube (accompanying the spray can of cleaner) to the spray can and carefully insert it into the drilled hole until it contacts the acoustic transmitter (a depth of approximately 9 mm. Direct the spray between the armature plate and the core (for a maximum of 1-2 seconds).


6. Reconnect the Instrument Cluster wiring. Before completely installing the Instrument Cluster, verify that the "Lights On" acoustic warning functions correctly by:

- Switching on the ignition
- Switching on the headlights
- Switching off the ignition

Note:
The hole that is drilled for this repair does not require resealing, as the entire baseplate assembly is ventilated in several areas.

7. Reinstall steering wheel

8. Check and clear SRS Fault Memory

Warranty
Information: Labor is reimbursable under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited
Warranty of 4 Years/50,000 Miles.

Defect Code: 62 11 23 12 00
Labor Operation: 00 50 377
Labor Allowance: 7 FRUs