E46 instrument cluster not working

At the moment, your instrument cluster maybe faulty? Due the basic tests, try to be sure. Check for applicable trouble codes relating to instrument cluster--pcm--communication codes. Some of the national brand auto stores in this country may check codes for free, if there are any.
Check voltage and ground circuits for the instrument cluster. The sending units for gages are wired to pcm then the pcm sends serial data to instrument cluster telling instrument cluster what to do with gages. If you want to check gage sending units, that's ok.

If you have a scanner that can communicate with instrument cluster, you can get instrument cluster to do a self-test. The self-test, the instrument cluster will turn warning lamps on and off, sweep gages w/o outside data input. The instrument is considered good, if it passes that test, if not, the instrument cluster is considered faulty.

I'd have to check voltage and ground for the instrument cluster. I noticed one of the fuses for your instrument cluster goes hot with the key on, same thing for ac compressor. I'd have to voltage feed to and from ignition switch for applicable fuse. Check the ignition switch wiring connector. I can't rule out ignition switch itself, at the moment.
There could be other issues?
Ignition switch faults are common on some makes and models.
Instrument cluster wiring connector problems. Sometimes if you disconnect and reconnect the instrument cluster connector, it may start working again, also, cycling the instrument cluster connector may reset, if it starts working, well, it's working for now, may quit again.
Some instrument clusters may do a self test, don't know about yours?
Press and hold odometer reset button, turn key to run position release odometer reset button, watch the odometer. Your indicator lamps may turn on and off, the gages may cycle in small increments. The cluster will exit self test on its own.
You may have to check buss circuits.

Best practice is to leave pinpoint testing of the instrument cluster & (Delicate) P/C board to an expert .....

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/ralph_2f0886b7d6af32ce

The speed sensor on your trans sends a signal to the electronics telling it when to shift, this will be where you fault is.

elinmorta16: Is this problem intermittent, did it come on progressively, getting worse each time, or has it been resolved? I'm assuming it's a 1998 Voyager. I would first and foremost suspect the instrument cluster main harness solder joints. I had a similar problem that eventually caused vehicle to fail to start altogether. After reviewing several posts about it I decided to re-solder all these joints. This didn't initially resolve the no start problem ---- UNTIL ---- I did the instrument cluster self-diagnosis test. With ignition off, hold the trip meter and reset buttons for 10 or more seconds. When I turned the ignition to on, I got the self check sequence displaying on the odometer. After it completed, my dash gauges worked just fine......and the vehicle started again!!

To find the instrument cluster fix, google "1998 voyager instrument cluster solder". You should find several posts explaining it. It eventually worked for me!! God bless those who take the time to help others!

Hey
How du i mount my tacho rings in my instrumentpanel.
my car is an BMW 318i E46 from 2002

Instrument cluster problem ! Have it rebuilt or buy a used one . GM had instrument cluster problems 2003 to 2006

Checked Every fuse in the fuse box (no small task).This includes #4 - Power point Instrument Panel, #14 - Day time running lamps (auto lamps doesn't work nor does auto lock), #27 - ignition switch run feed, #35 - Instrument Cluster, #41 - Instrument Cluster, #42 - Delayed Accessory, #45 - Ignition switch run/start feed, #102 - Door locks body security module, #103 - Ignition switch, #110 - Ignition switch, & #116 - Ignition switch. But I also check all other ones as well, they all register OK. AC panel & radio work. Turn signals work. Mileage does not work, trip computer does. So, basically, everything works except auto head-lights, auto locks, and the dash cluster (no MPH, RPM, mileage display, Fuel, Temp, Tran Temp, and Oil Pressure).

sound like body control module.it control your instrument cluster.or your instrument cluster has an short.

I have this problem too and my new Saab mechanic told me that I would probably need a new instrument cluster. He said a brand new one costs $2500 but that he would order me a used one from a car that had fewer miles than mine as you can set them back but not forward. He both diagnosed and temporarily "fixed" the problem by slamming his hand really hard on the dash over the panel and all the lights and gauges immediately started working fine....for now. I haven't had the work done yet (I have a 1998 Saab 900S with 130K) so if anyone has any other ideas about this I would love to know what they are. This issue with the gauges and dash lights has been happening on and off for over a YEAR and this is the first time someone has had any idea what it is. I already had my ignition switched replaced so we know that's not what it was. THANKS