E36 electrical problem, advice needed !!

[Ubi Wan]

Dear sifus,Been enjoying my E36 318i 97 for the past month or so. So far managed to get the glove box replaced and center armrest installedr which has spruced up the interior and making for a more enjoyable drive.Have noticed that while driving when i indicate left the speedometer and RPM drop slightly with no effect on performance, also occasionally when driving all the warning lights on the dash light up and the speedometer ,RPM, fuel and temperature gauge drop to zero for about 3-4 seconds then come back to normal again with no change in performance.So far have changed the indicator/wiper stalk but problem still persists. Thinking of replacing the whole speedometer unit but not sure if that will cure the problem. Any advice?Also the left indicator recently iammed in the on position but that was caused by the indicator relay that was cured with some sanding of the contacts.

 

[V-Man]

Check the health of your alternator.

 

[Ubi Wan]

Pardypeople,

Thanks for the advice. Do I actually change the alternator or can it be checked by a mechanic to determine its health?

 

[jarance]

you may want to check the 3 connector at the back of the speedo meter. It might be loose.

 

[V-Man]

Pardypeople,

Thanks for the advice. Do I actually change the alternator or can it be checked by a mechanic to determine its health?

Any battery shop or wire-man should be able to do it for you.

 

[Ubi Wan]

Got the problem sorted out. Sent the car to a battery shop to get the alternator checked, wasn't the problem. The mechanic managed to diagnose the problem to a faulty speedometer and I got a replacement one which cost RM350. Everything is fine now and managed to get a full refund for the indicator/wiper stalk. While I was there also checked the wires that run through the boot and found one chaffed. Only thing is the odometer is showing a much lower milage than the original, is that a problem?