Replacing Battery for VDO Instrument Cluster

[e23_728i]

For what it's worth... the batteries on my SI board started to leak, that's why it started to flash at odd times. My electrician modified it and now all the meters run with exception of the Inspection lights and service reminder... Would cost nearly a grand if I wanted to get it running again.. Anyway the car always has it's oil changed every 3,000 miles so not too worried there...

Cheers..
Boon Han

 

[PGE30]

e23_728i,
Do you know how the board was modified? Thakns

 

[M30revival]

Originally posted by PGE30@Jan 13 2005, 05:46 PM
Any impact if the batteries were taken out? -without replacement. I mean, other than for the service indicator, any harm done to other part? mine is E30 motometer. Thanks

I have taken out the batteries from the SI board and have not encountered any problem other than the Service Indicator not working. When I get back my car, next week, I'll fit the new batteries in again to start using the service indicator just for reference.

 

[e23_728i]

Not too sure how the mod was done... As I was not around when the car was sent for the repair...

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by mckeon@Jan 6 2005, 01:22 AM

Hi guys, sounds fascinating. I have a e39 '97. the LED goes blurry or partially. on some days it displays like new. Do i have the same problem ie change the batteries for the VDO.

Pls advice.

If LED is blur then your backlight bulb is burnt.
By the way, our odometer is LCD. I always thought it was LED but found out it was LCD.
Change the bulb and you should be OK. If you have air bag, disconnect the battery first to prevent false alarm.

 

[albertsew]

I am using a E30 also, the service light is not as accurate as below then.

Who and where can I change the battery ? HOw much does it cost since I do not know how to change :dunno:

 

[M30revival]

Bro, mine is for E23. The SI board is different from the E30. You'll need to dismantled your VDO cluster to look inside what battery is used. I bought the battery from Jalan Pasar. Not cheap though, RM40/each!

Next week I'll go and find those 5W bulbs and change all of them.

 

[skar19]

jarance a question for you:

is it possible to run a wire from the battery holder on the SI board to an external battery holder so it will be easier to replace or recharge the batteries. it would save time opening up the instrument cluster.....just wondering

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by skar19@May 22 2005, 06:31 PM
jarance a question for you:

is it possible to run a wire from the battery holder on the SI board to an external battery holder so it will be easier to replace or recharge the batteries. it would save time opening up the instrument cluster.....just wondering

Yes it is possible. to do it just follow the instruction below.

1. open the instrument cluster.
2. Locate the battery in the board.
3. mark the postive and and the negative terminals.
4. Desolder the battery.
5. Solder the wires ( red colour to the positive and black to the negative)
6. Make a small hole on the instrument cluster for the wires to come out.
7. solder the positive of the battery to the red wire and the negative to the black wire.

BTW, my advise is to just swap the old battery with the new battery because it is not so difficult to remove the instrument cluster. Furtermore the battery last a long time (say about 5 years or more). To open the instrument after 5 years is not so inconvient..

 

[skar19]

thanks for replying my question and it isnt that hard to open it as a few of us helped tyke change his dashboard.

 

[albertsew]

Jarance , which shop in Jln Pasar sell the batteries ? Or do you have them ?

Let's say after buying the batteries, immediately replace it without recharging it, can the car battery /si board do the charging ?

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by albertsew@Jul 9 2005, 11:03 PM
Jarance , which shop in Jln Pasar sell the batteries ? Or do you have them ?

Let's say after buying the batteries, immediately replace it without recharging it, can the car battery /si board do the charging ?

Sorry I don't sell them not I have any of them. Why don't do print the picture and show it to the shops in Jalan pasar. There are 20 shop there. Choose your pick.

It shoud charged but normally battery when new takes about 12 hours to charged.

 

[M30revival]

Mr jarance, ah,

Really need your help.

I walked the whole Jalan Pasar and there is not a single shop sell the bulbs (the right one in the picture). I spoke to one who used to sell them and he said (it seems) no one sell these (integrated) bulbs anymore!

Do you know if there are other places that sell these bulbs. It is Osram 12/1.2V bulbs with an integrated holder. It is for the VDO instrument cluster I mentioned at the start of this thread. Other brand like Hella, NarVa also can!

TIA.

 

[M30revival]

Originally posted by jarance@Dec 17 2004, 02:25 AM

According to the spec for the battery, your battery is rechargable.

I went back to the shop where I bought my Sanyo battery and found they now have OEM battery. There battery are from Germany and cost a little less than the Sanyo brand. There are 3.0V and 3.6V version. Some of them also have the legs soldered as well. I was looking for those with leg last time but they don't have stock then. Just for info for those who might be looking for the same battery.

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by M30revival@Oct 6 2005, 01:12 AM
Mr jarance, ah,

Really need your help.

I walked the whole Jalan Pasar and there is not a single shop sell the bulbs (the right one in the picture). I spoke to one who used to sell them and he said (it seems) no one sell these (integrated) bulbs anymore!

Do you know if there are other places that sell these bulbs. It is Osram 12/1.2V bulbs with an integrated holder. It is for the VDO instrument cluster I mentioned at the start of this thread. Other brand like Hella, NarVa also can!

TIA.

The bulb that you shown are from cars. You have to go to a car spare parts shop not electronic shop. You get the battery from electronic shop but you get the bulb from car spare part shop.

Note : for the small bulb, you can get it separate without the holder. All you have to do it to remove the old bulb from it original holder. Use a long noose plier and break the glass to remove it. After you have remove the glass, clean the remaining glass. Solder the new bulb back onto the holder. I have done this before when I cannot get the buld with the holder. I think it cost about RM0.50.
The shop I got it is in Klang...

ps.. All the bulbs for the instrument cluster are rated to 12VDC...

 

[Iqlima]

Originally posted by M30revival@Oct 5 2005, 12:12 PM
Mr jarance, ah,

Really need your help.

I walked the whole Jalan Pasar and there is not a single shop sell the bulbs (the right one in the picture). I spoke to one who used to sell them and he said (it seems) no one sell these (integrated) bulbs anymore!

Do you know if there are other places that sell these bulbs. It is Osram 12/1.2V bulbs with an integrated holder. It is for the VDO instrument cluster I mentioned at the start of this thread. Other brand like Hella, NarVa also can!

TIA.

Hi,

I got the meter bulb at obvious place "Kedai Abang",

A bit expensive ,cost me RM4 each.

Which kedai abang ?

About 100 meter from T junction from PJ Old town ,On the way to Heritage ,before Shell but after Caltex.

Cheers

 

[M30revival]

Originally posted by Iqlima@Oct 6 2005, 11:59 AM
Hi,

I got the meter bulb at obvious place "Kedai Abang",

A bit expensive ,cost me RM4 each.

Which kedai abang ?

About 100 meter from T junction from PJ Old town ,On the way to Heritage ,before Shell but after Caltex.

Cheers

Whao, didn't know there is a "Kedai Abang".

Iqlima, I know that place. Hope I can find it this weekend.

Hmm, should I change all 12 bulbs?

Thanks.

 

[jarance]

Originally posted by M30revival+Oct 6 2005, 10:39 PM-->QUOTE (M30revival @ Oct 6 2005, 10:39 PM)