OBC display lights

[Q_BMW]

Hey guys
My on boad computer's lights get very dim on the right half of it. But ocassionally the entire thing lights up well like its supposed to. Could this be related to the wiring in the trunk that was mentioned earlier ? I tried openening the black ruber part of it, but could not take it out of the rubber stops. but maybe thats what fixed my lighting issues on the obc ?
thanks
Q

[007ben]

most likely a dead bulb. replacements are available from bavauto.

[Q_BMW]

hey
yah but if it is dead how does it ocassionally light up perfectly ?
Q

[bitcore]

the broken filiment will occasionally make contact, completeing the electrical circuit, and operating like normal, untill it seperates again.

EDIT: I was talking about the instrument cluster, Whoops. I suppose it's the same for the OBC.

[007ben]

sometimes the bulb sockets go bad... mine does the same thing... take the bulb out and move it to another socket and you will have a new dark spot.

[tico481]

I had that same problem, ordered the replacement bulbs and went to fix the problem and all the problem was was that the buld that I thought was dead just wasn't put in all the way.

[Q_BMW]

hey
does anyone have any sort of DIY for opening up the on board computer to check for the bulbs ?
thanks
Q

[Kevin325i]

Pull it out, look at the top. There's little white things, basically mini versions of what's in the taillights. Turn them with a pliers or something to get them out. Look if they're burnt out.

I say it's a bad conection, move the bulb around until it stays lit.

Kevin

[thekid]

I've had the same problem, but I can't make mine keep contact. I can get one to light up a little, then I switch bulbs for one that worked all the time, and now non of the work... ghead

[Q_BMW]

hey
what do you mean pull it out ? its in the dash ? just slide it out ...ummmm...
Q

[Turbodefrost]

I had that same problem with my left corner light. Sometimes it would come on, other times it would never work, but it always worked when i turned the blinker on. wierd. But I replaced it and it works fine now.

[007ben]

the obc slides right out... put your finger in the sunglass holder and push the obc forward. a credit card can help too.

[Q_BMW]

hey
thanks ben , will check that out tonight. So I check for the white small things you said ? those are the bulbs ?
Q

[Kevin325i]

Yeah I don't exactly know how to remove cause mine never GOES IN ALL THE WAY. Stupid computer

Kevin

[Barrel First]

007...

Can you be a little more descriptive on accessing the OBC? Is there a FAQ for this?

I'm assuming the 'sunglass holder' to which you refer is the shelf directly below the OBC. What latches the OBC and, when released, allows the computer to [I assume] slide out? There is a hole in the "roof" of the sun glass holder, but I'm not sure what you mean by "pushing" the OBC to access it. Do you mean to pull it out? If so, why would a credit card be needed?

My hour/date display is dark; the radio/CD display is quite dim. Sounds like replacing bulbs will cure my problems.

Many thanks for helping a newbie with his '96 328i...

...Alex