OBC went dead after replacing the light bulb

[Philo]

Can't say that I've had this happen before. The OBC was removed because the LED was really faint and I could barely read the time. So pulled out the gauge cluster and replaced the light bulb.., now the OBC won't come on at all.

I still have the gauge cluster out, it's at North Hollywood Speedo to have the odometer gears repaired..., could the fact that the gauge cluster is out have anything to do with the OBC not working ?

[RonW]

The cable from the OBC plugs into the back of the instrument cluster. If you remove the cluster, you have to unplug the OBC, which will remain unpowered until you reinstall the cluster.

[Philo]

Had a feeling..... Thanks Ron !

[Philo]

So.., I got the instrument cluster back in, and the OBC light came back on.., but the clock light is still really dim. Like it has no back lighting. Is there another light bulb that i missed or is the board toast ?

Thanks.

[RonW]

There's a bulb that plugs in the back, which illuminates the keyboard. There's also a backlight module that slides in from the side, for illuminating the display. This module has two light bulbs. The bulbs are wired in series, so if one burns out, neither lights.

You can buy another module from BMW, find a source for tiny 6V light bulbs, or replace the bulbs with LEDs. Lots of info can be found on the web for this last option. I've done it and it works.

[Philo]

Thanks Roy.., found some great info on S14.net. I'm off to radio shack tomorrow !