Centre console electrical problem ?

kiwi330i · 12-13-2009, 07:34 AM

Hi,
I have an '00 330i. I think I have some sort of centre console electrical issue going on. The cigarette lighter socket is dead, and also, I have no backlighting for the transmission positions (i.e. P,R,N,D). However, the +/- backlighting of the tiptronic side of the box does work..... odd huh !

Anyway - using my trusty multimeter, I have checked and observed the following;
- Fuse for cig lighter is ok
- There is no 12VDC at the cig socket itself

I have pulled anything apart, yet. Thought I might get some helpful hints before embarking on a dissassemble and destroy mission.

Anyone got any handy hints on what I maybe facing with the electrics ? Also, anyone got any handy hints on pulling the centre console apart - preferably without breaking any plastic clip type thingys........ lol

All hints and tips much appreciated !

sillieidiot · 12-13-2009, 07:55 AM

taking the center console out is really easy man. you probably won't break anything. but if the fuse is fine, it could probably that the plug going to the lighter and transmission lights might not have been plugged in. i think i've done that a few times on my sister's car when i put putting something else in.

kiwi330i · 02-17-2010, 02:12 AM

Cheers for that......

I plucked up the courage and pulled the centre console apart - unclipped amazingly well - I was surprised. Some cars are designed to be assembled and thats all, no taking them apart. BMW was relativley easy....

Anyways - as you suggested, once I got in there, I found the connections to the cig lighter and the transmission indicator lights were unplugged.

Problem easy solved !!

Thanks !

12-13-2009, 07:34 AM	#1
kiwi330i Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5 My Ride: 2000 330i View My Garage	Centre console electrical problem ? Hi, I have an '00 330i. I think I have some sort of centre console electrical issue going on. The cigarette lighter socket is dead, and also, I have no backlighting for the transmission positions (i.e. P,R,N,D). However, the +/- backlighting of the tiptronic side of the box does work..... odd huh ! Anyway - using my trusty multimeter, I have checked and observed the following; - Fuse for cig lighter is ok - There is no 12VDC at the cig socket itself I have pulled anything apart, yet. Thought I might get some helpful hints before embarking on a dissassemble and destroy mission. Anyone got any handy hints on what I maybe facing with the electrics ? Also, anyone got any handy hints on pulling the centre console apart - preferably without breaking any plastic clip type thingys........ lol All hints and tips much appreciated !

12-13-2009, 07:55 AM	#2
sillieidiot Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: the OC Posts: 43,337 My Ride: '06 AW 330ci View My Garage	taking the center console out is really easy man. you probably won't break anything. but if the fuse is fine, it could probably that the plug going to the lighter and transmission lights might not have been plugged in. i think i've done that a few times on my sister's car when i put putting something else in. __________________ I like to reply to threads with 0 posts Have a lighting problem? Read this first: Lighting-related Troubleshooting Guide

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

02-17-2010, 02:12 AM	#3
kiwi330i Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5 My Ride: 2000 330i View My Garage	Cheers for that...... I plucked up the courage and pulled the centre console apart - unclipped amazingly well - I was surprised. Some cars are designed to be assembled and thats all, no taking them apart. BMW was relativley easy.... Anyways - as you suggested, once I got in there, I found the connections to the cig lighter and the transmission indicator lights were unplugged. Problem easy solved !! Thanks !