Electrical System - Various System Faults
Group 61General Electrical Systems
Bulletin Number
61 14 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 2000
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
Wiring Harness Damage Causes Various Electrical System Faults
MODEL
E38 (7 Series) Vehicles produced up to February 21, 2000
SITUATION
Various faults can occur in the vehicle electrical systems. In some cases, the faults only occur intermittently. The warning lights or check control displays of the affected systems may be activated after the engine is started or while driving.
CAUSE
The wiring harness can be damaged by the metal panel (arrow) in the front-right wheel housing.
PROCEDURE
On a customer complaint basis only, where electrical faults have occurred, check for a red mark next to the vehicle emission label (right side of engine compartment).
-- If the red mark is present, continue troubleshooting with DIS, or MoDiC.
-- If the red mark is not present, connect the DIS or MoDiC to the vehicle. Perform a "Short test" and read off the fault memory. If there are fault entries indicating damaged wiring, check the wiring harness in the area of the front wheel housing as detailed below:
Only if red mark is not present, and there are fault codes stored which indicate damaged wiring:
1. Remove the front right wheel and inner wheel housing trim.
2. Expose the wiring harness from its retainers.
3. Remove the wiring harness tape in the area described (arrow).
4. Expose and carefully check the wires for damage to the insulation. If no damage can be detected, proceed with step 7.
5. Disconnect the vehicle battery.
6. Repair any damaged wires (refer to repair instructions 61 13...- Handling cables and crimping contacts).
7. Before reattaching the harness, wrap it along its length with insulating tape.
8. In addition, secure a foam support to the wiring harness with cable ties to prevent further wiring harness damage.
9. Secure the wiring harness so that it is tightly attached and free from the effect of vibration.
10. Reinstall the wheel housing trim and wheel.
11. Clear the fault memory.
12. Make a red mark next to the emission label - see illustration above.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.