Instruments - Needles Vibrate When Starting Engine

SI M 62 01 06
Instruments

October 2006
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.M. M62 200 05 dated April 2005.

SUBJECT
Needles Vibrate in Center Instrument Pack When Starting Engine

MODEL
R50 (Cooper), R52 (Convertible), R53 (Cooper S) from 12/22/04 to 01/20/05

SITUATION
The needles vibrate in center instrument pack every time when the vehicle engine is started.

CAUSE
Design feature

PROCEDURE
Do not replace parts needle vibration during starting is part of a calibration process.

The two different kinds of regular calibrations are described below:

A. Brief recalibration:

All needles (including the speedometer) drop once to the lower stop. This takes place automatically when the ignition is switched back on after the K bus has entered sleep mode.

B. Long recalibration: The speedometer needle vibrates or fluctuates for approximately 5 to 10 seconds.

This takes place under the following circumstances:

^ - If the power supply to the instrument cluster has been interrupted in the meantime.

^ - After a battery disconnection.

^ - After the fuse for the instrument cluster has been replaced.

^ - Blown instrument cluster fuse (the speedometer is guaranteed to function correctly when the ignition is switched on despite the blown fuse).

^ - Temporary drop in instrument cluster voltage to below 8.5 volts.

In addition to these regular recalibration processes the mentioned production period may show a vibration of the needles every time you start the engine of the car.