B0401
Speedometer Circuit Malfunction
1996-1999 BMW 318i E36 1.9L I4 M44
Moderate SeverityBodyGeneric (SAE)
Description
The speedometer gauge is not functioning or is displaying incorrect speed readings.
Symptoms
- Speedometer reads zero while driving
- Speedometer reads erratically
- Speedometer needle bouncing
- Cruise control may not work
Common Causes
- Faulty vehicle speed sensor
- Instrument cluster stepper motor failure
- Cluster circuit board fault
- Speed signal wiring issue
Diagnostic Steps
- Check speed sensor signal with scan tool
- Compare GPS speed to speedometer
- Test cluster stepper motor
- Check speed sensor wiring
- Scan for related speed sensor codes
Repair Notes
Replace speed sensor or instrument cluster stepper motor. If cluster board is faulty, replace or repair cluster.
Related Codes
Other Body Codes
- B0001Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
- B0002Driver Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
- B0003Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
- B0004Passenger Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
- B0005Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
- B0006Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
- B0010Driver Side Airbag Deployment
- B0011Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Open
- B0012Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Short to Ground
- B0013Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Short to Battery
B0401 on Other Vehicles
Common Questions
What does code B0401 mean on a 1996-1999 BMW 318i E36?
B0401 stands for "Speedometer Circuit Malfunction". The speedometer gauge is not functioning or is displaying incorrect speed readings.
What are the symptoms of B0401 on a BMW 318i E36?
Common symptoms of B0401 include: Speedometer reads zero while driving, Speedometer reads erratically, Speedometer needle bouncing, Cruise control may not work.
What causes B0401 on a 1996-1999 BMW 318i E36?
Common causes of B0401 include: Faulty vehicle speed sensor, Instrument cluster stepper motor failure, Cluster circuit board fault, Speed signal wiring issue.