Dash Electrical Problems
 

Hey guys,

I need help finding some serious dash related electrical problems. Here is the story:

My car has always had a bouncy fuel guage, sometimes inaccurate. I always assumed it was a loose ground. Also, from time to time my blinkers would "stick", that is, they would light up solid but not tick. I always thought the solenoid was on its way out. Didn't give it that much thought.

One day, I start the car, and notice NOTHING works in the dash. No blinkers, no fuel guage, no tach, no oil pressure... the clock, however, works, and I believe the dash lights do aswell.

Where should I start? Is this something I can handle myself? I am not going to spend another dime on professional help.

Thanks a lot everybody!

Since your oil guage is mechanical and not electrical this would rule out a bad ground unless your oil guage actually does work then I would check the ground as this is the most common thing to go wrong.

I have a similar issue. How would you check/replace the ground? Details would be great since I'm new to the electrical thing. :)

Thanks

Do other ignition-switch controlled devices work such as the heater-blower? If not, I suspect the ignition switch, start out by wiggling the key slightly.

- Jeff Miller
190DT

You start by replacing the fuse. Don't even bother to report back here and tell us that it is good. Just replace it. And, replace it with some higher quality brass or copper fuses and avoid that aluminum crap.

It is most definitely something that you can handle yourself.

I replace ALL fuses when I get an old MB, like Brian said get the good brass ones, there cheap.

Then the eng to body ground (driver side, bolted to bell housing) Take it off where it attaches to the body, apply sand paper/wire brush, Then there are two grounds behind the instrument cluster. Maybe you wont have to go there:P