I pulled my instrument panel to check my light bulbs and to see what the problem was, with my rheostat(plus Im trying to get my fuel gauge to work, talked about that in another thread). Anyway, my dash lights have not worked, the indicator lights, brake, glow plugs, etc, have all worked, but just not the two bulbs that illuminate the gauges. I replaced the bulbs as the two looked very dark, also repainted my gauge arms florescent orange. Looked for my rheostat, and it was missing! Should have noticed it when I first took the cluster out, but didnt. Little knob is still on front part of cluster, but not rheostat inside! Now, I dont know if the PO or somebody prior to him, removed the reohstat, but it is gone. Not knowing which places it draws it juice from, I'm not sure how to procede. I am attaching several pictures, so perhaps someone can help me out a bit? Rheostat shaft goes through the hole with the embedded metal washer, which has two solder joints on two corners. The two other solder joints directly below the rheostat hole, have the metal pins on the rear(I imagine to plug the rheostat into. Can I short/solder across these pins somewhere, so I can get light to my dash? All help is greatly appreciated!
thanks,
Jim

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1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)

I don't think you need the rheostat. Do this.

no dash lights, flaky tach, temp and fuel gauge not working...what gives?

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Ok, I soldered a jumper wire across the rheostat points, and "viola", I now have dash lights! But, another problem has occured. My speedometer, which was working, is now not currantly working. Strange thing is, my odometer is working and keeping accurate mileage! Any ideas on this problem????? :-(
Jim

__________________
1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)

It's most likely a gear that is spinning on its spindle.
A search will reveal plenty of threads....one or more have the procedure to fix it (or you can figure it out for yourself like I did - take a look...you'll see)

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09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

I suppose it could be just coincidental that it quit working as soon as I pulled the cluster and gauges out and re-installed, but I would like to think there is another answer.

__________________
1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)

I think Larry is right on, but I have a question. Did you remove the needle, or paint it while it was still installed? Another thing I was thinking, but is probably not possible, is the cable screwed in all the way? Not sure if it makes a difference or not (since the odo is working).

You are a pretty good detective! I had painted the needles/arms on all the gauges. The speedo needle was stuck to the peg! Flicked it loose, cleaned the peg, and it works!

__________________
1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)