All dash/instrument lights went out! Help! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimmyL · #16 02-05-2008, 03:29 PM

It isn't a real lengthy or labor intensive project to undertake......

pawoSD · #17 02-05-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

It isn't a real lengthy or labor intensive project to undertake......

I suppose so.....then again I've not been feeling well for a couple weeks and thus am being extra-lazy about wanting to sit in a cold car pulling the cluster.

I'll wait till I feel better and then might pull it/solder it.

I did successfully repair the climate control in our 300D a few weeks ago by re-soldering some cracked solder points. I was quite happy.

hangit · #18 02-05-2008, 05:12 PM

We used the ghetto lights for our 240D cluster for many months and they work fine. I would suggest placing them at the top of the cluster pointing down.

John

Bill Ladd · #19 02-05-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I believe that to be incorrect

Yep. I misread your post and was fresh from replacing all the bulbs behind my CCU.

Spider bulb is the same as the other instrument lights for that area. I found it wasn't all that hard to replace. And I sure love having my gear selector panel illuminated.

I had to twist, twist, twist my rheostat knob about a zillion times before I got any light (about half brightness now). Don't give up, maybe it'll come back for you.

Hatterasguy · #20 02-05-2008, 09:58 PM

On the later W126's they may have changed some things, but a lot of the switch's are fiber optic. The window switch's are not.

I don't remember exactly whats light by what, I havn't been back their in a long time. Pulling the wood panal down is a bit scary!

Jassper · #21 02-06-2008, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Now I know the first response would be "FUSES!" BUT, the instrument lights are shared on the #1 fuse with the right rear marker light, license plate lights, and "heater controls"

There are fuses on the back of the instrument cluster. One of them controls the interior lights on all switches and panels. At least on W124 series. If the fuse burns you have no illumination yet all outside lights work.

Perhaps you have a fuse there as well.

pawoSD · #22 02-08-2008, 11:30 AM

Last night while driving I got frustrated with my lack of lights and began rapidly turning the rheostat knob the full swath dozens of times (I had done this before....but wanted to try again)....after a few minutes of doing that I suddenly had lights! Poof! Problem solved...for now. When its warm out I will probably solder it though.

rkpatt · #23 07-24-2010, 09:59 AM

I just ran into this problem last night on my car . #1 fuse is OK. I could not find a "sweet spot " rheostat adjustment . Anything else that I can check before pulling the cluster ? Also any tips cluster R/R ( 1985 300SD ) are appreciated .

topanga · #24 07-24-2010, 03:59 PM

On my 1980 300sd, it's the #3 fuse. Had this very problem this week after doing some work in the cluster. Put it all back together and had no interior lights except the idiot lights, no radio, no hazard functionality. Checked and re-checked everything, wiggled the rheostat, got mad, blew steam out my ears, then pulled the #3 fuse for a REALLY close look and sure enough, it had a hairline crack. Replaced it and all is well.

So -- #3 fuse or rheostat.

Ryan Z · #25 07-24-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkpatt

I just ran into this problem last night on my car . #1 fuse is OK. I could not find a "sweet spot " rheostat adjustment . Anything else that I can check before pulling the cluster ? Also any tips cluster R/R ( 1985 300SD ) are appreciated .

Jump the rheostat, or go to a pick & pull and get another. Only takes a minute to pop out the cluster, and you can probably make the switch without disconnecting anything.