no dash lights

[senor samba]

The radio & all the interior lights work fine, however no dashboard illumination. My ODO is out too, awaiting the gears to replace them. I checked the fuse box under the hood, everything good there. what can I do?

thanks in advance,
Enrique

[cherry_560SEL]

You might want to say what year and model car you have.

[Jeremy5848]

Possibly the rheostat that controls the dash illumination. It can be replaced, repaired, or bypassed.

[senor samba]

You might want to say what year and model car you have.

sorry 1984 300sd turbo diesel with 84k miles . thanks in advance

regards,
Enrique

[senor samba]

would the instrument light rheostat control: window(s), A/C, antenna, sunroof & hazard buttons?

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by senor samba

would the instrument light rheostat control: window(s), A/C, antenna, sunroof & hazard buttons?

Yes. A common failure.

[carnut]

NO! only controls dash light brightness. Must remove cluster to access reostat. Check this forum for a tutorial to solder a wire around the reostat to restore full brightness. Best done when the cluster comes out to do the odometer. The other issues are most likely corroded fuses. Simply replace them with brass ones. The 4 way flasher sometimes stick, so repeatedly depress the red switch, usually that will restore turn signals.

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

Yes. A common failure.

On my SD the adjustable lights are as mentioned, also the shift indicator and the "lines" under the vents just above.
And twist the dimmer knob back and forth, they may come on. But yes, as Jeremy and carnut suggest, remove the cluster and wire the rheostat.

[senor samba]

many thanks...happy new year guys!