Dash lights problem

[dieselman1988]

Im having a problem with my dash lights not coming on. This started just recently, when you turn the headlights on ither they will all come on or they wont at all. Any idea what could be causing the problem.
1983 300sd

[Actros617]

Check the fuse first, if that not the problem then check the bulbs by pulling out the instrument cluster, of thats not the case than the rheostat needs cleaning, its located behind the instrument cluster, it looks like a white box right behind the Fuel, temp, and oil pressure gauge. Remove the screws, Clean out the corrosions on the contacts and springs, put everything back together and you'll be good.

[Ryan Z]

If you can't fix the rheostat, you can jump the poles. This will keep dash lights on bright, which usually aren't very bright anyway.

[dieselman1988]

I think it must be the rheostat because the shifter lights and heater control lights dont come on ither when the dash dosent so i think all the bulbs are fine just the conections from the knob of something. Do you have a link for how to pull the dash out?

[JEBalles]

It's almost certainly the rheostat, I jumped mine. To remove the cluster, you just take off the kick panel and push it out, it's just a friction fit. You won't be able to pull it out that far before you have to start disconnecting things.

[Codifex Maximus]

Yep, sounds like you've diagnosed the problem. Now if you don't get any good result from gently cleaning that rheostat, just jumper solder the two visible circular metal pieces on the back of the rheostat and that should do it.