Dashboard Gremlins - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zoblamouche · #1 07-19-2007, 02:36 PM

I have an interesting problem with my 1988 560SL dash. The gauge needles in the instrument cluster on the left housing (fuel/temperature/oil pressure gauges) go erratic, but only in hot weather. They will also click in unison with the turn signal when I apply it. In cooler weather, the gauges work fine. I then encountered a second problem last evening: the dashboard lights dimmed completely (but didn't go completely off) with a click and kept periodically clicking back on and off intermittently. I don't know if the two problems are related. Any help/insights/clues are greatly appreciated.

DOCJBK · #2 07-19-2007, 04:27 PM

Pull the cluster and check the socket connections. If that does not help then you might want to attach a separate ground as many of our bretheren have had too.

sublettd · #3 07-19-2007, 08:57 PM

Concur with the bad ground. Your problem mimics one I had a couple years back.

zoblamouche · #4 07-20-2007, 08:42 AM

Thank you guys for the constructive suggestions. Looks like I have myself a weekend project. Any quirks or unusual difficulties to be aware of in removing steering wheel/air bag/dash?

DOCJBK · #5 07-20-2007, 09:32 AM

Just make sure you disconnect the battery before you take off the airbag, and don't use the steering wheel lock to lock the wheel when you loosen the allen bolt.

nobby · #6 07-21-2007, 01:20 AM

And watch the windshield if you are in need of an extended power bar.

A ground wire from the cluster to the underdash frame fixed my similar problem.

Roncallo · #7 07-21-2007, 01:36 AM

Try looking at this thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/186967-560sl-instrument-cluster-wiring-post1494678.html?highlight=roncallo#post1494678

John Roncallo