Erratic guages on 107
 

While stopped a stop light at idle, all of a sudden my gas/temp/oil guage needles started jumping around all over the place. I hit the gas, and it stopped. Hasn't done it since. Anybody every seen that and know the cause? Are the guages electrically or vacuum operated? Thanks

Kirk
1983 280 SL

I have a 1984 380SL and I have noticed that the temp. gauge will sometimes rise quickly while idling at a stop light from about the usual 80 degree position to up to about 100 degrees but will quickly sort itself out once I pull away from the light.

Also, after driving for a while the oil gauge will drop to say "2" at idle speed but will immediately return to the usual "4" position when driving again.

Yes, I think that is pretty normal. This was an erratic and crazed movement of all the needles,

I had the same issue right before the alternator went out. Check the battery voltage at a idle should be above 12 Volts DC and around 14 at higher RPM

Before you do too much -- change the fuse. I do not know why whith the gauges but I have had this very problem a few times and it was the fuse.

It is a good idea to change all the fuses -- MB says 10years for the type in the 107.

I have always thought that the fuses MB used are junk -- nothing but problems. They should have changed to the more modern units back in the 60's.

You need to also clean off the terminals -- not too much -- just get them clean and fit the new fuse - move it a little bit to seat it.

Ok, I'll check of all those. You guys are great, I would have never in a million years thought of either one of these situations.