No dash or console lights
 

My 1981 240D has no instrument cluster, dash or console lights. The fuse seems to be OK. Could this be the dimmer switch, or is there a relay for this?
Thanks,

Bud

Probably the dash rheostat is bad. Jump the pins that it plugs onto and you should have lights if its bad.

As Shooter says, it's the rheostat. You might get lucky by twisting it thru it's full range. The ceramic glue falls apart and the spring gets messed up enough to not make contact with the wiper. I usually bypass them as I never dim the dashlights any way.

Michael

As I figured. Called the dealership today. Cost for replacement in about $2.50. I argued with the parts guy for just a minute because I didn't think ANY part from MB could be that cheap. :)

Since FastLane wants $84.30, I wonder what you'll get.

Michael

Interesting indeed!

So, just in case it ain't a bargain, exactly what do you jump on the rheostat? Do you go across the metal contacts on the back side?

I'll try to make it out to the garage today (I've got daddy duty today) and poke around. It's not hard to figure out but it's been a while and I don't think I can describe what I did. Altho I may have soldered a jumper to the terminals on the back of the rheostat.

Michael