w211 cluster problem + removal question
 

On our 2003 E500 ALL of the ancillary instrument cluster lights (such as the turn signal indicators, the high beam indicator, etc.) stopped working. We've checked the fuses but they all look good - any ideas on what could have happened?

I'm guessing that some connection has become loose on the back of the cluster - can anyone provide removal instructions?

Thanks!!

Which of the 7 wires shown do you suppose could cause that effect?

Since the resolution isn't great let me label them: ground, term 30, term 15, CAN B low and High, and CAN C low and high.

More to the point, do you understand how your IC knows when to turn those lights on?

Steve - I don't know how the IC knows when to turn those lights on.

This is a bit out of my league, but based on your wiring diagram it looks like CAN C high (rd/br wire) is either disconnected or the signal is faulty.

Does this agree with your analysis?

Thanks for your help!!

NO!

Does your tach work? Does the speedo work? CAN C is the powertrain CAN. The IC gets data such as eng temp, speed, and vehicle speed from various controllers on the CAN C network. The turn signals are probably being input via CAN B the body CAN.

The point is there are no wires. The signals all come in on two main digital networks. The only way to evaluate them is with a digital computer. Other than a complete assembly the only simple likelyhood in my mind would be a coding issue. Some times unplugging the unit might reboot it in its original coding. More likely it is going to have to be tested by someone who knows what they are doing and has the tooling to enable it.

BTW the two power wires do come from the N10/1 drivers side SAM. You might verify the fuses, although I doubt either circuit could die without massive issues in the cluster.

Steve-

The tach works, speedo works, the digital display works (radio station, temp, etc.) the odometer works, both the engine temp and fuel gauges work.

It looks like I'll take the car in to the dealership to have them take a look.

Thanks for your help...

PS > We'll take a look at the fuses again, but as you indicate, I would expect more failure of the IC if it were bad.

Sorry for intrusion Steve i have a w211 and i have cluster background lights not working all other function ok: what i cannot see is clock speed and rpm numbers.Led pointers ok
i removed cluster and saw an electronic card wich drive through a processor (i presume)backgroud light.
Now, my question is can i by only the card without spending for the Whole cluster?Any idea where?Tks a lot