Lost Gauges om instrument panel :crybaby2: - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

boem · #1 10-10-2010, 05:23 PM

1990 300SE 217k miles

Hello everyone, went shopping at Costco today and when I left I noticed that non of my gauges works, the only one that works is the economy gauge which I understood works on vacuum.

When I arrived home i opened fuse box and a buzzing noise is heard from there so I am assuming it is a relay issue.

Does anyone have an idea???

mbzman · #2 10-10-2010, 05:27 PM

Check fuse # 5 in the engine compartment.

boem · #3 10-10-2010, 09:15 PM

Thanks mbzman, not a fuse.

mbzman · #4 10-11-2010, 01:02 AM

I'm in the same boat as you. I lost my tach and oil pressure after I removed the cluster to repair the odometer. Your issue sounds more sudden and severe. A bad instrument board perhaps? Makes sense that there is a electrical fault with everything but the economy gauge not working.

tinypanzer · #5 10-11-2010, 12:08 PM

Bad solder joint, bad ground, or you omitted the screw that connects the ground straps on the back of the cluster.

boem · #6 10-12-2010, 09:10 AM

I was able to locate which relay was it. It is the second large relay in the fuse box right near the lights relay, anyone knows what is it and if it is repairable?

tinypanzer · #7 10-12-2010, 01:15 PM

Pop it open and inspect for cracked solder joints, which seem to be nearly everywhere on these cars.

boem · #8 10-12-2010, 04:31 PM

I did open it up yesterday, looks nice and neat, no solder breaks, maybe a burned resistor or diode but its way beyond my skill. Ordered used one from eBay for 30 bucks delivered.

big dog 2 · #9 10-13-2010, 10:09 AM

Hope that solves your issue. If not, then it was a grounding issue. I have a quick fix for that if you need it.

boem · #10 10-25-2010, 07:06 PM

Just replaced the relay module, Nothing changed, same buzzing sound and no gauges, Does anyone have a clue what might cause it? where to look? it came out of the blue sky, I did nor tuch or remove instrument panel and did not perform any work on the car.

boem · #11 10-26-2010, 06:43 AM

Any experts here today?

david s poole · #12 10-26-2010, 10:52 AM

give me a call so i don't need to type all the instructions.---4696880422.

boem · #13 11-07-2010, 09:55 AM

Thank you david s poole for taking your time and trying to help a stranger.

I finally solved the problem.

Someone suggested fuse number 5 and I checked, also checked rotated all fuses to improve contact. After spending time and money trying to solve this problem it turned to be fuse number 6, these fuses can have hairline breaks and I sure missed it even when looked " carefully ".

Buzzing relay stopped as soon as I replaced fuse number 6 and all gauges resumed working.

sptt · #14 11-07-2010, 12:12 PM

Just happened to me two days ago but it was my fuse #5 and it was visibly melted. Not sure what caused it but put a new one in and so far so good. maybe I'll pop in a new #6 as well now just in case.