Instrument panel lights not working!! Help please????

[190E2]

I have spent hours searching the posts on this subject with no results. I understand about the rheostat that controls the lighting of the instrument panel and all the switches but mine is different I think. The rheostat controls the dim and brightness of the dash switches and the window switches but has no effect on the instrument panel. Could the rheostat be defective even though it works on the dash switches and window switches?
All the lights on the bottom of the panel work including the high beam indicator light but that is all. The rest of the instrument panel is dark. This is for a 1992 300E.
I haven't hot wired the rheostat yet because I wanted to hear other opinions first. Thank you for your help.

[TCG]

There is a fuse on the back of the instrument panel. Its been a while since I've had one apart but I think the fuse is black plastic that snaps in or twists on the back of the panel. Check the fuse. it may be as simple as that.

500E Pearl Gray
500E Black Pearl
300SEL Smoke Silver

[silversleeves]

91 300e no dash lights

Here is a photo, it is the red fuse...http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w124inst_cluster/speedo_cable_disconnected.jpg

[mlozzi200478]

you may want to check into replacing the adjustable dimmer switch,after you check into the fuse,if that dont work.its the multi fuction one that presses in to reset the trip mileage and also dims the dash and switches,the contact points may be dirty,or coroded maybe have allot of dust accumulation. maybe even be able to clean it and squirt in some dielectric silicone on it to lube and seal the contacts.goodluck hope it works out for you.

[190E2]

Thanks for all the info. I'm dedicating all day Thursday to my 300E. I will definitely check fuses individually because sometimes they look fine but end up being defective. I'm sure it is a simple fix and I do appreciate all of your help. I use this site constantly and have spent many hours researching for information. At one time I had 6 Benz's, three 190's, one 300SE, and two 300E's. I only have the one 300E now. Both of the 300E's were 1992 models. Funny thing though---one had a glove box and the other didn't. Never did understand that. Once I check everything out using all of your advice, I will let you know the results. Thanks again. Have a nice holiday and new year!!!
Gary G.

[Ferdman]

190E2, the 300E with the glove box didn't have a passenger side airbag. I own a 1991 300CE with the same configuration. Apparently passenger side airbags were an extra cost option.

[190E2]

Fred, that is correct. The 300E with the passenger airbag also had more options than the other one did. Example--A rear window shade that was operated by a switch on the dash. It was really cool how the mechanism worked that made the shade go up and down. I really liked that car better but it was in the worst shape of the two--one had to go--oh well.

[190E2]

Hey Guys, OK, I pulled the instrument panel and checked the fuse but it was fine. I checked the fuse in the fuse box, it was good also. I soldered across the two points on the back of the rheostat with acid based solder, resin based solder would not stick, but this didn't do any good either. Maybe I didn't do it good enough. I can turn the rheostat and the swith lights still go light and dim. I'm down to changing the rheostat or either the entire instrument panel, whichever comes first. Thanks for your help.

[190E2]

OK, I fixed the problem. I finally have lights in my instrument panel. I have several extra panels so I took out the gauge set with the gas, temp., and oil pressure and replaced the one in the car with this one and I changed the potentiometer out with one of the many used ones I have. TA DA!!!!! Success at last. I have quite a bit of spare parts that are used but are functional for 190e's and 300e's.
I really appreciate all of the help. This sight is a lifesaver. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!