When I start my car up the ambient outside temp shows -36°F and then the display shuts off after about 20 seconds. I took out the instrument cluster and removed the unit and bench tested it against a 12v power source and it does the same thing. Does this mean the unit is going out or is there something else that can be done to fix it?

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1990 190E 3.0L

The temp sensor should be in one of the bumper grills, check resistance at the speedo plug.

Does the backlight go out or screen blank?

The back light is fine, just the display will only work for a few seconds after start up then reading disappears

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1990 190E 3.0L

Sensor is open or not connected. I see this when I do my power up tests on them when I work on them. On my W201/W124 the sensor is attached to the license plate bracket. There should be an intermediate connection between the sensor and the display unit. I think its somewhere around or in the fuse box.

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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


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on my car the sensor is behind the bumper,clipped to it.I unclipped mine and saw it was cracked. I reglued with super glue gel,and it has worked fine now for 6 months.Moisture must have been getting inside the wire.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Problem fixed. There was a break in the wiring. Rejoined the wires and all is well.

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1990 190E 3.0L