grounding question for w126 instrument cluster
 

Hi
I can see from many posts that people ground their instrument clusters by attaching a cable to the metal rear part of the tachmenter and clock to the chassis.

But what about the other end of the cluster where you have temp/oil pressure/fuel gauge? is there a specific point which you can attach a cable to?

I have a problem on that side and have cleaned the connector thoroughly and am now grasping at straws. Worth grounding it though just to elieminate the usual suspects.

Appreciate you advice.

My car is probably a 500 SE which now has an OM603 engine. Since pulling out the cluster to replace it with a junk yard one, all hell has broken loose. Nothing works so im guessing/hoping its a grounding issue.

thanks

MJ

At least on my '83 300SD, there is a strap that runs the width of the speedometer section that hits pads on both the tach side and the small gauge side. There was evidence of corrosion on the contact points. My preferred cleaning method is to use a pink pencil eraser or a fiberglass scratch pen. The fiberglass scratch pen is meant to remove rust and debris from scratches prior to painting. It's not super abrasive but can go through very thin plating while the pink eraser won't but it also won't remove heavy corrosion. After cleaning, it put a tiny drop of Deoxit on the contacts. You only need enough to cover the contact point, don't flood the area. The spray can is a bit harder to control than the fingernail polish sized bottle but the can will reach into switches better.

Michael

Yes, i discovered that strip today but i wonder if its smarter to connect the negative posts on the backs of the three gauges directly to an earth.

thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. I will take a second look at that strip now.

MJ