Instument Cluster Problem on 1994 C280
 

I have a 1994 C280 and about 7 months ago, the gas gage has stopped going up immediatly when the car is started. The engine temp gage is the same wasy in cold weather and sometimes in normal weather too. As I drive, they both eventually kick in but latly, on the engine temp has been going up and the gas gauge stays at the bottom. I took apart the dash board and nothing was loose. Any suggetions? If you want, ill take pictures tomorrow. Thanks.
P.S. Everything else on the cluster is perfect.. (except for that dreaded check engine light, I hate it with a passion and I have only been driving for a year and a half. I swear it comes on just because after every 2 weeks it misses the MB shop.) But I've learned to deal with that...... (took out the light bulb (-: )

Could be the needle of the gauge is sticking at the lowest point. Or, the fuel guage sending units in the tanks (there are two) are shot.

The needles are definitly sticking to the 'stop' peice. Mine hasn't done it in 6 months or so... but summer's over, and I can expect the gas gauge and temp gauge to start sticking again on start-up. Mercedes used some paint for awhile that must get sticky in colder weather.
It is possible to get fixed... I forget how, but one of the techs here on the forum knows how. I don't really let it bother me much though, I just whack the dash board and they usually spring right up.
I am VERY against taking out the CE light! Just get to the root of the problem, PROPERLY, and I assure you the light would come on much less.
Anyway, good luck with your problem!

VERY common on the W202 chassis! The needle is glued to the peg that it rests on. WE remove the complete instrument cluster assembly & clean the needles & pegs off with alcohol & a q-tip.
Replace the inst cluster blubs while you are there.

Try tapping on the dash pad above the cluster & see if the gauge starts working.

Thank you very much for all of your help. I'm going to go clean it right now.
Keith

Have you ever checked your codes for you CE light?

I'm willing to bet you'll get a code for a stuck egr valve.

And I'm willing to bet that you have a pipe clogged with carbon from egr vapors. It's the hot inlet pipe to the intake manifold. Very common on these engines.

Scroll to the bottom of this article:

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/EngineControls

I don't know about your state, but you couldn't pass a smog test with a tripped check engine light. It doesn't matter if the bulb has been taken out. The computer they use to test your car will pick it up.