Outside temp display problem on E500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TomE500 · #1 06-04-2003, 03:51 PM

Customer says: Outside temp display showing fluctuating temps reading that is sometimes accurate then display goes blank then comes back on reading a temp that is always about 20 degrees colder than actual outside temp. Had problem for past two years

MB Dealership Tech replaced Temp sensor wire from front License Plate assy area through Engine Compartment Wiring harnes back to Dashboard Display 55 dollar part and two hours labor at $91.00 PH - did not resolve problem.

Tech wants to replace Display unit next and see if that resolves.

Since I dont wanna finance the pluck&chuck-til-we-fix-it method, can anyone offer possible solutions.

TIA

Tom

-fad · #2 06-04-2003, 04:05 PM

Greetings Tom-

you can check the EPC to see if there are more parts to this system...my feeling is that the LCD display is the only other major item to address

hope this helps and best regards
-fad

PS- I am using your wheels as my winter beater set...the car sits on them w P6000s in the winter to prevent the S-03's (on new wheels) from flatspotting.

G-Benz · #3 06-04-2003, 04:48 PM

Tom -

Let me know how this goes. Lately, I noticed my W124 temp gauge reading approximately 20 degrees below actual as well.

I figured I'd pick up the $50 part from Fastlane and be done with it. Perhaps this isn't going to fix the problem as I previously thought?

TomE500 · #4 06-04-2003, 07:58 PM

Geez! If I'da known yous was gonna use my wheels for guard duty, I woulda made hose reels outa them.

So what sa "EPC"?

G-B This is what they replaced: 001-542-26-18
I Do not know the level of difficulty in removing the "Cluster Display" nor do I know the expense. I figured that it may be cheaper to replace the R/V Mirror with the following to solve multiple problems:

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1178&addcar=1

Richard Eldridge · #5 06-04-2003, 10:53 PM

$91.00 and two hours labor so you don't have to add 20 to the temperature? I tend to think that this is an excessive expense.

My 30OD does about the same thing. It is annoying.

I observe that one can buy an indoor/outdoor, battery driven thermometer for under $20 and install it with a piece of velcro. JC Whitney sells these.

I wonder if one might just take the sensor from a 12v non-MB thermometer and splice it into the line?

I may actually do this someday and if I do I will tell you the result.

I assume that there is a way of changing the thermometer to degrees Celsius. Germans don't do Fahrenheit. This could be the only complication, but it is also possible that the sensor sending unit is different for F than C.

-fad · #6 06-05-2003, 11:14 AM

Greetings Tom-

Don't fret re: the wheels- its not like they are in an old dusty barn collecting spiders....just winter shoes

EPC= Electronic Parts Catalog- shows the system part for part....

best regards
-fad

Jim's500E · #7 06-05-2003, 11:58 AM

EPC shows the long wire (you have that Tom)...3 connectors inside the engine bay on another long wire and the display unit on the dash...

Its probably the display unit...I had to replace one on my 92' 190E; was doing the same thing. Its a DIYer IMO.

Jim's500E · #8 06-05-2003, 12:04 PM

Tom, I can fax you the page showing it all if you so desire.

TomE500 · #9 06-05-2003, 12:19 PM

Fax number is 617-723-8140

Do you know the part number or a resource to get it?

Tom

jsmith · #10 06-05-2003, 01:29 PM

i believe the display unit is about $200 and not much less at junkyards...

Jim's500E · #11 06-05-2003, 02:08 PM

I send fax soon...I will double check the part number and put it on there. I'll arrange for you to get it close to wholesale from my parts man friend here in CT if you want. If I knew earlier, I could of got it and we could have met in Framingham tonite...I'm actually going up with some friends to see someone with a real deal Audi RS4.

...or, of course, you can also get the part here thru PartsShop.

TomE500 · #12 06-05-2003, 02:57 PM

Jim! just got your fax - Thank You. Are special weird looking Warp Engine style fixing tools needed to remove and/or re-install Display unit? In the Diagram you sent, it appears that the wire has a connector at the halfway point in the Engine Compartment If you look at the part from the parts shop pic library, it appears to be one piece. I don't think the dealership would have had the brass ones to charge me two hours to put in just the first leg(14 on diagram) as I could have done that in 10 minutes with just a pen knife for a tool.

fad! You know I was just pulling your chain on the guard duty thing with my OEM rims

Thanks for the edu on the EPC - is our car EPC available for viewing on line anywhere?

jsmith - thank you for the price estimates - if it is about the same new as used, I'll get it from the Parts shop here.

Tom

Jim's500E · #13 06-05-2003, 03:06 PM

No dude...you are correct in that it is pretty easy to install with simple tools...and yes, I'm not surprised at all that a dealership would have the nads to charge 2 hrs for something that takes 15-20 minutes to install...are you?

As I said...my EPC is for 1992 W124s...though I can't imagine that part being different between our years. Regardless, at least you see how it goes. Happy wrenching !!

WANT '71 280SEL · #14 06-05-2003, 05:00 PM

To replace the sensor in the bumper, does the whole cord have to be replaced? If so, where is that long wire routed through, my dad's 300E just has a blank display.
Thanks
David

Jim's500E · #15 06-05-2003, 05:04 PM

Got FAX?

I have a copy of the EPC page ready to go. It is one piece, meaning you can't just switch out the tip....that would make too much sense, I think.