Dashboard Lights Not Lighting Up - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MarekW · #1 08-01-2003, 02:13 AM

What could be the problem ?

My instrument cluster on my 97 e320 has only one light lighting up at night : only for temperature.

I have checked the balbs and they are o.k. but will not light up.

Your help greatly appreciated

Thank you

MarekW · #2 08-02-2003, 01:35 AM

Has anybody seen this kind of problem?

Gilly · #3 08-02-2003, 08:05 AM

How did you check the bulbs?
Are you sure you checked the correct ones?
I've seen it before, but it's always been blown bulbs.

Gilly

MarekW · #4 08-02-2003, 08:22 AM

I will recheck it again and will let you know

Thanks

Gilly · #5 08-02-2003, 08:31 AM

The only "good" way to check the bulbs is with an ohm meter or a continuity tester.
There are a couple larger bulbs in there for general illumination of the cluster, unsure if these are also inop or not.
At first I was thinking the dimmer is turned all the way down, but that doesn't explain the exterior temp still working OK.
There are 3 bulbs behind the MFI (multi function indicator), one left, one right, one center, but in TWO rows. One row is clear, one row is red bulbs, this is for when the MFI has a RED warning display. It's rare to see a bad red bulb, concentrate on checking the clear ones, which I believe is the bottom row of bulbs behind the MFI.
The general illumination bulbs I believe have yellow sockets, the sockets are removed and the bulbs replaced seperately. I belive there are only 2 of these type of bulbs, I may be wrong, if I am, then it would be 4 of these type, either 2 or 4. DON'T use regular 198 bulbs in those sockets, you could damage the cluster due to higher amperage draw, plan on getting all required bulbs from an MB part supplier, like your local dealer or Fastlane (this site).

Gilly

MarekW · #6 08-02-2003, 08:56 AM

I did check with ohm meter, but will check again according to your instruction

thank you

MarekW · #7 08-06-2003, 01:09 AM

Thanks Gilly

I was checking the light bulbs without removing them from the cluster , once removed and I checked again I found 2 yellow light bulbs burned.
I replaced them and it is like new again.

Thanks again