Just recently, I've noticed a ticking sound that seems to be coming from behind the instrument cluster (sound like the noise that those old ATM's would make before giving you your cash) It seems to happen when idling, in gear, and I think it might be electrical because I noticed that the light on my LED stereo flickers when this happens.

Any ideas on what to check ?

Thanks guys,

AARON

1976 230 (.4)

I would look for a relay back there acting up.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks, I removed thae instrument cluster, but couldn't seem to find anything acting up (at least to the naked, untrained eye) but now the noise has seemed to stop although, now my temperature gauge is sporadically juming up and down violently. I have checked all my fluid levels and everything is fine. Could it be the stat (that I changed 3 months ago) or another electrical problem?

Thanks again.

AARON
1976 230.4

Aaron:

A jumpy temperature gauge could mean you knocked a ground wire loose. Though I thought my jumpy gauge was the ground wire, it turned out I had to replace the temperature sensor.

Hope this helps.

Brian

Thanks, since it turned out to be fairly inexpensive, I replaced the temperature sensor. The one on the car seemed like it was the original anyway (subsequently it appears that Mercedes has replaced the old model with a newer version.).

However, the temperature gauge is still jumping up and down rapidly, dropping dead for a while, twitching ,then jumping again, and making a rattling noise. Have you any ideas on where to check for a loose ground? I only have a Chilton repair manual handy and it has nothing specific about these electrical parts.

Thanks again.

AARON
1976 230.4

I have since removed the intrument cluster, then looked for a loose ground, however, all I could see is the cable for the oil pressure gauge. There is a white, plastic and metal gaget of some sort attached to the bottom of the cluster (it helps keep the dash secured but I'm not sure for what purpose it serves. Should there be a ground attached to this? Is this a mechanism for the temperature gauge?

Please help.

AARON

1976 230.4

Anyone ???

I am not familiar with this dash at all, but most are similar at least generally. Locate the back of the temp gauge, see how it is attached to the cluster, i.e. nuts/studs or electrical connectors. See if anything is loose and tighten accordingly. Could also be connector for temp sensor, but those are mostly either on or off the clips. Hope this helps. Maybe Steve or Donnie have experience with setup. If they do, I'm sure they'll help you out.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325