300E Troubles: Cruise, Dash Lights, Anti-Lock Brakes

[snk8720]

Just recently bought a 1986 300E and a few problems have begun to surface.

First the cruise control (which worked fine for the first month) started "surging" uncontrollably when activated. Like someone was hammering on/off the accelerator. Linkage cleaning/lubrication or amplifier?

Next, the instrument cluster lights don't come on when the headlights are turned on. Is there a dimmer switch somewhere that I'm missing? Fuse?

Lastly, the Anti-Lock warning light came on this morning. Obviously the system is sensing some kind of fault thus disabling the anti-lock braking system. Don't know anything about anti-lock braking systems.

Looking for some simple checks which might lead to some simple repairs before resorting to "the dealership."

Any help is appreciated --Steve

[esm6869]

Steve: the problem you are experiencing with the cruise control is very common and if you do a search on it, you will find many discussions in the past. I have the same problem and just choose not to use the cruise. When I looked into the fix, it was more than I was willing to pay.

The dash light problem may be that the interior lights are turned down. The pin that you push in to reset the trip odometer also controls the dimming of the instrument panel and dash lights. turn it to the left and right to control the light. The back lighting is very poor in the 300E, so do this in the dark to see if its working. There are also numerous threads on this topic as well and some different fixes to make it brighter.

As for the anti-lock light, I can't help you there, but maybe do a search and you might come up with something.