i was refinishing my wood trim and as a result my blinkers no longer work properly. they buzz lightly when engaged and do not lite up. i pulled and relaced the flasher unit with a used one and now they come on but do not blink. i think it is a grounding problem. my instrument (cluster ) no longer lights up either. not all is put back fully, ie the light switch. could this be a problem? any solutions?


thanks
mark

Check and see if you may have nudged the hazard switch during the dash work. If it sticks on, or partly on, it can disable the turn signals.

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

No way is the instrument cluster lights related, but signals and the 4-way share the same blinker relay housed in the hazard switch. That "new" used part could be a pig'n a poke.

Fiddle with the "variable" cluster light dial until you get the semblance of cluster lights then leave it alone. It's coils and contacts in the switch behind the instrument cluster that grow patina and need brass brushing.

And MB (bosch electrics) changed the design on their hazard switches alot. If you still have the original, then bend the tabs and take it apart, then clean it carefully with something evaporative like alcohol and cue-tips and dry it out to make it work again.

On later model 116's and 123's they stuck the hazard switch in the center console next to the shift gate. Everybody spills coffee on them and then they buzz for awhile until they dry out. No reason to panic or start radically replacing parts.

Did you hose the woodwork with some kinda cleaner that soaked the electrics? Good idea might be to moisten the cleaning rag instead.

(edit: general rule on MB switches including signal lights, instr cluster, hazard, etc..... keep em clean and dry - and they are 'rebuildable' if you take em apart to clean em up.