I am glad you found the problem. The next problem sound like a bad dimmer control. This happened because of the direct short on the illumm wire. Step one is to pull the cluster and jumper across the dimmer and see if the lights go to full brightness. If this is the case then you can get a new dimmer for @ $30.00 at the dealer.

Scott@Lajollaaudio

__________________
The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986