I'm writing with my 1983 300TD wagon.

So I finally got around to replacing the rheostat today. I pulled the instrument cluster out, and figured I'd re-paint the gauge needles while I was in there. When I put it all back together, and replaced the unit into the car, I blew the #1 fuse when I turned the lights on (this controls the dash lights, rear passenger tail light, etc.). I isolated the short by un-plugging the main wiring harness on the back of the cluster, and the fuse stopped blowing. So...

the question is, what could possibly be shorting out? I'm quite certain that I put everything back correctly. Has this happened to anybody else? Any ideas? Thanks for your time.

Damon

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1984 300TD Wagon--Astral Silver--Retired
1983 300TD Wagon--Dark Blue--Retired

I am 95% sure that the power for the instrument lighting is delivered via a blue wire with a spade connector on the far left of the instrument cluster. I bet it didn't get reconnected.... Oh, that is on my W116.

This whole thread barely counts for anything because the problem was born of my own carelessness. But in case anyone follows me into the same frustrating pit of despair...

When re-assembling the gauges after painting the needles, I pinched and crimped the three wire strand running from the right side to the left side (when looking at the instrument cluster from behind). So evidently, with electricity following the path of least resistance and what not, I created a short. Easily fixed, and I'm now enjoying dash lights once again. There you have it.

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1984 300TD Wagon--Astral Silver--Retired
1983 300TD Wagon--Dark Blue--Retired