I thought I would inquire about a 114 instrument cluster gremlin. I know that several members move back and forth throughout the day and so thought I would wind up with a better shot at a response as I'd like to look into the following tomorrow.

I think I read some time ago that when a dimming rheostat gives up, the fuel gauge (specifically on the 114) fails, too. Is there truth in this? Why would the dimmer be in the same circuit as the fuel gauge? In any case, my '73 280CE (incredible car I picked-up from Wodnek) has no dash lights or fuel gauge reading (remains at empty). I get the dash lights but am curious if the fuel gauge may return to work when I swap the rheostat.

The 115 guage clusters are known to have grounding issues. That is the first thing to check when you have weird guage problems.

I suspect the 114s are similar.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

No difference between the W115 and the W114 instrument clusters, except for the speedometer, which varies by engine.

I've had many apart, and I do not recall any relationship between the fuel gage and the dimmer.

I suspect coincidence or ground.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Thanks, guys.

I've got the cluster all apart (not the gauges themselves) and found that the rheostat, while still intact, was overly corroded. While the cluster is out, I will scope-out ground points behind the dash and elswhere in the car.