W201: is there grounding earth point behind instrument cluster?

[gastropodus]

As I've posted previously, I'm struggling to sort out an intermittent electrical problem that manifests as the alternator charge light coming on, along with a loss of turn signal indicator and brake light function. This seems to also correlate with periods where the fuel gauge swings erratically. So, one thing I'd like to try is cleaning or augmenting the ground from cluster to frame. However, I can't find a ground point behind the instrument cluster! On my W123 it's as obvious as day: a small bolt with brown wires all going to it. The W201 / 190D has all this sound insulation behind the cluster, and I just can't seem to spot a central ground point. Am I looking in the wrong place? Does a grounding point like I describe even exist in a W201? Thanks,

Kurt

[Bob338]

Yeah, you've got a grounding spot to the extreme left, on the inside opposite the electrical center. It's way to the left of the instrument cluster.

[gastropodus]

Hey, thanks for the photo and confirmation! What do you mean by "electrical center?" Do you mean electrical connector going to the instrument cluster? And is it high, or low?

Thanks again,

Kurt

[Bob338]

Electrical center = fuses and relays in engine compartment.

Been smoking something; very high!

[jt20]

Off topic

Another simple suggestion known to cause strange anomalies:

Check all the light bulbs in the cluster, blinkers, interior etc.. Make sure they are the correct rating / style and a good brand.

[gastropodus]

Well. I found the grounding point by looking up from underneath in the vicinity of the underside of the fuse box. That's the good news. The really bad news is that it is directly behind the left side driver's vent, the vent I've given up any hope of removing without damage (those tabs are nasty and strong). So I guess I'm going to take Roy's advice and add an auxiliary ground wire from the rheostat grounding screw to a solid chassis bolt. I'm also going to focus on the cluster itself, since I get inconsistent and erratic readings when I ohm out known ground points on the back of the cluster. Sigh.

Kurt