I just sent my speedometer to Continental Imports to be rebuilt. Funny thing is that now my Glowplug and Seatbelt lights don't work and the tackometer doesn't register all the time in second gear.

Does the speedo provide a ground to these things from the other side of the panel?

Sould I run a jumper from the other side?

Thanks

__________________
John

1995 E320 - 115kmi+ Smoke Silver/Cream (Wife's Wagon)
1989 260E - 195kmi+ Black/Grey (My Panther)
1984 300D - 242kmi+ Black/Palomino (Retired)

jjalex,

I am experiencing a similar kind of grounding issue after having removed the instrument cluster and then put it back in. Seems the ground is a little touchy, and if you have it stressed mechanically by something it cuts out and the two lights you mention, as well as the instruments for water temp and fuel level go to the peg for high temp/level. I posted a similar question about which connection is the ground, and where it goes. Hope we get a response. I wiggled the instrument cluster around, and noticed the ground was good in the 90% installed position and everything worked fine. So I am leaving it there for now until I get some clue as to what the issue might be. Good Luck, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Jim,

FYI - I am not having the problem you see with the other instruments.

Thanks and I will look for your post as well.

John

__________________
John

1995 E320 - 115kmi+ Smoke Silver/Cream (Wife's Wagon)
1989 260E - 195kmi+ Black/Grey (My Panther)
1984 300D - 242kmi+ Black/Palomino (Retired)

OK, I jumpered the two bottom screws that connect the speedo to the sides and now I have all my lights back. THey must have needed the speedo for a ground. I still may have a short somewhere because I have a drained battery.

The lights go on but I can't get it to turn over.

Time to go charge the battery....

__________________
John

1995 E320 - 115kmi+ Smoke Silver/Cream (Wife's Wagon)
1989 260E - 195kmi+ Black/Grey (My Panther)
1984 300D - 242kmi+ Black/Palomino (Retired)

Everything is back to normal. Well, it will be when I get my speedo back and installed. Hopefully on Tuesday.

__________________
John

1995 E320 - 115kmi+ Smoke Silver/Cream (Wife's Wagon)
1989 260E - 195kmi+ Black/Grey (My Panther)
1984 300D - 242kmi+ Black/Palomino (Retired)