84 300SD: What's the little LCD screen over the steering wheel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gawlbpd · #1 08-13-2003, 10:07 AM

I just snagged an 84 300SD with 222K on it, and it looks good. Of course, no records, no manual and so forth. On the dash, below the instrument cluster, it has a little LCD-style screen just above the steering wheel. What is this?

83 300SD 176K
84 300SD 222K

#2 08-13-2003, 10:09 AM

Outside temperature.

Have a great day,

luvmy84300sd · #3 08-13-2003, 11:13 AM

Does anyone know if this temperature read out can be changed to the US metric?

rickg · #4 08-13-2003, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by luvmy84300sd
Does anyone know if this temperature read out can be changed to the US metric?

I asked that about a year ago. I got pretty much a "no" answer all around.

#5 08-13-2003, 02:16 PM

US Equipped cars will read in Fahrenheit.

Have a great day,

rickg · #6 08-13-2003, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryBible
US Equipped cars will read in Fahrenheit.

Have a great day,

Hmm. I asked here if you can get a retro-kit, or something out of the wrecking yard that would read in farenheit, and everyone else (here in the USA) said their cars were in celcius. And I got several replies. So I figured they were all that way, just like the engine temp and oil pressure gages are metric too.
I'd love to be wrong on this!

Edit:
well, not alot of responses I guess. But here's the thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=34373&highlight=temp

gawlbpd · #7 08-13-2003, 02:38 PM

Thanks guys. The display is blank, so I guess the next question is do I really need it. Unless it's an easy fix, I think I can live without it.

rickg · #8 08-13-2003, 02:42 PM

Yeah. Not a real high priority. Especially since it's a PIA to try and do the conversion to figure out what the outside temp really is anyway

jobah · #9 08-13-2003, 03:06 PM

I think that they went to F in 1986 on the 190's (i could be wrong, it may have been later).

The 84's have a C display.

Rick Miley · #10 08-13-2003, 03:42 PM

OK, if this helps nail it down, then I had a 1986 190E with a Farenheit display.

rickg · #11 08-13-2003, 03:55 PM

LOL!

We beat that dead horse to death!

Holson Adi · #12 08-13-2003, 05:46 PM

The outside temp indicator is hardly ever accurate too. At least the one on my 95 E420. Maybe it (the probe) needs to be replaced but I just don't think it's that important.

vwbuge · #13 08-14-2003, 02:45 AM

Mine reads in C

lrg · #14 08-14-2003, 08:14 PM

My '87 reads in F. I replaced it 'cause I couldn't stand staring at something that needed fixing. It's inaccurate in stop and go driving but not bad at cold start or at highway speeds. The unit isn't hard to replace (you need to remove the instrument cluster to get at it then it comes off with two screws) but the newer replacement requires a new plug. Not a big deal but the plug is not included with the LCD. Look for one on EBay because I've seen them there once in a while for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Cressida · #15 08-15-2003, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lrg
...... I replaced it 'cause I couldn't stand staring at something that needed fixing........

I feel for you. I seem to have contracted a form of this same disease a few years ago. So far haven't found any relief. For me though, it only affects me on the cars - around the house I was cured many years ago.