Outside Temperature Indicator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ferdman · #1 09-15-2004, 07:34 AM

The dashboard outside temperature indicator on a friend's 1998 E320 (98k miles) has gone blank. Any idea what's causing this? Anyone had a similar problem?

G-Benz · #2 09-15-2004, 10:34 AM

Mine goes blank occasionally...this morning, for instance...

I replaced the sensor last month, but that hasn't fixed the problem (also reads inaccurately).

The display behind the gauge cluster is most likely the problem...trouble is, the replacement is pricey ($200+).

There are several threads about this in the forum. One member mentions that the real problem is a $5 thermistor which can be procured at any local Radio Shack...I might give that a try.

If your friend decides to pull the gauge cluster, make SURE he/she disconnects the battery FIRST! We aren't short on threads about gauge cluster problems that crop up after doing some sort of work back there with everything hot!

Ferdman · #3 09-15-2004, 10:47 AM

G-Benz, if you disconnect the battery before pulling the gauge cluster how do troubleshoot the problem after the cluster is removed and there's no power to it?

G-Benz · #4 09-15-2004, 10:56 AM

The connector for the sensor lies underneath the fuse box in the engine compartment. It is a two-prong (green/brown wire) terminal. You can check the resistance there to determine if the sensor is working properly. If it is, then the culprit is definitely the display unit.

You CAN troubleshoot at the dash with the electrics on, but from experience, I've done more damage this way than just swapping out suspect components, reinstalling, and then reconnecting the juice...

richard28 · #5 09-15-2004, 02:00 PM

To get to this connector, just loosen the screws holding down the fuse box, lift up the fuse panel & locate the terminal? also, what should proper resistance measure?