'88 300E instrument console
 

I just bought an '88 300E and everything on the console except for the spedo, clock, odometer, and "economy" indicators is completely dead (i.e. temperature, oil pressure, tachometer, fuel guage).

Not sure how badly I want to go poking around behind the dash without knowing if it's possible to fix the problem, if anyone has any information on the subject I would very much appreciate it.

thanks

I would start by checking ALL the fuses. Then if that does not do it, get a pair of hooks and pull out the instrument cluster by working the hooks down all the way behind the cluster and keep tugging and changing hook position until you get it to come loose. It will come part of the way out and then you will have to reach behind and unscrew the thumbscrew holding the speedo cable. You may have to pull out the carpet on the drivers side and take out the screw holding the speedometer clamp.

Then fold the instrument cluster over and check all the connectors to see that they are in place.

Good luck,

The large plug on the left side of the cluster controls these functions, I would do the above and first try to reset that plug without disconnecting anything, if you do it properly the job can be accomplished in 5 minutes, if your not sure how to pull out the cluster send me an e mail and I will fax or email you the pages from the repair manual that tells you how to do this, in the meantime, get a couple nails ready to bend in a short L shape to use as a tool, don't waste your time on a coat hanger it's not strong enough

I just bought an '88 300E
 

[QUOTE=smoothbrain]I just bought an '88 300E and everything on the console except for the spedo, clock, odometer, and "economy" indicators is completely dead (i.e. temperature, oil pressure, tachometer, fuel guage).

Not sure how badly I want to go poking around behind the dash without knowing if it's possible to fix the problem, if anyone has any information on the subject I would very much appreciate it.

thanks

[I had the same problem with a '93 E200. Turned out to be a short which blew the fuse. Don't want to frighten you cos you might just need to replace a fuse, but there might be a reason for the fuse not working. Sorry.

I am with Larry and Billy.
Check your fuses. It has happened to me in the past.

Unless the car is an old rag and you don't care if you scratch things up, you should go to the dealer and buy a set of hooks. They are not very expensive and they make it very easy to pull the cluster. They are much thinner than coat hanger wire and are useful for other things.

Good luck,