I have a 1986 420 SEL, and am having some problems.

I had the a/c compressor replaced with an MB reman unit approx. 2wks ago.

My problem is this: the fuel, oil pressure, and temp gagues intermittently "die". There is no rhyme or reason as to under what conditions this occurs. All other instrument panel functions work OK. When this happens, the a/c compressor also kicks off, and no more cool air. These are the only systems that are affected by this.

When this first happened about a week and a half ago, I replaced the fuse for good measure and cleaned the contacts. (it is not blowing the fuse btw). The problem stopped. Yesterday, the gagues died and no a/c compressor.

Is there a relay somewhere that I need to check before breaking out my multimeter? I have looked in my electrical troubleshooting manual, and it only shows the fuse and sending units in the circuit.

I think that if it were the left bank of gagues, there would be other problems with the instrument cluster, as the wiring harness plugs into the back of these

This never happened before replacing the a/c compressor, so I that leads me to think that the problem is with the a/c compressor or some related relay.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

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2000 ML430 86k
2000 C280 Sportline 100k
'86 420 SEL 178k
'91 Audi 100 179k
'88 BMW 750il 167k
'83 300 SD 167k (sold)
'79 300 D 78k (sold)

Replace ALL fuses! All fuses have to be replaced! Did I mention ALL of the fuses?

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Thanks for the tip Benzmac- once again this forum has saved my sanity.

Went to the dealer and purchased all new fuses, replaced the existing ones and my problem disappeared.

What gives? Is this common? All of the fuses I removed were in good condition- none were blown. Just curious.

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2000 ML430 86k
2000 C280 Sportline 100k
'86 420 SEL 178k
'91 Audi 100 179k
'88 BMW 750il 167k
'83 300 SD 167k (sold)
'79 300 D 78k (sold)

recently had a situation where the aux fans were not coming on like they should. I replaced the appropriate fuse and have not had anymore problem.
Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV