Dashboard problem

[shobba]

A large number of the lights came on on the dashboard of my 1997 C280 as I was driving to work (BAS/ASR, ABS, coolant,oil, brakepads,brake fluid) and the three dials stopped working. The digital milometer and tripometer displays froze but the digital clock and thermometer displays remained working. The car seemed to drive normally. I continued the journey.

When I restarted the car to go home everything was working normally but after about 5 mins driving it happened again

Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong?

Thanks

 

[wemorgan]

Where are you based?
Maybe someone can recommend a good local garage for you.

 

[jaymanek]

hmm cant think of anything common to those apart from the instrument cluster itself...

 

[shobba]

hi wemorgan - I'm in west london

 

[vijilants]

Check that the two connectors on the back of the cluster are seated properly. I cant really see anything that would dislodge them though as the clip that holds them is quite secure. If they are secure, I'd also say that it sounds like the cluster.

If you have a telescopic steering column the cluster can come out without removing the steering wheel.

I had to pop mine out a couple of weeks ago to replace a bulb.

You need to cut down a coat hanger in two and make up two tools with a 5mm long right angle bend at one end.

You then slide these into each side of the cluster at the point where the controls are for the clock and odometer, turn them so they hook behind the cluster and then coax it out. It is held in purely by friction. Note that if you are too brutal you can easily damage the cluster !!! It can be quite tight and it helps to also coax it out from behind at the same time. This is done by dropping the lower panel and putting your hand behind the cluster.

 

[NavDoctor]

Try disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes.