Mercedes Benz C-Class 2012 CDI 220 Diesel - Instrument Cluster Dead, Need Help!

[hkfoysol]

Hi everyone,

I need some help with my 2012 Mercedes Benz C-Class CDI 220 Diesel. Recently, the instrument cluster completely died on me, and I'm unsure of the exact cause. Here's what I'm experiencing:

• Instrument cluster: Completely dead, no readings or display.
• Car performance: Runs fine with no noticeable issues.
• Exterior lights: All exterior lights are working without any problems.
• Indicator feedback: No feedback or light for the indicator signals.
• Idle stop: The idle stop feature doesn't work anymore.
• Rear demister: The rear demister shuts off after a few minutes of use.

I’ve tried troubleshooting, but I haven’t been able to find a solid solution so far. Based on a few forum posts I read, I’ve started charging the battery, as it seems there might be an issue with power supply, but I’m not sure if that’s the root cause.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue or has any suggestions on what could be wrong? Could this be related to a faulty fuse, wiring issue, or maybe the battery needing a full charge? Any advice or solutions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

I would start by checking all the fuses?

Then, you'll need an MB code reader (STAR or iCarsoft) to scan for OBDII fault codes.

 

[markjay]

Fuse 28 in the engine bay fuse box, apparently.

 

[markjay]

See attached

 

[Chrishazle]

When this happened to my 2008 S204 C220 I went to my loccal mechanic who found (using his OBD2 diagnostic tablet, with Star I think) the dashboard had somehow lost its programming, he was able to quickly re-program it, problem solved.

 

[hkfoysol]

I thoroughly checked all the fuses, focusing particularly on numbers 5 and 28, as suggested in another thread. Both fuses are in good condition.

Next, I removed the 12V main battery and charged it overnight. While the battery’s health is good, I charged it anyway to rule out any issues related to the main battery.

I also inspected the auxiliary battery in the boot by removing it. It showed the correct readings and indicated a full charge when tested.

Despite these efforts, all my personal diagnostics have failed, so I'll need to take the car to a garage.

 

[Gollom]

I thoroughly checked all the fuses, focusing particularly on numbers 5 and 28, as suggested in another thread. Both fuses are in good condition.

Next, I removed the 12V main battery and charged it overnight. While the battery’s health is good, I charged it anyway to rule out any issues related to the main battery.

I also inspected the auxiliary battery in the boot by removing it. It showed the correct readings and indicated a full charge when tested.

Despite these efforts, all my personal diagnostics have failed, so I'll need to take the car to a garage.

Find a local Indie with STAR - Mercedes will charge you a fortune just to diagnose! Which side of Brum are you? I'm sure someone will be along shortly with a recommended Indie

 

[Smart320]

East of Birmingham try Mercland Nuneaton

 

[hkfoysol]

I’m in Sheldon, Birmingham. Could you recommend a nearby place for a diagnosis?

 

[fabes]

Do you have AA cover?
Some of the guys are pretty good and they do have decent diagnostics (not STAR though)
An auto electrician (mobile) may be able to help - chat to one on the phone first

If you do have breakdown, could your breakdown company recover you to Mercland?

PS - I had exactly this on a new Citroen company car back in the 1990s
It was just a loose wire / connection
But they did have to take part of the dash out