w123 no dash illumination

[adile220]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone knows where I can start to look in order to find out why my dash does not illuminate on my 1978 w123 280e?

Possibly a fuse as no lights are on (dash binnacle or centre console).

Also if anyone knows if these cars had rear seatbelts?

Thanks,

Adil

 

[llewe]

my w124 just did this and the problem was a break in a solder joint at the instrument panel rheostat FWIW. My fuses were all intact and this suddenly happened. Good luck in tracing....

 

[Ted]

Try turning the dimmer rheostat a few times.

 

[rifiki]

Spray some electical contact cleaner into rheostat, it may work.

 

[adile220]

Thanks all,

Where is the rheostat?

Best

Adil

 

[stwat]

It's the trip reset button. It doubles up as the interior lights dimmer.

 

[adile220]

Ok!

Thanks for explaining.

I am waiting for some contact spray - bought the WD40 branded electrical contact spray which is hopefully decent.

Will update with outcome.

Best.

Adil

 

[RKC-benz]

Make sure it is contact cleaner ^^^ ... The WD bit stands for water dispersal I believe. You need cleaner.

 

[TomJones]

If its busted, pull out cluster and jump rheostat, you' not use dimming anyway.. At max its really dimm already

 

[16042010]

With regards to the seatbelt question, yes seat belts were available but back then there were listed as optional accessories. If your interior is cream I might have a set

 

[adile220]

Thanks all,

Tried contact spray to no avail.

Something I noticed - its not only the dash that is not illuminating, as the heater controls are not lighting up either...

Is this a clue to what it may be?

Its only the gear lever lighting that seems to be working at the moment.

Best,

adil

 

[stwat]

In this case it sounds like it is the fuse on the back of the speedo pod. It looks like a bulb holder but is red, here is a pic of what you're looking for.


Just a quick edit. I'm not sure if the 123 has this fuse. Hopefully someone can chime in with some better informed info.

 

[V12]

In this case it sounds like it is the fuse on the back of the speedo pod. It looks like a bulb holder but is red, here is a pic of what you're looking for.
http://s796.photobucket.com/user/merc23-16/media/DSC_0123.jpg.html

Just a quick edit. I'm not sure if the 123 has this fuse. Hopefully someone can chime in with some better informed info.

No fuse on a W123 AFAIK.

 

[jaymanek]

Its the rheostat that controls all the illumination across dash and heaters etc,.

Pull the cluster forward and wedge a piece of wire between the two contact strips... It will run on brightest setting then..
The proper fix is to replace the rheostat.

 

[RKC-benz]

Its the rheostat that controls all the illumination across dash and heaters etc,. Pull the cluster forward and wedge a piece of wire between the two contact strips... It will run on brightest setting then.. The proper fix is to replace the rheostat.

What sort of paper you recommending? A corner of a £20 note ok?

 

[adile220]

Excellent thanks.

Will give it a go.

 

[adile220]

Jaymanek , RKC - Thank you both.

Fault has been resolved - can't wait to drive at night to test her out! !!

Am really regretting having to sell it - I hope that the w124 coupe is a worthy replacement!

All the best

Adil