W210 dash lights

[benz mad]

Has any one encountered a problem where by the dash lights and the centr console flicker on /off when driving. I have a 97 e200 w210.

 

[jefrs]

The dash pulls out easily with a bent wire coathanger, which will get you at the wiring: suspect a dodgy earth on the dash lamps. There's a thread with pics somewhere on pulling the dash.

 

[benz mad]

Thanks for that - will have a look and see what I come up with.

 

[harry_dhuga]

Has any one encountered a problem where by the dash lights and the centr console flicker on /off when driving. I have a 97 e200 w210.

Give the top of the dash a good smack - worked on the E55...!!!

 

[Dec]

Not a W210 but much the same set up... http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/83792-w202-dash-light-broken-how-replace.html

Dec

 

[Jackie Chiles]

Thanks for the guide, just did my W210 and I had to remove the lower panel as well as it was very tight. Now I can see the time & which gear its in.

£2.99 for a bulb, it would be expensive to do a Christmas tree.

 

[benz mad]

Thanks for that......Im going to attempt top take out the cluster this weekend - hopefully I have just a loose earth connection at the back.

 

[renault12ts]

You can replace with LEDs.

 

[Dec]

Thanks for that......Im going to attempt top take out the cluster this weekend - hopefully I have just a loose earth connection at the back.

Before you remove the cluster, I am not sure about your car but if you have a dimmer knob on the cluster, give it several twists to the left and right just to see if their is any improvement, all the cabin illuminations and the cluster bulbs go through the dimmer…just thinking that their might be a poor contact in the dimmer and that a bit of exercise of the knob might cure the fault without the need to remove the cluster.


Dec

 

[benz mad]

Yes - I have a dimmer switch in the form of 2 buttons on the LHS of the cluster - I did try to narrow the possible root causes in the first instance by pressing the buttons to see if it would make a differance - at first I thought it did but now it doesnt matter they still flicker on/off.

Incidently when my cluster lights go out so to does the lighting in the centre of the dash where the hazard switch is located and also down around the gear selector - one thump on the dash and they are all back on again and then off /on etc etc.

 

[Dec]

Same as on my own car, all those switches you refer to and the cluster are on the same circuit so that everything will dim and in your case flicker together when the dimmer is adjusted.

On earlier cars like mine the dimmer is just a knob that’s turned to increase or decrees the current to the bulbs, yours seems to have a different set up for controlling it.

The fault would seem to be with the cluster or where it is plugged in at the back, The Thump, one of the earliest known diagnostic tools appears to confirm that.


Dec

 

[benz mad]

Just to give an update - Took out the instrument cluster at the weekend and seen nothing evident. I guess its the cluster panel thats gone or going. There is a printed circuit inside that I dont want to touch.

My Cluster number is 210 540 12 47. Does it have to be that exact number if I replace or will any e 200 w210 fit and operate ?

 

[Dec]

The printed circuit board is probably where the fault is, you could have someone experienced in circuit boards have a look at it, the thump would seem to suggest that there is a broken solder joint or bad connection somewhere in the cluster, don’t know if you had a cluster from a similar car if it would work or not, others may know more.


Dec

 

[benz mad]

Quick question - Does any one know out there if part number 210 540 40 48 instrument cluster will fit my W210. Part number that came out if mine is 210 540 12 47 - they both look exactly the same - HAs anyone got a cross reference book that could look up - Would greatly appreciate it .

Thanks

 

[englishdas]

Is it the LCD gauges that aren't coming on? I'm struggling to see my Temp and Gear Selection displays. did you get it sorted, Benz Mad? or does anyone else know the fix for this problem please?

 

[benz mad]

No I haven't got it sorted yet.

I have all the dsplays working only the lights flickering on and off. I can source 4 second hand instrument clusters but am unsure whether they will work or not as they are all not the same part number as mine.

Still in limbo !

 

[Dec]

Is it the LCD gauges that aren't coming on? I'm struggling to see my Temp and Gear Selection displays. did you get it sorted, Benz Mad? or does anyone else know the fix for this problem please?

If you can see and read your Temp and Gear Selection displays then its probably bulbs need replacing, see post #5 for a W202 car, much the same as your car.


Dec

 

[benz mad]

All bulbs in my cluster are working - tested them all - By the way my gear selection keys are on the centre console beside the gear lever so when dash lights flicker the gear selection lighting flickers also as well as the lights in the round heater knobs.

I still have the cluster out and connected with its 2 main plugs so depending on what way i move the cluster around with the lights on, its flickering on and off so my diagnosis is a diode on the cluster or printed circuit thats at fault.

Another cluster I feel is the only answer - However they all look the same for the W210 's.

Bit hesitant to purchase one just yet(pricey component even 2nd hand) in case it doesent marry up with the car unless its the same part number as mine.

By the way thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[Dec]

Its most likely a broken solder joint or loose connection, I would strip the cluster down to the circuit board and plug it in…ignition off while it is disconnected from its rear plugs…with its casing removed it might be a lot easier to pinpoint whatever is at fault.
Guide... Stripping the dash on a W210 - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH4tkVXQ3_Y


The names below are the only 2 in the link that that I know specialise in Mercedes parts, haven’t a clue about the rest of them.
Mercedes Benz Car & Van Parts 185 Monaghan Road, Armagh, BT60-4EZ 048-37568083

Mercedes Spec & Dismantl 55b Nutts Corner Road, Crumlin, Belfast. 048 - 90825600
List of scrap yards - driftireland.com

Dec

 

[benz mad]

Thanks Dec for that - great post.

Will have another go and get back with my findings.