W211 Instrument Cluster Blank?????????

[dazzsaward]

Hi,

I have a 2005 E320 CDi. This evening the instrument cluster did not show anything - the fuel and temperature displays showed no bars, no lights came on the dashboard when starting the car or whilst it's started, the speedo and rev counter needles do not move, the central display screen is blank, and finally the headlight switch does nothing when it's turned but the Auto lights are on.

As far as I can tell everything else is working fine - indicators, wipers, comand, heater, electric seats etc.

Any one know what the problem may be? After a very quick google session I am seeing horror stories about replacing the cluster etc. Is it something simple like a fuse or relay?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[dazzsaward]

Also, the front and rear parking sensors are not working.

[AlanGrahamCoUk]

Hi, did you ever get this resolved? What was the cause?

My E200 kompressor did exactly the same thing yesterday, and now has a totally dead instrument panel.

I've got an auto-electrician chap coming over tonight, and I'm going to test the fuses to make sure it's not something simple.

I see that new instrument clusters are about £280, too.

[mbtech01]

Hi, sounds like your instrument cluster is faulty. If memory serves me right there is a fuse for the instrument cluster in the fuse box located behind the cover on the end of the dashboard on the drivers side. Open the drivers door then get a plastic wedge or plastic ruler & remove the end cover. You will then find a fuse box & if your lucky there should be a piece of paper folded up showing the location of all the fuses. One of the fuses in this fuse box will be the power supply for the cluster. If you remove the fuse, wait a couple of seconds then reinstall it you may be lucky & the cluster will kick into life. If it doesnt then chances are the cluster is faulty. You then have 2 choices get a new one which will have to be coded by Mercedes or any Specialist with Star Diagnosis or get your one repaired by one of the many specialists who can be found if you search online.
Going on previous experience i'd say your cluster is almost definately faulty.

[blair771999]

What was determined to be the problem. Had the same issue today waiting until tomorrow to call around. Thanks.

[Dryce]

IME this can also be a sign of the main battery failing - at this time of year overnight temperature drop causes a voltage drop and the cluster appears to be dead next day.

[SYFY]

mbtech01 said:

Hi, sounds like your instrument cluster is faulty. If memory serves me right there is a fuse for the instrument cluster in the fuse box located behind the cover on the end of the dashboard on the drivers side. Open the drivers door then get a plastic wedge or plastic ruler & remove the end cover. You will then find a fuse box & if your lucky there should be a piece of paper folded up showing the location of all the fuses. One of the fuses in this fuse box will be the power supply for the cluster. If you remove the fuse, wait a couple of seconds then reinstall it you may be lucky & the cluster will kick into life. If it doesnt then chances are the cluster is faulty. You then have 2 choices get a new one which will have to be coded by Mercedes or any Specialist with Star Diagnosis or get your one repaired by one of the many specialists who can be found if you search online.
Going on previous experience i'd say your cluster is almost definately faulty.

Hi, I have just had the same problem! Did you get this resolved??
Thanks Simon

[Greenmantle]

Simon

(1) Check battery in boot (this is usually the first culprit when it gets cold)
(2) Check tiny battery under bonnet (next to air filter)
(3) Check fuses next to drivers door
(4) Check fuses under bonnet on drivers side

John