I now have the same problem with my instrument cluster going dead.
Can I solve it by simply replacing the whole cluster??
WelcomeHi folks. I have a 2009 W211 E320 cdi and had the same problem after a torrential rainstorm.
The instrument cluster was dead as a dodo, car started, drove OK but the headlights stayed on, windows went up & down and central locking no problem.
I checked the fuses, all had current, none blown.. When I lifted the bonnet/hood I found that some old leaves and dirt from the storm had clogged the drain in the centre (between the 2 wipers) and at each side.
The water had run over the rubber seal that separates the engine compartment and over the surface of the fuse box on the left side, I opened it up and everything was perfectly dry.
I then removed the cabin pollen filter on the right side and the filter housing/box, below it is the ECU unit.
4 short cables come out of the ECU to a black plastic connecter plug. I could see where the wires from the ECU entered the black plug so I used a vacuum to suck away any moisture from where the wires entered the plug, I then reversed the vacuum hose and blew warm air onto the end of the plug. Then I sprayed it with WD40 and wiped off any excess, after leaving it for 30 mins I then applied PVC pipe repair sealant/glue to seal around and waterproof where the ECU wires entered the plug.
I reassembled everything, cleaned the water drains and left it overnight.
Next morning turned the key and BINGO ! The instruments began resetting, after 5 minutes I started the car and its run perfectly since.
I can't guarantee that it will fix everyone's car as this was just my own experience.
I hope it helps someone somewhere.
Further update.
After removing instrument cluster and getting it on the bench I split the front and rear plastic casing to expose the inner workings of the cluster. A quick inspection revealed nothing of note. A quick continuity test showed no real problems. No sign of any circuit board damage or component distress.
I then removed the central PCB to expose the back of the connector pins and re soldered all of them. I reassembled everything and then applied power to the assembly as if it was in the car with the ignition off. The clock immediately sprang into life and reset itself to 12 noon. It then started running in normal time. I then applied the switched 12 volt and the cluster illuminated and sprang into life. Various messages appeared on the central display consistent with the absence of the CAN bus.
I will reinstall the cluster in the car tomorrow and see what happens. At the moment it is looking promising. The cluster was dead as a Dodo before removing it from the car. To be honest I don't think I have really fixed anything. Possibly the movement of the PCB has made good a bad connection, or maybe disconnecting the PCB has caused a reset of sorts? Anyway, will update further tomorrow.
Fuses were good and this morning openiung the car door I saw that the dashboard is working again.I hope some people are still interested in this question.
Yesterday also my W211 E220 2009 instrument Cluster was dead.
Had it parked at the airport for 5 days and after returning the instrument cluster was dead. Also Airco display.
Checked the battery voltage 12,25V. Opened the airfilter for the second battery, but there was no Aux battery there. Some other device with cooling fins.
Any suggestions?
BTW, the clock had stopped at 10:44. The next morning the time on the clock was 12:03. Now, many hours later the time is 13:23... so the clock is creeping forward very slowly.
Going to check Fuses 43 and 44 next.
Hi folks. I have a 2009 W211 E320 cdi and had the same problem after a torrential rainstorm.
The instrument cluster was dead as a dodo, car started, drove OK but the headlights stayed on, windows went up & down and central locking no problem.
I checked the fuses, all had current, none blown.. When I lifted the bonnet/hood I found that some old leaves and dirt from the storm had clogged the drain in the centre (between the 2 wipers) and at each side.
The water had run over the rubber seal that separates the engine compartment and over the surface of the fuse box on the left side, I opened it up and everything was perfectly dry.
I then removed the cabin pollen filter on the right side and the filter housing/box, below it is the ECU unit.
4 short cables come out of the ECU to a black plastic connecter plug. I could see where the wires from the ECU entered the black plug so I used a vacuum to suck away any moisture from where the wires entered the plug, I then reversed the vacuum hose and blew warm air onto the end of the plug. Then I sprayed it with WD40 and wiped off any excess, after leaving it for 30 mins I then applied PVC pipe repair sealant/glue to seal around and waterproof where the ECU wires entered the plug.
I reassembled everything, cleaned the water drains and left it overnight.
Next morning turned the key and BINGO ! The instruments began resetting, after 5 minutes I started the car and its run perfectly since.
I can't guarantee that it will fix everyone's car as this was just my own experience.
I hope it helps someone somewhere.
Hi,
I have the EXACT same problem like the OP, caused by the exact same sequence of events...Flat battery but dashboard was ok of course it wouldn't start, jump started from another car, dashboard dead with headlights on but switch at 0. Except mine is a 2002 CLK 270 cdi but I suppose very similar to the E class from that era. Checked the fuse seems ok, upon re-inserting it I could swear the dashboard or part of it flashed on for 0.1 second, certainly the parking brake light (kinda hard to miss) but that was that.
Still waiting for my new battery (covid times etc.); meanwhile I had to jump start again - still no dashboard. Is there a way to do a 'hard reset' without taking out the whole cluster and doing the electrical shenanigans as I suspect it's messed up rather than screwed up and I don't want to turn it into an ornament by trying to fix it myself with my non existing skills.
Thanks
How did you get one with this? Mine went again and am baffled what to do next