Alarm, fuel gauge and other issues (1994 c200)

[orangebus]

Hi Folks.

Just bought a 1994 c200 and really like it, however it has a few little electrical niggles I would like to sort.

The first is the fuel guage and the display in between it and teh temp guage dont work - I'm assuming the display is some sort of computer? (I didnt get a manual). Strangely enough the fuel warning light comes on when I turn the ignition.

The other issue is to do with the alarm/ immobilizer, every now and then if I open the car using the button in the key fob it triggers the alarm (at least I think thats what's happening, the indicators flash as do the lights on the rear view mirror, but the horn is disconnected so I don't know if thats sounding or not). If I simply press the button again, setting and locking the system, then re-press it usually works, but I have had to unhook the battery once or twice.

There were a few spare fuses knocking about in the gloove box so I'm guessing it has an electrical issue somewhere, perhaps all these issues are linked??

Any advice appreciated before I start trying to trace it

Cheers
Julian

 

[Dec]

Regarding the gauge, after driving for a while, hit the top of the instrument cluster a whack with your hand. The needles in all three gaugs are knowen to stick to there pins, a whack sometimes frees them.

Regarding the alarm have a look at 918 here… http://www.boopolo.com/alarms/alarm.html ...I think you might have the same alarm as me.
Is your key fob the same as the one in 918 User Manual ?
Did a small round hollow key come with the car?
Do you have a red siren under bonnet, drivers side wing and is there a number on it?

Dec

 

[orangebus]

Thanks for the reply.

I'll have a go at giving the gauge a whack tomorrow morning, would be great if it was that simple!

Thats not the alarm key though, its a black key fob with one button with a mercedes badge on it and a foldy out key if that helps?

Can you tell me what the display should be that I mentioned? The one that is in between the fuel and temp gauges?

Bloomin annoying when you dont have a manual! I come from a VW background (old ones mainly) so I'm somewhat in the dark so far!

Cheers

 

[Dec]

The display in between the gauge is for an outside temperature display, the sensor would be located in the front grill, a long type “probe”. If the display is blank and unlit then you don’t have one fitted to your car.

Regarding the key, do a search on Key and immobilizer, there have been some relevant post in the last few days relating to your problem.

You could get a Haynes manual number 3511 dose your car.
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=13007&langId=-1

Dec

 

[orangebus]

The display in between the gauge is for an outside temperature display, the sensor would be located in the front grill, a long type “probe”. If the display is blank and unlit then you don’t have one fitted to your car.

Oh right, thanks for that - seems a bit strange to not fit what I would imagine is a fairly cheap part (the sensor) but I guess I'm learning about these Mercs everyday Is this something I can retro fit I wonder?

Regarding the key, do a search on Key and immobilizer, there have been some relevant post in the last few days relating to your problem.

Excellent, thanks - i had tried this (honest) but my browser spell checker was changing the spelling to American so nothing came up! Using the english spelling of Imobiliser I got loads, and reckon its almost certainly the battery in the key fob - this would explain why if I re-set it whilst I'm in the car it works every time (closer to the receiver).

You could get a Haynes manual number 3511 dose your car.
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=13007&langId=-1

Dec

Again, thanks for all your help. I just need to sort the fuel gauge out now

 

[Dec]

It’s an optional extra when the car was new. You can buy one from dealer and fit, I don’t have one myself, there is a How- To on that somewhere. You can see the back of one here… http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=34936 Not sure of price, someone else might comment on that.

Do a search on fuel sender and fuel gauge, if whacking top of dash doesn’t work. When you turn on ignition all the warning lights including the low fuel warning light come on for about 30 seconds? This is to verify that all your warning bulbs are working, all the light will go off as soon as you start engine if everything is normal.

Take a look in the DIY section sometime and ask questions, if someone knows the answer the will reply, that’s what its all about.

Dec