Odometer/temp/time display

[Smeagol]

Anyone advise on a problem that seems common to my '99 CLK 320 and '98 E300TD?

Displays both work (though some parts are dimmer than others - and I have found other threads with probable solution for this) but on long daylight journeys the displays 'fade out' over a period of some hours making them almost unreadable.

At night when lights are on the problem is similar but the the whole backround seems to brighten with time causing the display to be be indistinguishable from the background.

Only happens on journeys over about 4 to 5 hours.

Any thoughts on the problem and its' solution would be welcome.

 

[television]

Either you do it your self if you feel competent or get Speedo fixer to do it £150

 

[Smeagol]

Thanks for that Malcolm, but 'do what' exactly?

 

[television]

Thanks for that Malcolm, but 'do what' exactly?

Take the whole thing apart and fit rubber wedges to the ribbon connectors.

 

[Smeagol]

Sorry Malcolm, you have lost me totally now. Can we take this a bit slower please.

What do you think the problem is?

What is the solution?

Appologies for appearing a bit dim but I am not well versed in such matters.

 

[television]

In electronics we have things called ribbon cables, they are an easy means to connect up to other PCB's in the unit, or in the instrument cluster in this case.

these are flat cables and have anything thing from two to 30 wires all in line,the advantage being that you can connect many cables all at the same time without the risk of getting the wires muddled up.

In your cluster the connector where these ribbons plug in are a poor fit, hence the display changing with the temperature in the car.

There are such things as locking connectors, Why MB did not use them, heavens knows, after all these things are in an environment of vibration, humidity and more.

Hope this helps

 

[Smeagol]

Ah! All comes clearer! Thanks for the explanation Malcolm.

I assume that the connections have probably deteriorated with time/temperature variations and the problem may be solved by ensuring a positive connection at all times, hence the wedges.

And access to these connectors will be as described in previous threads on changing bulbs in this area.

Sounds like something I may attempt "when I get a round to it" (I have always wanted one of them!)

Once again, many thanks.