S320 (W140) intermittent fault on instrument illumination

[markhopkins]

I have a minor but irritating fault on the dashboard display on my 1996 S320 (W140 series). The illumination on the two rightmost dials (the tachometer and clock) does not come on when I turn the lights on. At first I simply thought it needs a new bulb, but after about 15 minutes, the illumination lights up. This has happened every day for a week. The other dials are fine.

It seems as if there is a bad connection which is only completing the circuit when it warms up. Any ideas anyone? Do I have to go to a dealer and have the dashboard taken apart (and receive a horrendous bill) for this minor inconvenience?

Thanks

Mark

 

[NormanB]

Hi Mark

Not an expert on the w140 but while the experts finish wrapping their christmas presents!.....................

Does the iffy illumination respond to tweaking the potentiometer (dimmer)?

Removing the instrument cluster is no big deal - thats just the start!

 

[mbzslk230k]

Sounds like a potientiometer issue to me ... I have a W140 S500 1996