S500 W220 Instrument Cluster Illumination

[rvf god]

Hello, I have a 2000 S500 W220 with a slight electrical problem.

The instrument cluster does not illuminate at all, which makes reading the dials nigh on impossible. I have checked every single fuse (all 3 fuse boxes) with a continuity tester and to no avail. The gauges work, but the backlight and gauge lines do not.

I was wondering if anyone has come across this before or has a direction to push me in.

Thank you for reading this!! Regards

Ricky

 

[television]

Hello, I have a 2000 S500 W220 with a slight electrical problem.

The instrument cluster does not illuminate at all, which makes reading the dials nigh on impossible. I have checked every single fuse (all 3 fuse boxes) with a continuity tester and to no avail. The gauges work, but the backlight and gauge lines do not.

I was wondering if anyone has come across this before or has a direction to push me in.

Thank you for reading this!! Regards

Ricky

There is a fuse within or on the back of the cluster.

Malcolm

 

[rvf god]

Thank you, I will try it tomorrow and let you know!

Is it Radio keys that draw the cluster out as there are two little slots, one either side of the cluster!

Regards

 

[television]

If the slots are identical then yes, but not sure, they normally just push out from behind, sorry I cant check this week for sure.

malcolm

 

[jberks]

The W220 I believe has a cold cathode bulb arrangement. This looks good but is prone to failure. Definately check the fuses etc, but also have a look at this
http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=mercedes_s_class_dashboard_cluster

 

[mioba]

This is common fault on the earlier w220s.
I read this on another furum
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1254940-instrument-cluster-recall-s-class.html

I think but i am not 100% that there was a recall here in the UK. I belive someone posted on this site about car recalls, it was from an official govt type of web site, DVLA etc - if anyone else can help !

As i am sure you are aware its illegal to drive without a illuminated dash - and on the w220 this would be horrible.

I would sniff around the dealers - they are probabaly aware of this but may possibly expect to pay for a new dash.
There is a company that repairs them, advertised in mercedes enthusiast magazine.

 

[johnmc]

Hi,
You're right this is the subject of a safety investigation in the USA.

Check out "www.honestjohn.co.uk", the site has some details on the issue. Here's the words..

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun an investigation into recent versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a potential problem with the vehicle's gauges. The Associated Press reports that the S-Class sedans from the 2000 and 2001 model years are the subject of complaints to the NHTSA that their speedometers and fuel gauges have failed to light. Seven complaints have been logged with the agency, and 72,000 S-Classes are being investigated for the problem, which could become a full recall if the agency determines the problem to be a flaw in the vehicle's design."

John