Speedo Problems

[StevieTaz]

I have recnetly bought a 1994 C180 Elegance, but the speedo has been intermitantly not functioning. When pulling away sometimes it pick up form start, other times it will stay at ) then bounce up to speed after a short time and fuction perfectly until stationary again. Then same as before.
However yerterday it appears to have stopped functioning altogether. The Odometer still works, the only problem is the speed reading, ANY Ideas, Is this a common issue, Car has 94,000 Miles on clock.

 

[C220GJS]

This is a common problem with W202 C-class cars. The problem is that the gauge needles stick to the rest stops. To check this is the problem in your case give the top of the dash a hard thump next time it occurs, the needles should pop up.
The solution is to pull out and split the instrument panel to access gauges then fit sleeves over the rest stop pins.
The procedure is covered here;http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?h...tp://www.motor-talk.de/f73/s/&hl=en&lr=&sa=G;.
Important that ignition is turned off at all times during this procedure.
Hope this helps, Geo.

 

[StevieTaz]

Thankyou, I see you are almost local to me, I'm over in Old Kilpatrick. I will have a look at the procedure, I take it that it is well within the scope of a DIY fix.

 

[C220GJS]

Hi, Steve,
The place seems to be full of Scots; two things to be careful of when doing this.
1. Ignition must be off or you will activate the SRS fault light which will then need to be reset at a cost of £20-£40.
2. Use the correct tools ( I made mine from a wire coat hanger, but i'm a tight git) to remove the instrument panel and don't force it as you may crack it and a replacement is very expensive, or to be safe drop the under dash panel and you can reach up to push the instrument panel out from the back.
Cheers, Geo.