Problems with my 190E
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Problems with my 190E
Hey guys, I'm new to the site!
Anywayz I'm having some problems with my gauges.
My fuel gauge is stuck at empty, the oil pressure gauge is stuck at zero, and the water temperature gauge is also stuck at zero.
Does anyone know what the problem could be? I have already checked the fuses and they seem to be in running order.
Any help would be greatful!
'88 190E 2.3L
Anywayz I'm having some problems with my gauges.
My fuel gauge is stuck at empty, the oil pressure gauge is stuck at zero, and the water temperature gauge is also stuck at zero.
Does anyone know what the problem could be? I have already checked the fuses and they seem to be in running order.
Any help would be greatful!
'88 190E 2.3L
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,719
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Since all the gauges that are down are on the same cluster mounting, it narrows down the suspected issues. I take it that the clock and tach are still functioning and the cluster is illuminated at night.
I would still strongly suggest replacing the fuse for the cluster. Those plastic/copper torpedo shaped fuses have a fustrating ability to look good, but upon very close inspection, show up as blown/cracked. There should be some spares in the fuse box, or just get some from the parts store.
Once you've completely ruled out the fuse, then there are two other likely suspects, the wire harness to that side of the cluster . . . or . . . the ground joint to that side of the cluster. The wire harness/plug is unlikely since it's usually pretty firmly pushed in place, but that is a possibility. The other issue, the ground joint, causes the one side to fail when, over time and with the help of vibration, the solder joint that connects the left gauges with the speedometer section, breaks and you loose the ground. You can test for a break, after removing the cluster, with an continuity/ohm meter. Repair is via a jumper wire to provide the ground.
I would still strongly suggest replacing the fuse for the cluster. Those plastic/copper torpedo shaped fuses have a fustrating ability to look good, but upon very close inspection, show up as blown/cracked. There should be some spares in the fuse box, or just get some from the parts store.
Once you've completely ruled out the fuse, then there are two other likely suspects, the wire harness to that side of the cluster . . . or . . . the ground joint to that side of the cluster. The wire harness/plug is unlikely since it's usually pretty firmly pushed in place, but that is a possibility. The other issue, the ground joint, causes the one side to fail when, over time and with the help of vibration, the solder joint that connects the left gauges with the speedometer section, breaks and you loose the ground. You can test for a break, after removing the cluster, with an continuity/ohm meter. Repair is via a jumper wire to provide the ground.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
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I checked the fuses again and it seems to be fine, I think the problem is somewhere else.
To remove the instrument cluster, will I need to use the special Mercedes tools? If so is there any other type of tool I can use in substitution for that?
Thank you for any and all help!
To remove the instrument cluster, will I need to use the special Mercedes tools? If so is there any other type of tool I can use in substitution for that?
Thank you for any and all help!
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
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I checked the fuses again and it seems to be fine, I think the problem is somewhere else.
To remove the instrument cluster, will I need to use the special Mercedes tools? If so is there any other type of tool I can use in substitution for that?
Thank you for any and all help!
To remove the instrument cluster, will I need to use the special Mercedes tools? If so is there any other type of tool I can use in substitution for that?
Thank you for any and all help!
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Woodridge, IL
1986 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3
pull the fuses, look for rust on the contacts of the fuse holders, or on the fuses. it is 14 years old, maybe you are in a high humidity environment. seems weird, my 190E is 21 years old and the only thing to fail was the sunroof switch, the little ***** under the center contacts wouldn't stay in place, the switch was "well used" by the surface wear, previous owner loved having the sunroof open.
Worst case scenario, take it to a dealer, they'll fix it pretty fast for a pretty penny.
Worst case scenario, take it to a dealer, they'll fix it pretty fast for a pretty penny.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
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pull the fuses, look for rust on the contacts of the fuse holders, or on the fuses. it is 14 years old, maybe you are in a high humidity environment. seems weird, my 190E is 21 years old and the only thing to fail was the sunroof switch, the little ***** under the center contacts wouldn't stay in place, the switch was "well used" by the surface wear, previous owner loved having the sunroof open.
Worst case scenario, take it to a dealer, they'll fix it pretty fast for a pretty penny.
Worst case scenario, take it to a dealer, they'll fix it pretty fast for a pretty penny.
