Instrument Cluster 1998 C280
08-29-2013 | 09:52 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1998 C280
Instrument Cluster 1998 C280
Hello Everyone I am new to this forum so please bear with me. First off I just traded for a 1998 C280 which is a great car with great performance.
My question is on my instrument cluster everything works great as far as I can tell except the trip mileage,odometer, outside temp,and clock stays illuminated at all times. I left it sit for a couple of days and had to jump it.
Could these lights in the dash be the problem of draining the battery enough not to start. Is there a relay that turns these lights off when the ignition is off with the key out of the car or could it be that the cluster is bad? I have checked all the fuses and connections and the battery is the correct size and is only about 8 months old. Also shouldnt these lights go out when the ignition is off and the smart key removed with all doors closed.
I would appreciate it very much if anyone could or would let me know what their thoughts are on this problem. Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided.
Also could it possibly be the headlight switch?
My question is on my instrument cluster everything works great as far as I can tell except the trip mileage,odometer, outside temp,and clock stays illuminated at all times. I left it sit for a couple of days and had to jump it.
Could these lights in the dash be the problem of draining the battery enough not to start. Is there a relay that turns these lights off when the ignition is off with the key out of the car or could it be that the cluster is bad? I have checked all the fuses and connections and the battery is the correct size and is only about 8 months old. Also shouldnt these lights go out when the ignition is off and the smart key removed with all doors closed.
I would appreciate it very much if anyone could or would let me know what their thoughts are on this problem. Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided.
Also could it possibly be the headlight switch?
08-30-2013 | 05:57 AM
#2
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
2014 C259 Sport MB White Diamond Pearl
The lights in the cluster do/should come on when car is started and go out when car is turned off...I do not know what the solution would be other than try a new/used cluster (think yours may have a short in it keeping it active/on all the time)
09-02-2013 | 07:44 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 453
Likes: 12
C230
Have you tried to reset the clock with the H and M buttons? Also the trip odometer resetting to Zero?
Not saying that will work, but a start to find the problem.
As far as running the battery flat, those lights don't draw very much.
The dash harness is a straight plug in, so you can't defeat it by eliminating those specific lights.
As mentioned, as soon as the door is open, certain dash lights will come on.
If it was the door switch, I would imagine the interior lights would stay on, and that will certainly kill the battery. Happened to me when it was daylight, and the rear seat light was on, but you couldn't see it.
Strange one for sure, but probably an easy fix.
Not saying that will work, but a start to find the problem.
As far as running the battery flat, those lights don't draw very much.
The dash harness is a straight plug in, so you can't defeat it by eliminating those specific lights.
As mentioned, as soon as the door is open, certain dash lights will come on.
If it was the door switch, I would imagine the interior lights would stay on, and that will certainly kill the battery. Happened to me when it was daylight, and the rear seat light was on, but you couldn't see it.
Strange one for sure, but probably an easy fix.
