Instrument Cluster issue: Can't get high beam indicator to work
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
2000 C230 Kompressor Sedan (W202)
Instrument Cluster issue: Can't get high beam indicator to work
Greetings all,
I have a 2000 C230 Compressor with about 84K on the odo. Car runs very well but suddenly developed a small, irritating electrical problem that I can't seem to figure out how to resolve. About 4 months ago the indicator light in the instrument cluster for the high beams suddenly stopped working. I figured it was just a bulb and that I'd get around to changing it at some point. Then, last week, one of the 4 lights that illuminate the gauges blew out which prompted me to buy some replacement bulbs for the cluster. I finally got around to replacing both bulbs and although the gauge light is fixed the light for the high beams still remains non-functional. I've tried several different BRAND NEW bulbs but to no avail. I even took one of the other older bulbs that I knew was working and installed it in the high beam indicator position - still no love. I can now only conclude that it must be a) a problem on the circuit board for the cluster or b) a problem (i.e. a short) in the wiring for that particular indicator light or c) maybe a fuse or relay. NOTE: The high beams switch on and off without any issues (i.e. they work fine). I sometimes find myself driving with the high beams on without realizing it until some oncoming drivers flash their lights at me. I don't want to be an obnoxious, inconsiderate driver so I'd really like to get this issue solved if possible.
Any ideas? Anyone?
My thanks in advance.
Mark
I have a 2000 C230 Compressor with about 84K on the odo. Car runs very well but suddenly developed a small, irritating electrical problem that I can't seem to figure out how to resolve. About 4 months ago the indicator light in the instrument cluster for the high beams suddenly stopped working. I figured it was just a bulb and that I'd get around to changing it at some point. Then, last week, one of the 4 lights that illuminate the gauges blew out which prompted me to buy some replacement bulbs for the cluster. I finally got around to replacing both bulbs and although the gauge light is fixed the light for the high beams still remains non-functional. I've tried several different BRAND NEW bulbs but to no avail. I even took one of the other older bulbs that I knew was working and installed it in the high beam indicator position - still no love. I can now only conclude that it must be a) a problem on the circuit board for the cluster or b) a problem (i.e. a short) in the wiring for that particular indicator light or c) maybe a fuse or relay. NOTE: The high beams switch on and off without any issues (i.e. they work fine). I sometimes find myself driving with the high beams on without realizing it until some oncoming drivers flash their lights at me. I don't want to be an obnoxious, inconsiderate driver so I'd really like to get this issue solved if possible.
Any ideas? Anyone?
My thanks in advance.
Mark
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
2000 C230 Kompressor Sedan (W202)
SOLVED
SOLVED:
I resolved this problem today - 2/23/22. After doing some reading I learned there is a fuse under the hood (#34 - 7.5Amps) that is responsible for the left side high beam AND the high beam indicator light in the instrument cluster. Upon checking I found that, sure enough, the high beam on the left/driver's side was not working. Checked fuse #34 in the engine bay and it was blown. Rechecked the wiring for the left/driver's side high beam and found a loose ground wire which must've shorted to the positive lead wire (I have aftermarket LED headlight bulbs installed). I corrected the wiring issue, replaced the fuse and now everything works fine - both the high beam and the indicator light. I feel kind of foolish for not checking this first thing, right off the bat. But you live and you (hopefully) learn. I hope this helps someone else. Mark
I resolved this problem today - 2/23/22. After doing some reading I learned there is a fuse under the hood (#34 - 7.5Amps) that is responsible for the left side high beam AND the high beam indicator light in the instrument cluster. Upon checking I found that, sure enough, the high beam on the left/driver's side was not working. Checked fuse #34 in the engine bay and it was blown. Rechecked the wiring for the left/driver's side high beam and found a loose ground wire which must've shorted to the positive lead wire (I have aftermarket LED headlight bulbs installed). I corrected the wiring issue, replaced the fuse and now everything works fine - both the high beam and the indicator light. I feel kind of foolish for not checking this first thing, right off the bat. But you live and you (hopefully) learn. I hope this helps someone else. Mark
