outnabout

I have a 2002 C320 Wagon (173000 miles) and the instrument cluster stays on continuously, never shuts off. I have tried several different things to try and determine what the problem could be like: pulling fuses, pulling relays, disconnecting seat control modules, disconnecting the CANBUS blocks (3) one by one, disconnecting the overhead dome light fan, checking for wiring shorts (just looking at wire connections) and checking the battery voltage. I also tried disconnecting the battery cables and connecting them with a lead for 5 minutes to reset the system. The battery has been on a trickle charger to keep it from discharging.

The overhead fan also stays on all the time. I have disconnected the instrument cluster and the OH fan still stays on.

Any idea what could be keeping the system awake? EIS? Is their an interior motion sensor on this model?

samaritrey

No IMS that is only in Mexico and a few other places.
EIS could do it and about half of the electronics. GL this will take awhile.

BTW I am mad you have more miles them me. I thought I was the highest C320 on here with almost 161K

outnabout

Thanks for the response. It sounds like I'm going to need to go and have the problem checked out by a shop.

Sorry about the mileage, we've been very happy with the car and mechanically, it's in great shape to go 200K+ miles. If it wasn't for the electrical issues (we purchased it with 20K miles), and we have had most of them (seat modules, pogo locks, seat motors, stepper motors, etc.) this would rate up there as one of the best cars we've had. Luckily, with the help of forums like this, I have been able to solve all of the electrical problems myself, until now.

mleskovar

I'm pushing 176K miles Now that all the bugs are worked out it's been super reliable and still gives a very 'tight' ride and feel. Only weeps/burns about a quart of oil every 10K miles!

mleskovar

If it wasn't for this forum I would have dumped my car long ago.

outnabout

I'll make sure and report back what the issue is with the cluster in case anyone has the same problem. I don't plan to take it to the shop for a couple months though.

Our 02 burns about a quart between oil changes as well, but there is no smoke or signs of a leak. I know the car has always had Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic it's entire life. I wonder if changing to a different weight oil would reduce oil usage

I don't know about your car, but ours has all the original suspension components and during my recent oil change, I looked everything over and there was no significant sign of wear and the exhaust looks new. MB builds a great car, now if they could only get the electrics straighted out (maybe they have?).

Glyn M Ruck

Don't even worry about that sort of oil consumption. It's nothing!

outnabout

Glyn,

Any thoughts on what could be causing the CANBUS to stay active? One thing that I noticed was when I pull the two bottom relays (yellow) in the rear SAM, the car goes into sleep mode for about 30 seconds before waking up again. This happens when I remove either one or both. Once I put them back in the car either doesn't go to sleep mode or does for 5 seconds max.

samaritrey

dam it i forgot about you.
In winter my car was using/ Hopefully leaking 1q every 2k miles but this summer that has gone away completely so I need to look for a leak i guess.

Once my warranty ran out at 100k and i stopped going to the dealer my car has been extremely reliable. The only issues i have now is my ac compressor is on its way out and a door lock that stopped working for 3 months and is now working great again. (it has died like this 3 or 4 times and a few days before i have an appointment to take it in it decided it wants to work again)

This car is my family's second most reliable car ever followed my our 8 or so Toyota landcrusiers we have had over the years.

doiz

Hi,


I have a similar problem with my 2001 C320. My instrument cluster light stays on and I also get a Message Front Right Turn Signal. Everytime I check the turn signal bulb it is fine. 1) Could this be the wiring defect everyone is talking about that is defective? 2) How does this affect my Instrument Cluster Light Staying on, if so?


I also just changed my battery but I am not certain this was from the Cluster light staying on. I just noticed it last night.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks


Doiz