Brightness of LCD display
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
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From: Frederick MD
83 500SEC, 87 300D, 02 C32(x2), 02 C320T (x2), 03 C320T4, 03 C320T, 03 E55, 05 E320CDI, 06 E320CDI
I'm going to be attempting this soon, got the fade in two of my three 203's. Swapped in a 05+ cluster on my third car to combat this issue.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3
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C32 AMG
Intermittent battery drain, linked to faded instrument cluster?
Hi there, I have just stumbled across your discussion relating to the intermittent fading of the C32 instrument cluster.
I am having the same issue, but with the addition of a battery drain if the car is left longer than approx 8 hrs.
I have had need to install a kill switch at the battery to isolate it because nobody can work out where the fault is.
I have recently noticed the alarm siren making a 'crackling noise' when I turn the isolator back on, but without the ignition on. I have also noticed a very slight background 'hum' when the ignition is turned off.
I would really appreciate any help or advice.
My C32 is the best car I have ever owned or driven and I've had a few! It would be a real shame to have to get rid of it. But at the same time this fault had caught me out more than a few times.
I am having the same issue, but with the addition of a battery drain if the car is left longer than approx 8 hrs.
I have had need to install a kill switch at the battery to isolate it because nobody can work out where the fault is.
I have recently noticed the alarm siren making a 'crackling noise' when I turn the isolator back on, but without the ignition on. I have also noticed a very slight background 'hum' when the ignition is turned off.
I would really appreciate any help or advice.
My C32 is the best car I have ever owned or driven and I've had a few! It would be a real shame to have to get rid of it. But at the same time this fault had caught me out more than a few times.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
If I recall, there are issues with the seat control module under the seats that will drain the battery. Search for threads on how to disable the control module by re-wiring when the key is off. You could test for drain by unplugging the wires to the seat, or pulling the fuse.
In addition, the circuit board on the siren can corrode and fail, and may cause a battery drain. Disconnect or pull the fuse to test this also.
An amp meter that clamps around the battery cable will give you immediate results for amperage draw. Test before and after to see if it is the culprit.
Let us know what the issue is when you find it, possibly in a new thread.
