2002 CLK430 Electrical problems
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, N.C.
'02 clk430
2002 CLK430 Electrical problems
Just bought a beautiful 02 CLK430 w/67k. Runs great but has a few electrical issues. Hopefully I can get a little help with what to do about them here.
Issue 1: outside temp and clock displays are only displaying about half of their pixels.
Issue 2: climate control unit has zero lights at night. Temp LCD's work but no backlight at all, buttons or display. Probably bulbs but no idea how to get the unit out of the dash correctly without screwing up the dash. Any ideas?
Issue 3: Passenger window has a slight whistle a high speed. Seems like not fully sealing when doors are closed.
Issue 4: Windshield washers do not work. (of course I checked the fluid)
Otherwise car is in excellent condition. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks for your time
Issue 1: outside temp and clock displays are only displaying about half of their pixels.
Issue 2: climate control unit has zero lights at night. Temp LCD's work but no backlight at all, buttons or display. Probably bulbs but no idea how to get the unit out of the dash correctly without screwing up the dash. Any ideas?
Issue 3: Passenger window has a slight whistle a high speed. Seems like not fully sealing when doors are closed.
Issue 4: Windshield washers do not work. (of course I checked the fluid)
Otherwise car is in excellent condition. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks for your time
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Greetings,
Issue #1: This thread discusses both the DIY and who you can pay.
Issue #2: You'll need the radio removal keys. They're sold by the billions on Ebay. Just enter "mercedes benz radio key" in the Ebay search bar.
I'm sure someone else will introduce themselves and tell you about #3 and 4.
Issue #1: This thread discusses both the DIY and who you can pay.
Issue #2: You'll need the radio removal keys. They're sold by the billions on Ebay. Just enter "mercedes benz radio key" in the Ebay search bar.
I'm sure someone else will introduce themselves and tell you about #3 and 4.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
In addition to doing a search for issues you have.....your CLK is part E class (e.g. styling, interior, electronics etc.) and part C class (e.g. underpinnings).
Although you will find tons of information on your issues, with a search here in the W208 forum.....the others should be checked as well.
The missing pixels is a well know and common issue (e.g. suspect few E/CLK class do not have this problem, although a recall does no exist). There is an instrument cluster DIY solution, a rebuild for $250 or the dealer fix for about $1,200.
The bulbs behind the climate control can be changed however, the DIY solution requires a special tool and the bulbs may not be readily available (e.g. except from dealer).
Try a window reset (e.g. press up and hold then down and hold) to see if your windows are not seating fully. Otherwise lube or replace the seals.
Issue of not providing washing fluid is to vague (e.g. faulty pump, fuse etc.).
Although you will find tons of information on your issues, with a search here in the W208 forum.....the others should be checked as well.
The missing pixels is a well know and common issue (e.g. suspect few E/CLK class do not have this problem, although a recall does no exist). There is an instrument cluster DIY solution, a rebuild for $250 or the dealer fix for about $1,200.
The bulbs behind the climate control can be changed however, the DIY solution requires a special tool and the bulbs may not be readily available (e.g. except from dealer).
Try a window reset (e.g. press up and hold then down and hold) to see if your windows are not seating fully. Otherwise lube or replace the seals.
Issue of not providing washing fluid is to vague (e.g. faulty pump, fuse etc.).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, N.C.
'02 clk430
Thank You so much for the info. I did find many radio removal keys on Ebay as you suggested. I'm 99.9% sure if I can get it out cleanly I can fix the bulb issue myself.
The pixel issue is another matter. I did study a thread on how to fix the cluster, my issue would be getting to it as the dash and underside seems to buttoned up quite well.
The one I'm most concerned about is the windshield washers not working. I have not found much info on that other than might be a pump or motor, and once again I cant see how to remove the washer tank to test pieces. I'm very new to this forum so not quite sure how to navigate around good as of yet.
Thanks again...
The pixel issue is another matter. I did study a thread on how to fix the cluster, my issue would be getting to it as the dash and underside seems to buttoned up quite well.
The one I'm most concerned about is the windshield washers not working. I have not found much info on that other than might be a pump or motor, and once again I cant see how to remove the washer tank to test pieces. I'm very new to this forum so not quite sure how to navigate around good as of yet.
Thanks again...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, N.C.
'02 clk430
Just wanted to thank those who replied to my problems. I managed to get everyone of my issues resolved thru help I received on this forum. Missing inst. cluster pixels problem was fixed on first try after finding the proper thread and following the pics and instructions. I got to be a master at removing the instrument cluster and as someone suggested just a firm grip on both sides and rocking it back and forth a bit and it came right out. Try doing that on any other car! Just unplug the 2 connectors and your are ready to fix it.
Climate control unit was just a burned out bulb. Windshield washers not working was just a $37.00 pump motor changed out in less that 30 minutes. Knock on wood, she's 100% right now and will hopefully stay that way for a long time.
Window just needed a reset. I'm LOVING this car. Traded a '07 Lexus IS250 for it and feeling I made a great decision. This is my first Mercedes. Thanks again for the help guys!!!!
Climate control unit was just a burned out bulb. Windshield washers not working was just a $37.00 pump motor changed out in less that 30 minutes. Knock on wood, she's 100% right now and will hopefully stay that way for a long time.
Window just needed a reset. I'm LOVING this car. Traded a '07 Lexus IS250 for it and feeling I made a great decision. This is my first Mercedes. Thanks again for the help guys!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
2000 CLK 430
glad to see you got the windshield washer working, that is exactly what happened to mine as well, motor burned out, dunno how never really used it or maybe it seized up, but i swapped it out too and i was back in business, just becareful if you change it again next time cuz a lot of time the plastic resevoir can get very brittle with age, and can get damage if not handled with care....
