A while back I posted a question and possible solution to some missing pixels that were dropping out and for some reason reappearing mysteriously over time. First noticed the event when my car sat for a while without starting but doors were opened and the trunk was also opened.

Over a period of a few months this would happen - say over the weekend. Pixels were fine all week then on Monday morning I would be missing a few lines of pixels only to reappear when driving the car for more than 15 minutes. Eventually over time they would drop out only to reappear weeks or a few months later. Failing gauge cluster ribbon cables/insulators - that what I thought.

Turns out Mercedes has some codes that are stored regarding low voltage (ie battery problems). Applies to nearly every system. Ran a STAR diag and several codes did pop up - gauge cluster, etc. When the dealer cleared them the gauge cluster worked perfectly - turns out the battery was nearly 10 years old (MERCEDES BATTERY) and was starting to fail. Started the car fine every time but was loosing crank amps.

Replaced the battery - recleared the codes and the gauge is as bright as new and the pixels have yet to drop out again. On the old battery slightly less bright and you can see some pixel area that seem to pulse dimmer than normal.

My gauge cluster was replaced under an extended about 4 years ago and I was going to pull it and send it off to BBA Reman to get it fixed so I know about the cable issues in the clusters. For some reason the cluster is extremely sensitive to low voltage values. This is either because the ribbon may not be 100% seated or the electronics are just really picky. For the time being the bad, well just old battery may be the problem. Just a heads up. If your cluster seems like its getting a little flaky - don't assume its a bad part. Get the voltage tested first.

This is interesting, thanks for posting. I may be in the same boat with an old battery, once replaced ill post my findings.

You may have to give it a few start cycles for it to work. Not saying it will work in all cases because there is definately problems with some clusters having bad flex cables and the foam rubber adhesive failing. In my case I think I got lucky. Also having only a few year old cluster that may be corrected helped.

If necessary, I found changing the cables for left side display to be easy. The clock/gear on the right is much more difficult to line up. I gave up and turned my clock/gear display off. My head unit displays the time and I know when I'm in park of reverse.

Has anyone changed their right side display to a digital compass?