CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Gauge Cluster and Convertible Top Not Working

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Old 03-27-2021, 07:34 PM
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2004 CLK 500 Cabriolet
Gauge Cluster and Convertible Top Not Working

I removed and unplugged my gauge cluster, climate control panel and headlight switch to access the broken stepper motor on my 2004 CLK 500. While everything was apart and unplugged, I started the car to raise the convertible top because rain was in the forecast. Well, the top no longer worked and didn't move at all. Thinking it was something to do with everything I unplugged, I plugged in the dash cluster, headlight switch, and climate control panel. Unfortunately, this did not change anything. I now have a non-working instrument cluster, and my convertible top doesn't work.

Is it possible I blew or damaged something? Or, did I set a bunch of codes by starting the car with the gauge cluster unplugged? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Old 03-28-2021, 02:31 PM
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Quite unsure and should be unrelated.
Think back of your steps. Was there anything related to the roof? Did any cables connect?

Othewise it would be better to connect it to Star and check for errors.
One user has reported driving the car without the cluster installed.
Old 03-28-2021, 03:30 PM
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2023 E450 AT, 1996 S420, (sold) 2004 CLK320 Convertible (v8, 6 speed)
Those things are related, from what I remember without instrument cluster you can close the roof, but it won't open, which makes sense and very easy to test: open the roof manually and try to close by using roof button. So seems like the only not working thing is the instrument cluster. It would sound strange, but try to reconnect the cluster connector couple of times, I had similar issue.... it happened about two times with my cluster but I'm sure it's not a broken wire , it's like the cluster just didn't want to boot up (old microcontroller ).
Old 03-28-2021, 08:52 PM
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2004 CLK 500 Cabriolet
Thanks for the input guys. I found the problem. I didn't have the plug fully engaged in the back of the dash cluster. I pushed the plug in and slid the swivel lock in place. Everything works now. This problem scared the hell out of me. I'm good at taking things apart and putting them back together, but the thought of having to troubleshoot some kind of fault where the dash cluster and convertible top were both not working was frightening. I've learned that the convertible top WILL NOT function with the dash cluster unplugged.

Thanks again for the help!
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Old 03-28-2021, 10:42 PM
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2023 E450 AT, 1996 S420, (sold) 2004 CLK320 Convertible (v8, 6 speed)
Good job!

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