Instrument cluster lights all off except engine light
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Joined: Apr 2019
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85 380sl and 92 300e 2.6l
Instrument cluster lights all off except engine light
92, 300e 2.6l 210k.
My instrument cluster lights all off, except engine light-
When, I try and crank car it turns but, engine does not turn on-
I have checked all fuses for a short, but all circuits have the same resistance-
12.03-
Seems to be an intermittent problem even though it just started to do it more often-
Battery voltage normal range, when it does turn on alternator charging well, and starter engages-
Prior, to this, there has been the smell of burnt wire, and at times my lights malfunction.
indicator light light up with some light off-
Either, front light left or right, or back side light-
All bulbs are good!
I replaced relay and seemed to fix issue, but now back again, also intermittently,-
I bought about 4 relays, and it happens with all 4, so I don't, think all 4 relays are bad!
I mention this as maybe someone can point me in the right direction-
I'm wondering if related to instrument cluster lights off, no starting issue-
Perhaps tumbler issue?
Hoping someone has had a similar issue and would be willing to guide me which test I can perform--
I really need, my car working, as I'm a caregiver for my 92 year old mom, and I use the care to do errands, pick up meds, dr.s appointments-
Hoping to hear from someone!
Thank you, in advance--
P.s. mild smell of burnt plastic scary!!
Hopefully, no burnt wires in dash--
My instrument cluster lights all off, except engine light-
When, I try and crank car it turns but, engine does not turn on-
I have checked all fuses for a short, but all circuits have the same resistance-
12.03-
Seems to be an intermittent problem even though it just started to do it more often-
Battery voltage normal range, when it does turn on alternator charging well, and starter engages-
Prior, to this, there has been the smell of burnt wire, and at times my lights malfunction.
indicator light light up with some light off-
Either, front light left or right, or back side light-
All bulbs are good!
I replaced relay and seemed to fix issue, but now back again, also intermittently,-
I bought about 4 relays, and it happens with all 4, so I don't, think all 4 relays are bad!
I mention this as maybe someone can point me in the right direction-
I'm wondering if related to instrument cluster lights off, no starting issue-
Perhaps tumbler issue?
Hoping someone has had a similar issue and would be willing to guide me which test I can perform--
I really need, my car working, as I'm a caregiver for my 92 year old mom, and I use the care to do errands, pick up meds, dr.s appointments-
Hoping to hear from someone!
Thank you, in advance--
P.s. mild smell of burnt plastic scary!!
Hopefully, no burnt wires in dash--
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 352
Likes: 91
Probably missing a power feed somewhere as all of those cluster warning bulbs should light up with the key in position #2 and once the engine starts the alternator takes away the ground circuit that had them lit and they go out. You either have no spark or no fuel. You will have to determine what one or both that are missing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 195
From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
Is the burnt wire smell originating from inside the car or under the hood in the engine bay?
These car's electrical systems are very well designed and built, so problem like yours are very rare.
How many miles on this car and where has it lived most of it's life? Humidity is a slow killer of all electrical systems.
My guess is there are issues with grounding circuits. A lot if grounds are supplied by earth grounds (chassis) so if you have massive corrosion issues you will be chasing ghosts.
Tell us a bit about your car. How many miles on the engine, where did it live? was it garaged, etc, etc,
These are important factors for a 32+ year old car.
These car's electrical systems are very well designed and built, so problem like yours are very rare.
How many miles on this car and where has it lived most of it's life? Humidity is a slow killer of all electrical systems.
My guess is there are issues with grounding circuits. A lot if grounds are supplied by earth grounds (chassis) so if you have massive corrosion issues you will be chasing ghosts.
Tell us a bit about your car. How many miles on the engine, where did it live? was it garaged, etc, etc,
These are important factors for a 32+ year old car.
