We took our ML in for service at our local mechanic and when we picked it back up the odometer was not counting and the gauges don't work. No spedo, tach, fuel or temp. The dash lights work.

We took the car back and the mechanic and he said there was a communication fault in the computer. I'm thinking there is a cable or connector that was disconected, but I can't find any diagram or documentation on how to trouble shoot this.

I'm quite handy with a wrench so please no "take it to the dealer". Also what is a good repair manual?

Any advice?

 

There is a single connector that connects the cluster to the rest of the car. The clip on the connector is extremely tricky and easy to break leaving the connector lose & that will cause your entire cluster to appear dead.

When I had to open mine to replace a dashboard bulb, I in fact broke the clip but was wise enough to tape the connecter back really good to the receiver so that it never gets off lose after re-assembly.

Search the forum for cluster bulb replacement and you will find threads with instructions on how to undo the dash cluster and re-assemble.

Hope that helps....

 

What was the reason you brought it in for repair?

Also what year is the 430; it makes a difference?

 

It's a 1999.

It needed a motor mount, brakes a new shifter and a Secondary or aux coolant pump.

 

This mech. must have done something that has caused this problem, but I can't seem to put two and two together. The mounts, brakes and the Coolant Pump shouldn't cause a problem. The shifter is the likely culprit but I can't figure it out.

With the engine running check every single fuse with a test light, espc.2,5,9,10,13,16,22 & 25. If they are all good, then you will have to conduct the tests on the Instrument Cluster AI, with a DVOM. Connectors are shown from the wire side.

X11/4 is the Data Link Connector under the dash.