"DEFECTIVE DISPLAY" Message - E300 Diesel (1997)
02-25-2005, 01:39 PM
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"DEFECTIVE DISPLAY" Message - E300 Diesel (1997)
Problem Detail:
1. For no "apparent" reason, the instrument cluster began displaying an error message "DEFECTIVE DISPLAY" along with a "radiator" graphic image.
2. This ONLY happens when the car is initially STARTED and then again after it is STOPPED (i.e. Turned-off) .. However, in each case the display returns to completely NORMAL operation immediately upon pressing the "R"eset button - Suggesting to me there is no problem with the display.
I've searched ALL the forums on this website as well as the entire internet and there is very little information about this problem .. If anyone has any experience with or knowledge of this problem, your help is greatly appreciated .. Thank you, in advance, for your assistance!
1. For no "apparent" reason, the instrument cluster began displaying an error message "DEFECTIVE DISPLAY" along with a "radiator" graphic image.
2. This ONLY happens when the car is initially STARTED and then again after it is STOPPED (i.e. Turned-off) .. However, in each case the display returns to completely NORMAL operation immediately upon pressing the "R"eset button - Suggesting to me there is no problem with the display.
I've searched ALL the forums on this website as well as the entire internet and there is very little information about this problem .. If anyone has any experience with or knowledge of this problem, your help is greatly appreciated .. Thank you, in advance, for your assistance!
Last edited by DA_MBW; 02-25-2005 at 02:06 PM. Reason: Clarify Title
05-17-2005, 04:00 PM
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"DISPLAY DEFECTIVE" - found the solution
Answer found on UK MB website (mbclub.co.uk):
It's either the washer bottle level sensor or coolant level sensor that are defective. They are wired in series and work on a voltage coded system read by the instrument cluster. If the voltages are not within its parameters it displays this message "DISPLAY DEFECTIVE" - no guarantees which one but odds are on the washer level sensor.
In both my and the UK member's situation it was the WASHER LEVEL SENSOR - a very inexpensive fix to a rather annoying problem.
Incidentally, a MB master technician said the Instrument Cluster had to be replaced, costing $$$$. I had to ask him 3 times to change the Washer Level Sensor as he was convinced it had nothing to with it. When it turned out to fix the problem he was SHOCKED, but happy.
It's either the washer bottle level sensor or coolant level sensor that are defective. They are wired in series and work on a voltage coded system read by the instrument cluster. If the voltages are not within its parameters it displays this message "DISPLAY DEFECTIVE" - no guarantees which one but odds are on the washer level sensor.
In both my and the UK member's situation it was the WASHER LEVEL SENSOR - a very inexpensive fix to a rather annoying problem.
Incidentally, a MB master technician said the Instrument Cluster had to be replaced, costing $$$$. I had to ask him 3 times to change the Washer Level Sensor as he was convinced it had nothing to with it. When it turned out to fix the problem he was SHOCKED, but happy.
Last edited by DA_MBW; 05-17-2005 at 04:01 PM. Reason: missing word
06-02-2010, 12:05 PM
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E36 AMG
Thanks.
Thanks for this. I have EXACTLY the same problem with my 1996 E36 AMG. I will suggest your solution to my MB specialist who told me it could take 'hours and hours' to detect the reason for the message. (All at £75 an hour of course!)
Answer found on UK MB website (mbclub.co.uk):
It's either the washer bottle level sensor or coolant level sensor that are defective. They are wired in series and work on a voltage coded system read by the instrument cluster. If the voltages are not within its parameters it displays this message "DISPLAY DEFECTIVE" - no guarantees which one but odds are on the washer level sensor.
In both my and the UK member's situation it was the WASHER LEVEL SENSOR - a very inexpensive fix to a rather annoying problem.
Incidentally, a MB master technician said the Instrument Cluster had to be replaced, costing $$$$. I had to ask him 3 times to change the Washer Level Sensor as he was convinced it had nothing to with it. When it turned out to fix the problem he was SHOCKED, but happy.
It's either the washer bottle level sensor or coolant level sensor that are defective. They are wired in series and work on a voltage coded system read by the instrument cluster. If the voltages are not within its parameters it displays this message "DISPLAY DEFECTIVE" - no guarantees which one but odds are on the washer level sensor.
In both my and the UK member's situation it was the WASHER LEVEL SENSOR - a very inexpensive fix to a rather annoying problem.
Incidentally, a MB master technician said the Instrument Cluster had to be replaced, costing $$$$. I had to ask him 3 times to change the Washer Level Sensor as he was convinced it had nothing to with it. When it turned out to fix the problem he was SHOCKED, but happy.
