Gauge cluster went on the fritz (literally), now car won't start
07-29-2024, 11:26 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Gauge cluster went on the fritz (literally), now car won't start
Another day another w215/w220 problem. The gauge cluster (literally) went on the fritz, first with blinking lights, then the smell of electrical smoke and the whole thing went dark.
After this happened the car could still be started (fortunately) and was rolled into the garage, but now it won't recognize the key, either with keyless, or with by putting the key in the ignition. Obviously I wouldn't know if there are any messages on the dashboard, it's fried.
Fortunately maturity and experience has kept me from becoming a psychiatric patient about the issue, but it' something that needs to be tackled. Is the gauge cluster linked with the key recognition or ignition module (or whatever Mercedes uses for this)? I have a remote memory of these cares somehow being able to start only a couple times with the gauge cluster removed before shutting down completely, to stop mileage fraud or something. I'm right now hoping this is the case, and that the gauge cluster will come back to life once repaired.
So now the obvious next thing: How the hell do I fix it? I won't be able to pull the gauge cluster to inspect it for another week or two, but I want to start looking at my options and possible solutions. I have a relatively complete electronics testing and repair lab, but that won't preclude me sending it off to be repaired if necessary.... assuming such a reputable service is available. Any advice?
After this happened the car could still be started (fortunately) and was rolled into the garage, but now it won't recognize the key, either with keyless, or with by putting the key in the ignition. Obviously I wouldn't know if there are any messages on the dashboard, it's fried.
Fortunately maturity and experience has kept me from becoming a psychiatric patient about the issue, but it' something that needs to be tackled. Is the gauge cluster linked with the key recognition or ignition module (or whatever Mercedes uses for this)? I have a remote memory of these cares somehow being able to start only a couple times with the gauge cluster removed before shutting down completely, to stop mileage fraud or something. I'm right now hoping this is the case, and that the gauge cluster will come back to life once repaired.
So now the obvious next thing: How the hell do I fix it? I won't be able to pull the gauge cluster to inspect it for another week or two, but I want to start looking at my options and possible solutions. I have a relatively complete electronics testing and repair lab, but that won't preclude me sending it off to be repaired if necessary.... assuming such a reputable service is available. Any advice?
07-29-2024, 04:59 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you don't have the two special tools required to remove the cluster, you need to order them now - they are cheap and readily-available.
Once you have the tools (keys), just run the steering wheel all the way out and all the way down. You can put a towel over the column to help prevent scratches. Insert the two keys into the small vertical slots on each end, pull the cluster out.
This will let you give it a close inspection to help decide that you want to do. Used clusters sell for $120 - $300 on eBay, and for $25 (yes, that is $25.00 US) at my local Pull-A-Part. There will be some complications if you change the cluster.
Once you have the tools (keys), just run the steering wheel all the way out and all the way down. You can put a towel over the column to help prevent scratches. Insert the two keys into the small vertical slots on each end, pull the cluster out.
This will let you give it a close inspection to help decide that you want to do. Used clusters sell for $120 - $300 on eBay, and for $25 (yes, that is $25.00 US) at my local Pull-A-Part. There will be some complications if you change the cluster.
Yesterday, 04:58 AM
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
If you don't have the two special tools required to remove the cluster, you need to order them now - they are cheap and readily-available.
Once you have the tools (keys), just run the steering wheel all the way out and all the way down. You can put a towel over the column to help prevent scratches. Insert the two keys into the small vertical slots on each end, pull the cluster out.
This will let you give it a close inspection to help decide that you want to do. Used clusters sell for $120 - $300 on eBay, and for $25 (yes, that is $25.00 US) at my local Pull-A-Part. There will be some complications if you change the cluster.
Once you have the tools (keys), just run the steering wheel all the way out and all the way down. You can put a towel over the column to help prevent scratches. Insert the two keys into the small vertical slots on each end, pull the cluster out.
This will let you give it a close inspection to help decide that you want to do. Used clusters sell for $120 - $300 on eBay, and for $25 (yes, that is $25.00 US) at my local Pull-A-Part. There will be some complications if you change the cluster.
My intention was to find the broken component and replace it. Good call on the junkyard. Maybe there's a specific memory module I can swap over to avoid complications.
Yesterday, 01:07 PM
#4
If you enjoy tinkering and electronics cool but personally I would just use one of those w220 eBay cluster repair services for $160 and send in your original one so you don’t have errors relating to odometer
swapping another cluster is going to result in all dash marks on your odometer
swapping another cluster is going to result in all dash marks on your odometer
