Please help me with my Cluster!

[ScottyP]

95 C280 cluster lights are all out and also the temp control lights are out.

Had sticking gauges in my cluster. So, today I finally pulled off the steering wheel and the cluster. Took the cover off the cluster and removed the black sticky stuff with alcohol cloth. Snapped it back together. I forgot the all of replacement bulbs at my office, but switched the wiper fluid bulb with the burned out clock bulb. Installed the cluster and put everything back together.

Connected the negative battery terminal and started the car. No lights in dash or temp control. SRS was constantly on. Went to Autozone for code test. NO Codes. Came home and replaced all 3 fuses for the cluster (old ones was okay). Still no lights.

Help.. Where is the source of the power to the Cluster?
No lights, no clock, no temp, no odometer, no gauge movement. Only SRS is lit!

Also no turn signals...

[jnenad16]

did you plug in both of the connectors on the cluster?

nenad

[ScottyP]

Originally posted by jnenad16
did you plug in both of the connectors on the cluster?

nenad

Yes.. Both connectors are plugged in. Removed them and redid it.

Strange all dash lights are out! Everything in the cluster, the Climate controls & radio, and the gear shift lights. Something is really wrong here.. Rheostat maybe?? Do I have a fuse somewhere in the cluster?

[ScottyP]

Anyone have any ideas for me to test or check?

[allirroz]

Originally posted by ScottyP
Anyone have any ideas for me to test or check?


I'd check relays.

[ScottyP]

Which relays are impacted?

OVP?

[jnenad16]

start with the fuses first.

nenad

[allirroz]

Originally posted by ScottyP
Which relays are impacted?

OVP?

Could be the OVP. Process of elimination on this one plus their not cheap.

Double check also cluster plugs and the cluster You may have inadvertently bent one of the the pins/connectors or dislodged a wire.

[ScottyP]

Had a spare known good OVP. Tested with it. No lights.
Any other relay? (im grabbing at straw at this point )

Replaced all 3 fuses that had instrument anything assign to it in the motor fuse box.

Checking the wires now.. Which color wire is power for illumination?:confused:

[ScottyP]

Found the problem. Two wires in the left harness was frayed and touching the metal support frame behind the cluster. Another one was burned and disconnected inside of the cover. Repaired all three wires and amazing ... I NOW HAVE LIGHTS...

Thanks for everyones help. It appears that the power connections are on the left side of the cluster and equipment system monitoring wires are on the right side of the cluster.

Lesson learned: The Cluster lights, Climate control lights, head unit lights and the gear shift lights are all connected. If you damage/short the lighting wires any any of them, none of them will work!!

Thanks Again..

Now to the dealer to get the dumb SRS light (that I triggered) reset!

[c280nz]

Good to here u got the problem sorted!
You must of turned the key on during the job! was it like me when i did it > to listen to the radio haha bad luck 4 u 2!
go to the dealer late on a friday and see if theyl reset it for some beers, It worked for me :D

[ScottyP]

Originally posted by c280nz
Good to here u got the problem sorted!
You must of turned the key on during the job! was it like me when i did it > to listen to the radio haha bad luck 4 u 2!
go to the dealer late on a friday and see if theyl reset it for some beers, It worked for me :D

Think I will do that.. They really like beer at my stealership!!
The tried to charge me $5.96 each for the dash light bulbs = $143.40 + tax for 24 bulbs :suprise: . Found them online for alot less. Problem is that I must remove the steering wheel again to gain full access. (bulbs burned out in the middle section (Caution triangle & Odometer bulb). Im replacing all of them.

As for the SRS.......... Yeah Dumb me.....
I was switching around bulbs from the wiper fluid light and other unused dummy lights to put in my Odometer, clock and temperature. Sooooooo....... I kinda reattached the battery and kinda turned on the switch to see if the bulbs worked.... That was kinda Dumbbbbb. SRS is now set... Duhhhhhh.....
Lesson learned...

Another little surprize today.. One of the other bulbs that was burned out was the Check Engine light. I managed to swap it before my duh moment. Now, the light is working and on.. Bad O2 sensor. Now I need to find an O2 sensor at a good price online..

[c280nz]

are you sure you need to remove the steering wheel to remove the cluster :confused:
i didnt have to to get my cluster out

[ScottyP]

Originally posted by c280nz
are you sure you need to remove the steering wheel to remove the cluster :confused:
i didnt have to to get my cluster out

Yes the steering wheel must be removed.. The steering wheel is not adjustable or telescoping.. The rear top middle section extends to 2 inches from the cluster. Thus, I cant pull the cluster but 2 inches out. This allows me to reach the some bulbs on each end of the cluster but thats it. I cannot reach the connectors to remove them. Much easier to remove the steering wheel. Ive had alot of practice lately :rolleyes: and can remove it in about 15 min now.