| My
Mercedes dash lights do not illuminate anymore. What
could this be? |
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Your
Mercedes Benz is designed to have a long service life,
thus many individual parts can be replaced, instead
of complete components or assemblies. In case of the
dash lights, you can replace the rheostat, sometimes
called a dimmer switch.
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If
all of your dash lights do not illuminate,
a defective rheostat is probably the cause.
The rheostat is located behind the instrument
cluster.
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| The
rheostat is easy to change. You must first remove
the instrument cluster. Using the Mercedes hook
type tool, which is inserted between the cluster
and the dashboard in the 2 and 11 o'clock position,
you can easily remove the cluster. Gently pull
the cluster towards you a little at a time on
each side. |
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| If
you do not have the special "hook"
tool, then you can push it out from the back
with your hand. It will be slightly harder this
way, but it can be done. |
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| After
you free the cluster from the dash unplug all
the connectors necessary to remove the cluster.
The rheostat plugs in back of the instrument
cluster, right behind where the dimmer knob
is on the front side of the cluster, and is
secured by a screw. Remove the screw and carefully
pull the rheostat from the panel. Replace with
new "stat" and reattach screw. Reinstall
instrument cluster and test. Presto, it's fixed
and you can see your instruments at night again.
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| Tech
Tip: |
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| When
you have the instrument cluster out take the
time to replace all of the illumination bulbs.
Not only will your dash lights be brighter it
will only save you time down the road when a
bulb burns out. |
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