[W126 Coupe] cluster/control troubles

[Dick Spellman]

Hi Jas:

When you say cluster light, control lights; are you referring to the 
entire instrument cluster and the switches around the climate control?  
I do not know that the 3rd brake light is related especially if the tail 
brake lights continue to work properly.  Probably just a bulb needing 
replacement

Can you check up in front of the fuse box out on the front firewall or 
on the front driver fender for a separate fuse holder?  That would be 
the MB 'fix' for the blower motor fan on all early 126 MB's.  If it's 
present then , simply check all the fuses to see they are seated, give 
each a little side to side wiggle.  If they are aluminum tipped fuses, 
replace all of them as it's likely the cause of the fault and more will 
act up as time goes on.

If no blower fuse holder is present on the fender, then open the fuse 
box and look at the forward row of fuses for a red or blue fuse that 
looks like it's toasted or sitting lower in the holder than all the 
others.  If you find this fuse condition, it's likely you have had a 
small electrical mishap that originated in the fuse box and heated up 
one or more chassis grounds on the main ground post behind the 
instrument cluster.  This will require removal of the instrument cluster 
to examine the ground wire jackets to see if any look burnt or shriveled 
from excessive heat due to a short in the fuse box.

Lastly, could all just be a coincidence.  Could just be your one bulb on 
the fiber hub (shaped like a star) up behind the climate control has 
blown.  This works all of the lights on the switches and shift gate on 
the 83.  And then there are several more of these bulbs planted in the 
gauge clusters on the instrument cluster.  The bulbs of correct voltage 
and wattage are available at a local autoparts store.

In any event, you need to do the investigation and report back.

Dick

stefansj at canisius.edu wrote:

> hey everyone,

> just the other day the my cluster light, control lights went out. I also noticed 

> that my third brake light went out. At first I figured that it was a fuse 

> considering that they are all connected. The fuse was fine but I changed it 

> anyway. Still nothing, this is in a 380SEC. If anyone has any ideas please help me 

> out. thanks   Jas

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