Hi guys , I own a E200 , year 2001 with really low milage and in excellent condition all round. Recently the Digital Clock and soon after the Digital Thermometer are not working in the sense that some of their respective segaments are not lighting up , which renders them usless really. Is this a common problem with the E200 around this year ? Is there a possible fix ? - without having to get the entire Dashboard taken out . This type of problem is only a small one but its annoying at the same time . Any advice / help much appreciated . TIA , Dave.

 

Common problem.
Solution = New pack however if you are technically minded it is possible to disassemble and reassemble pack to make mods to improve an internal electrical connection which is the likely source of the problem.

Stuart

 

Thanks very much for the reply Stuart . Silly question from me but can someone tell me what exactly is a " Pack " ? and is it difficult to remove/ replace . If I get my Merc garage to do it I dont want them charging me an arm and a leg sort of speak . TIA . Dave

 

Hi Dave,
Pack = Cluster = Assembly.
Need "special" tool to remove. Available eBay 4 USD or so. Its like a key.
Takes 10 seconds to remove the assembly.

Problem is the cost of a new assembly which needs to be coded (setup) by the dealer.

Stuart.

 

Hello Dave,

I have a 2001 E320 with 80k mile on it. The same problem with my clock, outside temperature Digital Thermometer showing wrong teprature. I was wondering if you have fixed yours? If you did please let me know.

Also, I talked to a guy who works at Mercedes dealer. He said I have to repalce the cluster and you can only get it from the dealer. They have to reprgram the cluster with the data from the old one. i have no idea if he gave me the correct answer.

Thanks, HBZ

 

Hi, According to that some of the E class (WDB211XXX.....) had lot of software problem/s and all you need is to bring your car Mercedez specialise. Then they will FLASH your instrument cluster/IC or DASH. If it does not work then repair it and no need to replace then transfer memories to new unit.

ps: Does any one SCAN your car for DTC?

Goodluck

 

Thanks KKar.. What is DTC? I had my instument cluster flashed one time (two years ago) and some the problems like gasline indicator,shift idicator were fixed. The problem withdigitail therm. and clock started recently. Would you please let us know what is DTC.

Thanks, HBZ

 

The clock display problem is due to a bad internal connection.
A competent DIY'er can repair this at zero cost and avoid the hastle and expense associated with changing the instrument cluster.

Flashing the Instrument Cluster software corrects accuracy issues e.g. fuel Gauuge BUT NOT the clock/trip computer.

Unlikely to be showinga DTC DiagnosticTrouble Code for this problem

Stuart

 

Thanks Stuart,

I am a sort of hadyman. I changed the two rear window regulators, the break light switch, the front breaks. Do I have to be more of DIY type guy to fix this problem? If not would you pleasehelp me to fix it and also the climate temperature indicator is messed up. Are they the result of the same problem (bad connection) or not? Any help would be appreciated.

Can I get the cluster out for fixing the problem?

Thanks, HBZ

 

Not sure if Climate display is the same problem but quite feasible.

Need special tool (key) to get the instrument cluster out. A few dollars off eBay.

No "special" knowledge required but CARE and common sense and a good clean well lit working environment. (Kitchen table?)

Numerous plastic catches...you will need several strips of thin metal to lift the casing catches simutaneously to prevent damage (could use table knife but not sharp)
Ensure you don't break anything and locate the ribbon wiring connector to the display. Need to disconnect, reconnect, increase pin pressureetc to get a better connection.
Some early instruments have electronics underthe first (back) cover that you have to take off and this needs extra careful disconnection of the wires to the main PCB with extremely limited access. BE PATIENT.
Later clusters some how managed to eliminate this third level of PCB.

You are of course not supposed to take units like this apart but to the best of my knowledge there is nothing potentially hazardous within. Your decision to take apart.

I did my initial investigation on a spare pack...I do have pictures of the circuit boards but not "how to do the job". Didn't think anybody would be interested.

Of course you may be unlucky and it is the display itself that has gone BUT it is USUALLY the connector. (Confirmed by the factthat some segments work.

If you do mess up then you are not really any worse off because the official repair is REPLACE, BUT ....the replacement (new cluster) coding requires MB equipment and a pocket full of CASH..

Stuart