I just bought an original 75K mile "82 300TD Wagon. The only thing wrong with it is the dash lights do not work. The fuse is fine. Any idea what to look for? Thanks for any help!!

 

Hi,
One of the black ***** sticking out below the speedo is a dimmer for the dash lights. It also dims the heater lighting and the gearshift light if its an auto. Try twisting the **** backwards and forwards, and it might start to work. The dimmer unit behind the **** usually oxidises a bit, but can sometime break too.

 

Wow, i sure hope it is that easy. The lights on the auto gear shift do light up though. So it may be something else. I'll check it out, thanks!

 

That wasn't it. I thought that was just for the trip odometer. I would of felt real stupid if that was it. I'll have to dig deeper.

 

The dash is illuminated by 2 bulbs, that sits in the holders at the top of the back board.
You might access them by putting your hand under the dashboard and try to unscrew them, but not knowing what you are looking for, you'll fail.
Other way is to pull the whole cluster out. On this model it is much easier, than others. Push the cluster from the back couple of inches and using the 10 mm (?) wrench disconnect oil line to the gauge. Than you can pull it more and disconnect speedo cable and electrical plugs.
When you put it back, don't forget to connect the oil line back. Have seen few of those models on junk yard with interior filled up with oil.