I have a 1999 C280. When I turn the headlights on, the interior illumination lights (for the instrument panel, side and dash buttons, AC, Radio, License plate) do not turn on.

The car does not have the main fuse box cover, but I have pulled every fuse and they are all fine.

The instrument cluster works, speedo, tach, temp and the outside temp and clock are fine and are bright.

If you let the car sit for 30 seconds, the clock and exterior temp guages turn off like they are supposed to. If I push the "+" or "-" or "0" button on the left side of the instrument cluster, it will "wake" the clock and outside temp back on. Also, when you start the car, I can hold the "0" button to check for miles till service or zero out odometer.

So wouldn't that rule out a faulty dimmer button?

I assume its not a bulb, as all of these lights are not turning on.

the interior lights (dome, rear) work just fine.

Any suggestions?

David

 

Hi Dave, Have you checked the fuse,s that are in the light switch itself. Should be a small cover on the end of the dash.

 

I can not find a small fuse cover in the dash or interior of the car.

Also, I do not have the main fuse box cover that shows what each fuse designation is.

I went ahead and took at 30amp spare fuse and plugged it into "open" fuse locations.

The fuse for the illumination was missing.. So that is fixed.

The one for the fog lights sas missing...so that is fixed.


Now, the only remaining issues:
1. The trip odometer and main odometer do not illuminate
2. Glove box not lighting up. I assume it is a bulb, so I'll look into that. Just can't figure out how to remove cover to replace glove compartment light.

Thanks,
David