I was recently midway into a 3 hour trip when I noticed that my LCD clock/shift indicator was not working. Shortly after that I noticed that my a/c was not cooling. I dont know if this was coincidence that both stopped about the same time or if these two issues are related. Since this the clock/shift indicator has come on occasionally only to go out again, or fade into existance then out. The a/c doent cool at all anymore. Anyone have any ideas what may be the problem? The car is a 2001 E320. Thanks...

 

checked fuses?

 

say goodbye to your instrument cluster.

 

Hi,
The pack has stopped working due to poor internal connection.
Well known and documented problem.
Change pack is the usual action to resolve but expensive and if you buy a pack off a wreck you run into all sorts of problems with coding.

You can get the existing pack repaired which is also very expensive but avoids the coding problem (you still use the same pack) but are left with a car with no pack for a week or so.

However if you are a competent DIY'er the actual fault is quite easy to repair but please don't ask for a step by step how to do it. If you don't feel competent and need to ask for such a guide this solution isn't for you.

Remove pack (special tool from eBay). Disassemble the pack. Make good the ribbon connection from the PCB to the readout display. Quality of connection is ****.

Its as simple as that!

Stuart

 

Is the "pack" the same as the instrument cluster?

 

Yes.
Stuart

 

I'll probably have to have somebody fix it... when you say expensive, do you think more than $500

 

Ring the dealer and ask. I think it may cost more than 500USD. I do not know what rates are charged where you live.
Stuart