the illumination failed yesterday in my 2001 S500 with 138K miles. It flickered for a bit,, and then went out. about two hours later the guages and dials also stopped functioning, including the digital display screen, oh and no blinker function either. Command seems to be working fine. any ideas where to start with this? I know I received an extended warrantee coverage on the dash a while back, but I can't believe that it would help with this high mileage.

Any information sharing would be much appreciated!! thanks for your help.

 

So good news, the dashboard is covered for 10 years unlimited miles. Thank goodness since this is a $2500.00 job! I am taking the car to the dealer today and they said it should take about a week to repair, since they have to order the part, etc. What an unexpected surprise.

Update 07-30-2010:
so, got the car back and everything is great and covered by warantee. Aside from $230.00 for a schedule A oil change, all is well. Advice, if your car is getting on 10 years from the delivery date then get this part looked at and get it replaced. if it goes out after 10 years, then you are out 2500.00. the Warrantee is 10 yrs, unlimited miles. I have 140K on mine. By the way, this part runs the illumination, parktronic, blinkers, odomomerter,dash computer display, and your dials no longer work. they freeze in place where they went out.

Good luck