Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: 83 300SD Instrument Cluster (Phase 1)

Careful on disconnecting the oil pressure gauge unless you like motor
oil squirting on your shoes. While you're driving. Ask me how I know.

Ben near Detroit.

On 11/15/2011 4:43 PM, CaitlinDean wrote:
>
> I confirmed that indeed the gauge is stuck as high as it goes when the
> cluster is merely plugged in (no key in ignition, car obvi not
> running, etc) at all times.
>
> I'm not totally sure what to look for other than brown wires that have
> "loose connections" and tighten them...and maybe bare wires too...
>
> My electrical gremlin count is growing and I still haven't even
> found/fixed one...(ok, that's cuz I'm sort of avoiding them)
>
> Good to know I can shoot for 130MPH ;) despite what the speedo
> says...but the one that goes higher was orig to the car and at least i
> have a spare for if/when I send out mine for repair.
>
> Gonna go check the voltage regulator (as suggested) and also see if I
> can't rejuvenate my hazard switch in hopes of restoring signals (they
> light, inside and out, but don't blink). While after the hazard, I
> hope to check and dig around in the wiring behind the console in hopes
> of finding gremmies.
>
> Caitlin
> Santa Fe
>
> --- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:diesel_mercedes%40yahoogroups.com>, "Nate" <vwnate1@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > OBTW :
> >
> > The speedo stops @ 85 MPH but the _car_ will top 130 MPH once it's
> running well .
> >
> > -Nate
> > Caitlin wrote:
> > >
> > > When I got Betty, I knew the odometer wasn't working. When I drove
> her home after picking her up, it was dark and torrential rain (not
> common in these dry parts) and so I discovered that the left half of
> the cluster was too dark to see and the left turn signal light was out.
> > >
> > > I've since noticed that the oil pressure gauge always reads the
> highest and never moves. The clock doesn't work (ok, who cares) and
> the tach jiggles. And the kicker is that the speedo only goes up to
> 85MPH (as in, that's the highest mark that's on the gauge face). All
> other warning lights seem to be just fine.
> > >
> > > Luckily the PO included what was theoretically the original
> cluster and today I dug into some troubleshooting and minor fixes
> after I performed my very first oil change. Ever. (Messy, but it feels
> good)
> > >
> > > Between the 2 clusters and some new bulbs I was able to
> > >
> > > * fix the missing lighting on the left side of the cluster
> > > * fix the left turn signal light
> > > * install the original speedo (also broken)
> > > * used the "better" potentiometer until I can spring for a new one
> > >
> > > So the lights and bulbs are all working and I can see it at
> night...yay!
> > >
> > > Here's what's left...
> > >
> > > * speedometer definitely broken beyond my skills...the gears are
> broken (missing teeth etc)
> > > * tach jiggle...gonna check the amp since it jiggled with both
> clusters
> > > * oil pressure...also busted with both clusters, when plugged in
> both read 3 (highest)
> > > * new potentiometer
> > >
> > > QUESTIONS:
> > >
> > > 1) Oil Pressure ... is my problem likely the oil pressure sensor?
> Is this the same as the Oil Pressure "switch"? Any other
> troubleshooting to do to really find the problem?
> > >
> > > 2) The speedo I took out, that only has markings for up to about
> 85MPH (140km) has a part number: 126 542 44 01 ... what car does this
> go to? I tried searching, no luck.
> > >
> > > 3) For speedometer fixing...who do you recommend? I requested a
> quote from speedometer.com
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > Caitlin
> > > Santa Fe
> > >
> >
>
>