Hey all,
I am new here, I have a 93 240 coupe and I am having problems with my gauge cluster lights not working! I know there are other threads on this issue b/c I have read a bunch of them. My question is where do I buy these parts like the dimmer switch or the switch that controls headlights and down (and relays)

I removed the Time Control Unit and looked it over couldn't really tell if it was fried or not?!?! I am submitting a picture, hopefully someone can direct me where to look!( plus out of all the threads I have read related to this issue I didn't see any pics of this piece)




I checked all fuses and they are fine. The only thing I haven't done is replace the dimmer switch ( I hear you can trouble shoot it or jumper around it but I don't really know how to do either) and 2nd remove the cluster to replace bulbs! I do need to take the cluster out soon to work on the HUD display unless the 2 issues are linked! Ugggg these electrical problem are soooooo time consuming and tedious! I spent all of yesterday afternoon farting around with this!

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
cotton

 

are your other interior lights (radio, heater control) working? if so, the dimmer switch isnt your problem

 

Well I currently have no radio! Should be installing one next week sometime. My A/C and Heater panel lights up when I switch lights on at night! Also Battery and other small led's come on when starting the car. But Gauge cluster does not light
when lights come on at night. Actually been using my cell to look at my tach since my speedometer is broke (yeah I'm in rough shape) I think 3k rpm in 5th gear is around 70 mph lol
So what is my next step taking out gauge cluster and replacing light bulbs and or checking voltage to cluster?

Thanks
cotton

 

It isnt that hard to get the gauge cluster out, maybe a 20 minute job to get it out the first time. Having no radio may have something to do with it, but iirc if that ground isnt good then the HVAC will not light up either (i might be wrong, its been a long time since i had that problem.) When you take the cluster out, you can run 12v directly to it from the battery to see if it works.

 

i think taking out the cluster and taking a look at the bulbs should've been one of your very first steps.

 

Anyone have any idea where I can buy replacement bulbs (part numbers etc.....) for the gauge cluster lighting.

I have the capacitor to repair the HUD (hopefully) on its way so plan on making a day of it, replacing capacitor in HUD display and trouble shooting this lighting issue replacing bulbs/checking voltage at cluster, yaaaayyyy can't wait

cotton

 

the cluster bulbs are just 194 bulbs

 

You can get Polargs on ebay for cheaper than you can from Import Intelligience. Good quality bulb.

 

Sooo....
Yesterday, I took the cluster out and and spent all afternoon working on the cluster lights/Speedometer. I checked every bulb twice, all fine! I did find one of the small circuits on the back of the cluster (on that blue plastic) burned in half, so I soldered in a small jumper, looks great and now my clock works (it never has) but still no dash lights : (
I thoroughly visually inspected the circuits on the back of the cluster looking for anything that may be a problem! ( checked all the fuse's and all were fine)

While I had it apart I worked on the speedometer. I tried this write up
http://forums.n i c o c l u b.com/zerothread?id=158878;postid=1629768#1629768

and no go. I bought extra capacitors and tried numerous times to make it work?!?!?! and nothing! Oh and soldering that capacitor in. Wow good luck, I eventually got it but it is tricky! Word of advice don't try and do this by yourself! I could not have done it without a second set of hands!

So guess I am going to try and install a radio next week. (1) I am going crazy driving in dead silence (2) it may be tied in with the illumination circuit somehow and causing my lights not to work.

I was also wondering if anyone knows anyone that repairs the digital speedometers b/c I am stumped and would like to know how fast I am going, sometimes..... : )

Thanks for any help or ideas you have
cotton

 

so how hard is it to get the cluster out. I also have a nonworking hud speedometer and will be doing the same procedure in the next month. Did you take any pics?

please post some.
Good luck!

 

No I didn't take any pics but I will have it all apart again soon, and I will take some then!
Its not to bad in order to remove the plastic molding that covers the gauge cluster of you have to drop the steering column (probably the hardest part of the whole thing)
there 2 bolt and 2 nuts that hold it up (4 total) just loosen the 2 nuts closest to the firewall and then remove the 2 bolts closest to the steering wheel. Once those are out the column will drop (so it might help to have someone standing there to hold while you get out, just let the steering wheel rest on seat)with the steering wheel out of the way the cluster is easily accessible)
Let me know what you find, and if you get your lights to work! I am still fighting with mine I don't understand why it doesn't work?!!?!
later
cotton

 

number 1 check your fuse..

number 2 you don't have to drop all that to remove the plastic.. if it becomes hard for you, just remove the steering column cover

finial result the cluster could just be burned out.

ps

check your tail lights... if they come on... then its not a fuse issues. both the tail lights and cluster lights ( and the annoying chime if you have not already broken the bell off) run on the same Circuit. 10amp electronics fuse.

 

any luck with the fix >>???


I replaced my capacitor on my HUD yesterday and it works.

Yea it is hard, and needed a second set of hands to help but I got it. took me 2 hours just to solder it.

I ll be updating it in build thread.

let us know if you fixed it.