Mercedes-Benz W140 instrument cluster flickers and needles jump
400 SE
Why does the W140 instrument cluster flicker and the needles jump?
The cause is usually an electrical fault: a ground fault, or a break in the cluster circuit board or connection that interrupts the power supply. The symptom often shows when the turn signal, wipers or combination switch are in use.
Is instrument cluster misbehaviour a known fault on the W140?
Yes. The fault typically occurs in cars from 1991–1995. Replacing the ground or the wiring harness does not necessarily help, because the fault can be in the cluster itself.
How is the fault fixed?
Check the grounds first. If the symptom continues, the instrument cluster is replaced. After replacement the warning lights stopped flickering, so the fault is most often inside the cluster. When the cluster is replaced, the odometer reading must be transferred or the change recorded, so have it done by a workshop.
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