Instrument Cluster not lighting up - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

You have no idea what your messing with . Theft light on , DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes stored . Before you start replacing BCM an making matters worse ,do yourself a favor an take it to a qualified repair shop .
The powertrain control module (PCM) communicates with the instrument cluster using serial data over the UART serial data bus, CKT 800. When the instrument cluster determines a Pass Theft condition, the instrument cluster sends a coded password to the PCM. When the instrument cluster receives the correct password, the PCM enables the fuel injection system in order to allow the vehicle to operate normally. The PCM may allow the vehicle to start and stall quickly during a failed theft condition.

The Passlock™ lock cylinder is a locking cylinder that turns a rotating magnet past a stationary hall effect sensor. The rotating magnet creates a resistance code (R-Code) that the cylinder sends to the instrument cluster. The Passlock™ lock cylinder interfaces with the instrument cluster through a 3 wire connection. The 3 wires have the following functions:
• Power
• Ground
• Data
The THEFT SYSTEM indicator will not light under any circumstances.
Replace the instrument cluster.
For Chevrolet vehicles, refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
For Pontiac vehicles, refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
Multiple indicators light continuously.
Test for a loss of serial data. Refer to Data Link Communications System Check .
Instrument cluster DTC B1021 sets.
The DTC indicates a loss of powertrain control module (PCM) serial data. Refer to Data Link Communications System Check .
Instrument cluster DTC B1022 sets.
The DTC indicates a loss of SIR serial data. Refer to Data Link Communications System Check .
Instrument cluster DTC B1023 sets.
The DTC indicates a loss of ABS serial data. Refer to Data Link Communications System Check .
Instrument cluster DTC B1011 sets.
Refer to DTC B1011 Passlock Cyl Data Shorted This Ign Cycle in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Instrument cluster DTC B1012 sets.
Refer to DTC B1012 Passlock Bad R-code This Ignition Cycle in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Instrument cluster DTC B1013 sets.
Refer to DTC B1013 Passlock Bad Timing This Ignition Cycle in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Instrument cluster DTC B1014 sets.
Refer to DTC B1014 Passlock R-code Unprogrammed in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Instrument cluster DTC B1015 sets.
Refer to DTC B1015 Passlock Cluster Fail Enabled in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Instrument cluster DTC B1017 sets.
Refer to DTC B1017 Passlock R-code Learn Failed in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
The indicator flashes and no instrument cluster codes are set.
Refer to DTC B1013 Passlock Bad Timing This Ignition Cycle in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
So , do yourself a favor an have a qualified repair shop check it out .

No other messages in the driver info center ?
This section provides an overview of the instrument cluster operation as well as a detailed diagnosis. The instrument cluster serves as the primary interface for the vehicle's driver.
The instrument cluster contains a microprocessor as part of the instrument panel assembly. The instrument cluster performs the following functions:
• Recognizes operational malfunctions
• Alerts the driver through indicators
• Stores DTCs which identify malfunction areas
In order to perform all of these functions, the instrument cluster microprocessor has its own inputs, outputs and program software. The instrument cluster has the capability to diagnose malfunctions in the following components:
• The sensors
• The input switches
• The components
• The systems the instrument cluster communicates with or controls
When the instrument cluster or another microprocessor-controlled module detects a malfunction, the instrument cluster may turn on an instrument cluster indicator in order to alert the driver that a malfunction has occurred. Some indicator lamps have dual controls. Your best bet is have it checked for DTC'S diagnostic trouble codes !

What lights are not working ? The instrument cluster illumination is inoperative or all the lights ,radio , heater control head, all the switches that would be back lighted.

The climate control panel illumination is inoperative , The passenger door lock control switch illumination is inoperative. Could need new dimmer switch , new instrument cluster. When installing a new instrument cluster, it is necessary to upload the module configuration to the scan tool. Following installation of the new instrument cluster, download the module configuration from the scan tool into the new instrument cluster. Refer to Section 418-01 .

This solution will be of great help to you,even in the case of future or other dashboard problems;
Instrument cluster consists of electronic analog gauges, various warning lights, and optional tachometer. Vehicles equipped with tachometer have an electronic vacuum fluorescent transmission range indicator (PRND3L),odometer and trip odometer display. Vehicles without tachometer are equipped with a cable-operated transmission range indicator.
Instrument cluster is equipped with the following warning lights:
Battery voltage.
Cruise (speed control).
Door ajar.
Fasten seat belt.
Lift gate ajar.
Low fuel level.
Low windshield and washer level.
Traction Control.
The Body Control Module (BCM), which receives input from various sensors, sends display information to instrument cluster and operates gauges. Instrument cluster incorporates a self-test diagnostic feature to identify electronic problems. BCM, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and Transmission Control Module (TCM) are continuously monitored by the diagnostic system.

SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
With ignition off, press and hold TRIP and RESET buttons while turning ignition switch to ON position. Continue to hold TRIP and RESET buttons until odometer window displays CODE (approximately 5 seconds). If problem exists, system will display diagnostic trouble codes. See DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART table. If no problem exists, Code 999 (end test) will be displayed.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART
CodeDescription
110.......Cluster Memory Fault
111.......Cluster Calibration Fault
905.......No CCD Bus Message From TCM
921.......Odometer Fault From BCM
940.......No CCD Bus Message From PCM

After diagnostic code display ends, instrument cluster will go into each of the following tests in order:
Dim test.
Calibration test.
Odometer segment test.
Electronic Transmission Range indicator segment test.
Dim Test
CHEC-0 will be displayed in odometer window. Instrument cluster will dim Vacuum Florescent (VF) display. If VF displays do not dim, a problem in instrument cluster exists. See BODY CONTROL COMPUTER TESTS in BODY CONTROL COMPUTER article.
Calibration Test
CHEC-1 will be displayed in odometer window. Each of instrument cluster gauges will move sequentially through each calibration point. See GAUGE CALIBRATIONS table. If gauge needle is not calibrated properly, a problem in instrument cluster exists.

Odometer Segment Test
CHEC-2 will be displayed in odometer window. Each segment of odometer will light sequentially. If any segment does not light, replace instrument cluster.
Electronic Transmission Range Indicator Segment Test
CHEC-3 will be displayed in odometer window. Each segment of electronic transmission range indicator will light sequentially. If any segment does not light, replace instrument cluster.

Which light is out? Is it an instrument cluster light, or one on the temperature or A/C cluster? It it's an instrument cluster light, here is the process: (I'm assuming the 99 is similar to the 98) Remove the bottom dash panel under the steering wheel, remove the instrument cluster cover around the steering column. This will reveal the screws that hold your instrument cluster cover in place. Remove this cover and you can then see and remove the 4 screws holding your instrument cluster in place. Pull your instrument cluster out, remove the main wire connector, then you have access to all the instrument cluster lights on the back side. Hopefully you remember which one is out!

Try to remove the instrument panel and disconnect the harness to see if doing that gets rid of the blown fuse when starting the car. If it does, then the instrument panel should be replaced with another. If the fuse still blows when starting, then there is a wire shorted to ground somewhere.
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Instruments and Switches Instrument Cluster Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate.
2. Remove the instrument cluster mounting screws.
3. Rotate the instrument cluster rearward and lift up on the top of the cluster in order to disengage the locating pins.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument cluster.
5. Remove the instrument cluster.

To Install:

1. Connect the electrical connectors to the instrument cluster.
2. Position the locating pins to the holes in the instrument panel.
3. Install the instrument cluster by rotating the top inward.
4. Install the mounting screws.
5. Install the trim plate.

Hi,

This solution will be of great help to you,even in the case of future or other dashboard problems;
Instrument cluster consists of electronic analog gauges, various warning lights, and optional tachometer. Vehicles equipped with tachometer have an electronic vacuum fluorescent transmission range indicator (PRND3L),odometer and trip odometer display. Vehicles without tachometer are equipped with a cable-operated transmission range indicator.
Instrument cluster is equipped with the following warning lights:
Battery voltage.
Cruise (speed control).
Door ajar.
Fasten seat belt.
Lift gate ajar.
Low fuel level.
Low windshield and washer level.
Traction Control.
The Body Control Module (BCM), which receives input from various sensors, sends display information to instrument cluster and operates gauges. Instrument cluster incorporates a self-test diagnostic feature to identify electronic problems. BCM, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and Transmission Control Module (TCM) are continuously monitored by the diagnostic system.

SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
With ignition off, press and hold TRIP and RESET buttons while turning ignition switch to ON position. Continue to hold TRIP and RESET buttons until odometer window displays CODE (approximately 5 seconds). If problem exists, system will display diagnostic trouble codes. See DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART table. If no problem exists, Code 999 (end test) will be displayed.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART
CodeDescription
110.......Cluster Memory Fault
111.......Cluster Calibration Fault
905.......No CCD Bus Message From TCM
921.......Odometer Fault From BCM
940.......No CCD Bus Message From PCM

After diagnostic code display ends, instrument cluster will go into each of the following tests in order:
Dim test.
Calibration test.
Odometer segment test.
Electronic Transmission Range indicator segment test.
Dim Test
CHEC-0 will be displayed in odometer window. Instrument cluster will dim Vacuum Florescent (VF) display. If VF displays do not dim, a problem in instrument cluster exists. See BODY CONTROL COMPUTER TESTS in BODY CONTROL COMPUTER article.
Calibration Test
CHEC-1 will be displayed in odometer window. Each of instrument cluster gauges will move sequentially through each calibration point. See GAUGE CALIBRATIONS table. If gauge needle is not calibrated properly, a problem in instrument cluster exists.

Odometer Segment Test
CHEC-2 will be displayed in odometer window. Each segment of odometer will light sequentially. If any segment does not light, replace instrument cluster.
Electronic Transmission Range Indicator Segment Test
CHEC-3 will be displayed in odometer window. Each segment of electronic transmission range indicator will light sequentially. If any segment does not light, replace instrument cluster.

Remove the 5 mounting screws from the instrument cluster trim plate and remove the trim plate. Remove the 4 mounting screws from the instrument panel face plate and remove the face plate.Remove the instrument light grid from the center of the cluster. From behind the instrument cluster reach behind the speedometer and disconnect the speedometer cable by releasing the tab. Pull the cluster forward just enough to detach the "check engine" light bulb from the center of the cluster. Remove the instrument cluster from the dashboard.

Here you go. Under hood fuse block
Ign. Fuse E
and
ipc/dic
both fuses are 10 amp
I hope this helps. Take care.

Probably too late but I had the same problem yesterday. Try changing your battery. It sounds crazy but it worked for me.