[Benzo DJ]

Pixels went out on my dash, so I sent it to BBA to be refurbished. Received the dash back today and reinstalled. Dash is now very erratic, Defective Display light on with Brake and ABS light flickering. The Check Engine Light is also on and there are 3 malfunctions. Anyone experienced this problem?

 

[2001SilverSLK320]

Pixels went out on my dash, so I sent it to BBA to be refurbished. Received the dash back today and reinstalled. Dash is now very erratic, Defective Display light on with Brake and ABS light flickering. The Check Engine Light is also on and there are 3 malfunctions. Anyone experienced this problem?

When you reinstalled the cluster, did you by any chance break one of the gray locking clips?

 

[Benzo DJ]

No, I did not break the grey clips. I properly reinstalled the cluster. I tried clearing the codes with my ODBII reader, but had no sucess.

 

[2001SilverSLK320]

C

No, I did not break the grey clips. I properly reinstalled the cluster. I tried clearing the codes with my ODBII reader, but had no sucess.

I had a similar experience, however my issue stemmed from the cables not being pushed in all the way. I would recommend looking one more time to make sure they are fully seated as it can be deceiving. Also, did you follow the instructions from bba about the adaptation process?

 

[Benzo DJ]

BBA did not give me any adaptation instructions. Both wires are fully seated in the cluster. I will take the cluster out and reinstall again. I appreciate the help you are trying to give me.

 

[Musikmann]

My WAGs:

1) Cluster was damaged during shipping
2) Cluster was not repaired properly
3) You have not connected it as required

What adaptation is supposed to be performed?

 

[Benzo DJ]

Right now, I am assuming the cluster was not properly repaired. Prior to the repair, the only issue I had with the cluster was missing pixels.

 

[Musikmann]

I think that is a reasonable assumption. I remember that BBA has been mentioned on here but not whether they were given high marks on their performance. I had mine replaced and covered by my aftermarket warranty with a new unit at the dealer and it was smooth as silk. IIRC the cost from MB was $1200 for their rebuilt and $1500 for the new one. I hope your cost is, or will be, considerably less if you take that route.

 

[2001SilverSLK320]

BBA did not give me any adaptation instructions. Both wires are fully seated in the cluster. I will take the cluster out and reinstall again. I appreciate the help you are trying to give me.

One more question. After the cluster is installed, when you open your door (key out of the ignition), does the cluster illuminate at all? It should show the time and temperature. Also, check the fuse as well and make sure it is OK. Also, I assume your battery is OK?

It is possible the cluster was damaged somehow. If you call BBA, they will send you a return shipping label and they will "bench" test it. I'm sorry about your troubles as I know it can be quite frustrating.

If all else fails (I truly doubt it will come to this), you can buy a new cluster from Potomac German Auto for a very reasonable price. Also, you could get a quote from Duval Motors or parts.com.

Do let me know if any power comes to the cluster when you open the door (key out of the ignition). And again, sorry about the troubles. It will get resolved one way or another.

 

[2001SilverSLK320]

My WAGs:

What adaptation is supposed to be performed?

MM,

When I got my cluster back from BBA, there was a sheet on the very top showing an adaption process. I don't remember the exact procedure, but it had something to do with turning the key to position 2 and leaving it for a couple of minutes.

 

[Benzo DJ]

I really appreciate all the help from everyone. The problem was a bent male electrical connection on the back of the cluster. The gauges are now working on the cluster and there are no malfunctions; however now the instrument lights fuse is shorting out when I turn on the headlights. The lack of instrument cluster, radio, and symbol lights are now my new issue.

 

[Musikmann]

MM,

When I got my cluster back from BBA, there was a sheet on the very top showing an adaption process. I don't remember the exact procedure, but it had something to do with turning the key to position 2 and leaving it for a couple of minutes.

Thanks for explaining. If that was necessary in my case I guess the dealer did it before returning the car to me. I vaguely remember the line items on the no charge invoice but don't think that was listed. I'll dig it out and tell you if you like.

 

[Musikmann]

I really appreciate all the help from everyone. The problem was a bent male electrical connection on the back of the cluster. The gauges are now working on the cluster and there are no malfunctions; however now the instrument lights fuse is shorting out when I turn on the headlights. The lack of instrument cluster, radio, and symbol lights are now my new issue.

I'd call BBA and describe your symptoms. Might be an easy tweak but if not (and as previously mentioned) send it back for the bench test.

 

[Benzo DJ]

I will likely, as you suggested, send it back for a bench test.

 

[iluvjesus]

When you reinstall it, you should have the key out and door closed, make sure it is in the sleep mode before you plug the 2 connectors behind the cluster. Don't remember any adaption procedure too.