I sort of bought a car that sort of runs. A 1998 SLK230 looks like a good deal at night.

In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :

Sorry I missed this. I've been off for months. Can I safely assume that you have passed the point that I can be of assistance?

Kicking around, updating 'projects' and contemplating the 2020 challenge.

Update.

Both Mercedes' are gone.

Same old story, 5 1/2 projects are 6 too many....

There, that was easy...

In reply to a_florida_man :

Florida man. May I ask you a question about the k40 on an slk?

I just bought a 98 slk with 90k on it for $500. It was parked and got rats in it. Now it  Starts and runs but all the warning lights are on, only the gas gauge works. The  tachometer, speedometer and temp gauge do not work, nor will the top go down. 

I get a reading from the obd2 port for all the values. 

What I've tried

New battery

Checked all the fuses 

Different instrument cluster

Working k40 from another slk

Prayer

Any ideas where to go from here? If the signal is getting to the obs2 does that rule out the k40?

Thanks for any input

In reply to gr8hypothesis :

Get a good OEM service manual, or at least the wiring diagram, and this:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/i-sort-of-bought-a-car-that-sort-of-runs-a-1998-sl/145344/page4/

It is the only way to REALLY work on a modern MB. OBDII scanners just barely scratch the surface.