My 1998 E350 got a jump start and I smelled a burny smell inside the cab. It didn't start, so I replaced the totally dead battery with a new one. ( was down to 5 volts and done). New one started it right up, but then noticed the gauges on the instrument panel were not working- Im thinking it probably happened during the jump but didnt notice until got the new battery in, started and was driving. Indicator lights work fine, but not speedometer, gas, oil or temp gauges, basically anything with a needle. I checked fuse #2 and it seemed fine, so not sure what other tricks there are. I do not smell the burning smelling there anymore when I start it, thats what made me think it was a fuse. I figure if I take it to the dealer, they'll want to sell me a whole instrument cluster. Anybody have ideas, tests, or solutions I can do on my own? This gal thanks you for your help!

 

Did you check the fuses on both places, Power distribution panel in the engine compartment & fuse panel inside the vehicle>

 

Thanks Hanky, I did not check the fuse inside the engine compartment. The smell was only inside the cab, so i figured if it was a fuse it'd be inside. But, I guess I'll do that. I couldn't reach fuse 4 inside,

 

What fuses under the hood will I need to check.

 

Reviving an old thread, but what ended up solving this problem? I've been experiencing the same issue.

 

Was your vehicle in need of a jump start also?

 

It did need a jump start, I've went through 3 clusters as of recently, while doing the diagnosing with the key on the battery has died. No significant parasitic loss about .020 amps with the key off.

 

This hurts because both vehicles very possibly have blown fuses. Best to check them all. May only be one fuse .