Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
While climbing out at about 29;000 FT MSL we began experiencing multiple instrument errors. The Mode Control Panel completely froze and we were unable to set altitude; airspeed; heading; or course. We also had an MEL of the fuel totalizer on the FMC. Since [our destination] was experiencing strong winds and moderate turbulence; we decided to return to [departure airport]. Enroute back; we encountered thunderstorms and had to receive help from ATC in navigating. We elected to land immediately which required an overweight landing. The Captain refused to declare an emergency. I disagreed with this decision.
B737-300 First Officer reported loss of MCP in climb; leading to a decision to return to departure airport; where they made a safe overweight landing.