INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

[john.m.gemmell]

I have few pixel issues on both the temp display and the gear display in the dash. CLK 230, W208, 2001 Convertable I've been told that I have to replace the whole instument Cluster (MERCEDES part no.: A 208 540 56 11)= $1700 Aud. I found a guy on the net in europe that reckons this display issue is due to the ribbon cable, he tells me that a simplly replacing the ribdons will fix my pixel problems. And that after the cable replacement there is noting to do, no need to reprogram or recode anything. http://pixelfix.net/eng/ Has any one done this????? John Update found a company that will do the whole refit with new LCD's and new ribbons for $185 - http://www.speedlineinstruments.com.........I'm happy.

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[BSconz]

I just bought the new ribbon cables from this guy after seeing your post. I also pulled up the instructions on WIS and will do this when they come in. WIS says you need special tool 140 589 02 33 00 to remove the instrument cluster but I can make the tool and will let you know how this all goes!

[cindyclk]

These guys do great work all over the world.....none in Perth but maybe you can ship it...5-7 days turnaround. I used them for missing pixels 2 years ago and the cluster has been fine since.
http://www.bba-reman.com/US/index.aspx

[Pancho]

Used same vendor in 2008. Cluster has worked well.

Here are my notes:

May 10, 2008 Won ebay item number: 230250621016 on May 10, $225 + $20 shipping, total $245, shipped instrument cluster to BBA Remanufacturing Inc., 300 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton, MA 02780, (866) 573-2740, us-sales@bba-reman.com, www.bba-reman.com Mon-Fri 9 am - 5:30 pm ET

Here's a link to my first fix. Lasted about 2 months, then started losing pixels.

http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...ight-6x100.jpg

[lowphat]

Here's another idea:

Click Here

I can't give proper credit for it because I've forgotten where I pulled it from. I also can't confirm how hard/easy it is, or how long it lasts, but it does eeem to be a logical and inexpensive solution to this common problem.

Good luck!

[Pancho]

Wow, that is really interesting.
Very good.

[SimplyBenz]

Hi Guys, need some help with Instrument Cluster.

I had a few fused lamps in my cluster, which i changed. everything went perfect until i started the car.
Malfunction: Display Defective Visit Workshop!

step by step:
1. No key in ignition.
2. pulled out the IC.
3. disconnected the wire harness.
4. replaced the fused bulbs with new ones.
5. connected the wire harness.
6. placed the IC back in.
7. ignition on, started the car... PIIIIP,PIIIIP
8. MALFUNCTIONS Display Defective Visit Workshop, ESP,ABS!!!!
9. Nothing on my IC is working (clock started from 12:00 dosent show the gear, middle display shows the Malfunction msg ONLY, Temperature is stuck on -38, all the needles point down)


have tried:
*disconnecting the battery for 10min (no luck)
*did a ECU hard reset (no luck)
*went to a workshop to remove Malfunctions by an OBD thing. his computer said "Unidentified Electrical Error" (no luck)

he recommended to take it to someone who repairs IC's or to Mercedes (and both are pretty expensive here in Sweden)

any ideas how i can fix the problem?

Car spec:
CLK 230 kompressor (German Import)
manufacturing year 1999
model year 2000 (mid-facelift model)

[Pancho]

What I would do:

1. Reinstall it. Sounds like a cable or connector is loose.
and/or
2. Reinstall it with the old bad bulbs. Might have an issue with the new bulbs.

Note. What do you mean by "fused"?. When a lamp burns out, the filament is the opposite of fused-it is broken, or interrupted, but not fused. I don't know what you mean.

[SimplyBenz]

thanks for the reply, it was one of the connector cables that was loose, Fixed it

Originally Posted by Pancho

What I would do:

1. Reinstall it. Sounds like a cable or connector is loose.
and/or
2. Reinstall it with the old bad bulbs. Might have an issue with the new bulbs.

Note. What do you mean by "fused"?. When a lamp burns out, the filament is the opposite of fused-it is broken, or interrupted, but not fused. I don't know what you mean.

[jbenz2001]

Can somebody tell me what's the total cost of the cable.don't understand euro amount.

[MarcusF]

Originally Posted by jbenz2001

Can somebody tell me what's the total cost of the cable.don't understand euro amount.

If you mean from pixelfix.net, it's about $47 with shipping and they are a very fast shipper.

[jbenz2001]

Nice,that's not to bad.thanks marcusf.im try that diy trick first before sending it out that lowphat provided to us.

[batozz]

Regarding replacement of a 1999 CLK 430 (w208) instrument cluster, is it normal for various warning lights to go on right after replacing the cluster? I had no warning lights on the old cluster and changed it as my LCD ribbon was messed up. Once I installed the new cluster a few of the warning lights like BAS and ECU went on. The car is running FINE and I notice no performance changes since the lights went on.

My question is does the car have to be hooked up to a Mercedes computer to reset the instrument console and possible random lights after the cluster is replaced? Is it normal for the lights to even go on right after changing the instrument cluster?

Thanks for the help and I am about to take it in to a Mercedes mechanic but would like to know if a simple reset is in order to prevent him talking me into new mass sensors etc. I may not need.

Thanks for any help!!

[john.m.gemmell]

yep it needs to hooked up to the computer to get a reset.

[batozz]

Originally Posted by john.m.gemmell

yep it needs to hooked up to the computer to get a reset.

Thank you for your prompt answer. I searched over an hour and could not come up with your answer to my question. Now I need to find a small shop that will reset it cheaply. Thanks again.

[sambam2006]

Hi Guys, need some help with Instrument Cluster.

I had a few fused lamps in my cluster, which i changed. everything went perfect until i started the car.
Malfunction: Display Defective Visit Workshop!

step by step:
1. No key in ignition.
2. pulled out the IC.
3. disconnected the wire harness.
4. replaced the fused bulbs with new ones.
5. connected the wire harness.
6. placed the IC back in.
7. ignition on, started the car... PIIIIP,PIIIIP
8. MALFUNCTIONS Display Defective Visit Workshop, ESP,ABS!!!!
9. Nothing on my IC is working (clock started from 12:00 dosent show the gear, middle display shows the Malfunction msg ONLY, Temperature is stuck on -38, all the needles point down)


have tried:
*disconnecting the battery for 10min (no luck)
*did a ECU hard reset (no luck)
*went to a workshop to remove Malfunctions by an OBD thing. his computer said "Unidentified Electrical Error" (no luck)

he recommended to take it to someone who repairs IC's or to Mercedes (and both are pretty expensive here in Sweden)

any ideas how i can fix the problem?

Car spec:
CLK 230 kompressor (German Import)
manufacturing year 1999
model year 2000 (mid-facelift model)

The instrument cluster doesn't like some of the after market bulbs, maybe try buying Mercedes ones of ebay or something. And check the cables too because sometimes the ribbons aren't making contact properly to the unit.

Take the unit apart again and put it back together, see if that helps.

[4thagnu]

Hello all....
I have noticed as of late my Instrument panel switches information by itself ?
1 min it shows my current speed, the next mileage, on two service info.
Any idea why it does this?
Also, I thinking of placing 20 inch Mercedes Rims on, any thoughts ? or concerns i should be aware of?
Thanks in Advance!

[skycable]

The EC light on my climate control system stays on. What is the appropriate fix with this?

[MarcusF]

Freon.

But this question really should be in a different / unique thread.

[GatorMB]

I purchased one here but yet to install it is coming soon

http://www.equipmentsfinder.com/merc...-shipping.html

$15

Gator
I tested the link and its chinese new year

[joniko76]

I just bought a CLK 200k 1999. I have a question about the instrument cluster check engine light. I don't know if the bulb is out, but I have no check engine light. When I put in the first possition only SRS on top left shows, in possition 2, I have BAS,ABS, Brake, the yellow triangle, oil, temp, water, etc, but I don't see any of the EML or Check engine light. The left side is fulll, the wright one has same empty and the bottom also. Dose anyone know where it should be, and if I have to remove the instrument cluster to fix this. Thanks

[Scott Simoncic]

You mean "refrigerant" which is the proper term these days right? Just giving you a hard time Marcus...

Originally Posted by MarcusF

Freon.

But this question really should be in a different / unique thread.