DIY: Instrument Gauge Cluster Removal; Screen Replacement
#51
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a member did something just like that and ended up with a millage problem. i have learned to just ignore the problem too much trouble to fix it.
#52
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02 cl203
i just pulled the needles straight up to remove, but be careful while doing so you don't want to screw up the alignment of the needle and have to get it re-calibrated
#53
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2003 c240
I got a question. I am about to swap out my lcd off a used cluster i bought but i am going to change the led's also. But i want to test it out on the used cluster i bought first, and my question is if i plug in the used cluster to test the lights and then re install my original cluster, will it give me any problems with the mileage? Will plugging in a different cluster reset something in my ECU causing problems when i want to re install my original?
#57
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03.5 c230
removal
I tried using wire hangers and can not get a grip on the latches; howfar do you go to get the latches to unlock? do you have to wiggle the tools left and right, one at a time or do you just pull towards you at the same time?
#58
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2002 C320 Wagon
Put them in so that the open ends of the hanger is facing to the left on the left side and right on the right side. Rotate the left one to the right and the right one to the left (toward the top of the cluster). You should be able to pull the cluster out by keeping the tension on both hangers. Sometimes it takes a few tries with wire hangers if they are not bent just right. The hanger fits into a slot and you should feel it catch when you rotate it.
#59
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03.5 c230
instrument cluster
thanks for the help! I tried it today and trim a little bit of the wire hanger and sure enough it work and I only took less than 10 min. to take off and do my mod and put it back.
#62
Try here:
http://www.minitools.it/display-lcd-mercedes-w203-w209
I think the last price I saw was 80 euros, plus 30 euros shipping to US. They also have a listing on eBay at 90 euros, plus shipping. Seller: MTEC-ELECTRONICS Title: Display LCD per quadri strumenti Mercedes W203/W209
http://www.minitools.it/display-lcd-mercedes-w203-w209
I think the last price I saw was 80 euros, plus 30 euros shipping to US. They also have a listing on eBay at 90 euros, plus shipping. Seller: MTEC-ELECTRONICS Title: Display LCD per quadri strumenti Mercedes W203/W209
Last edited by nilknarf; 02-17-2012 at 12:51 PM. Reason: add pricing
#63
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W203 c320 Sport Coupe
Valvxe:
I tried fiddled with the latches using “coat hanger” with an “L” at the tip, from ¼” to deeper than 2.5”, felt something springy inside, I pushed, turned but nothing happened. Please tell how is the latching mechanism works. Would the cluster pop out after unlatching or it has to be pulled out (hard)? Also please tell from what angle your picture of the latching device was taken (which side is the top of the cluster?)
Thanks
Eric
I tried fiddled with the latches using “coat hanger” with an “L” at the tip, from ¼” to deeper than 2.5”, felt something springy inside, I pushed, turned but nothing happened. Please tell how is the latching mechanism works. Would the cluster pop out after unlatching or it has to be pulled out (hard)? Also please tell from what angle your picture of the latching device was taken (which side is the top of the cluster?)
Thanks
Eric
#64
Out Of Control!!
Eric, it's not the ejector seat in the Batmobile, so it's not going to jump 50 feet in the air or anything.
It'll just pop outward a little when it's been released. If you're having trouble, you can do each side separately - gently pull that side of the cluster while you're trying to release the latch. You can then coax it out a little. If you're still having problems, then your problem is that your coat hangers are not catching, and also that you're too cheap to get the correct prongs from MB. At that point, it would be in your best interests to by them - it will be a hell of a lot easier.
It'll just pop outward a little when it's been released. If you're having trouble, you can do each side separately - gently pull that side of the cluster while you're trying to release the latch. You can then coax it out a little. If you're still having problems, then your problem is that your coat hangers are not catching, and also that you're too cheap to get the correct prongs from MB. At that point, it would be in your best interests to by them - it will be a hell of a lot easier.
#67
Great info, has anyone had to do this on a 2004 and up model? I'm hoping the removal of the cluster is the same way. But when it comes to changing the actual screen itself I'm wondering if it is different?
#68
Battery drain due to instrument cluster??
The battery of my 2001 C240 drained within two days. I did an Ampmeter test and figured that fuse 42 (Airbag warning lamps, instrument cluster) is the problem. (The current dropped from 0.8A to 0.1A after pulling fuse 42) My cluster also shows degradation on top and bottom. I am wondering how I can check if the cluster or Airbag warning lamp is the problem. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
#71
Ok finally got my new LCD screen and did the swap using Valexv DIY on page 1. Worked great! Thanx for this post Valexv. I did have to improvise after a little while as I was doing this on my 2005 MB, but couldn't have done it with out this post. Now, sadly once I got everything back together the speedometer wouldn't work (everything else, including the new screen did though). I took it all apart again, even the small needle controller on the back of the main board. Everything seemed to be in working order, so I put it all back together and still nothing. Anybody have any suggestions? Can I buy just the small white needle controller that drives the speedometer needle?
#74
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Hi, stupid question here, but I don't do much work on my car and I'm going to attempt this replacement soon. Do I need to disconnect the battery before doing this? I'm assuming yes, but just wanted to double check.
Thanks!
Thanks!