DIY: Instrument Gauge Cluster Removal; Screen Replacement
Total Time: approx. 30 mins

It's a common problem that the screens in our cluster goes out due to heat. Mine was out of warranty so I decided to fix it myself. I purchased a used cluster for $50 to use as parts, since you can't just switch cluster without reprogramming. Also to use as testing for the led swap.

Can you read my display? I Can't
First you need keys to remove the cluster.
or you can use a hanger

With the key pointed outwards, slide in to the holes on both ends, turn upwards to unlatch and pull toward yourself.
This is the tab you need to push up.

Next you need to disconnect the cluster

This is lock mode
Press down on tab and slide gray bar to the right to unlock


Remove back piece of cluster, there are 5 latches
3 on top
2 on bottom

This will also remove the cover, you will work with the middle section now.

Next, remove the plastic trim covering the screen, just pull off, there are 5 snaps on the arc.
Disconnect the screen's ribbon, pull the black tabs towards the bottom just to unlock

Push down the 2 tabs holding the screen. Lift the bottom part up over the tabs and slide towards the bottom.

Swap out the old screen with the new one and place in your cluster. Snap screen back, slide ribbon in and latch black tabs. Reverse the steps to place back in. BE amazed how you can now read your cluster, I forgot how bright it was.

WOW! I can now read it!

I only had to reset the time. Everything worked fine.

Wow! Great job!

Next, i will try to do the led swap, but trying it on the parts cluster. Not sure how I will turn it on to see if the leds work on it though.

Also I wanted to change out the needles to red instead of orange, but I don't want to mess up the calibration of the needles so not sure if I will attempt.

Nice Job

Cool. Thanks for the instructions. My screen is still readable but it looks like it'll eventually get like your old one. I notice that when the car is hot inside, it becomes a little faded but as soon as the inside cools down, it comes back to normal.

I was only able to read my at night when cooled down, but wasn't that great either

did you get any errors after you reconnect the Cluster? i need to do mines in the summer time my top secton is all faded out when its hot outside!

Good work!! nicely done!

no errors, just had to set up the time

wow! nice job

worthy of a sticky. Awesome Job !!!

Cintoman

+11111111111

Agreed. Knowing me, i would have dived in there and broken a few clips.

Nicely done...so they are surface mount leds ....interesting...

Wow great post. I am noticing my LCD is starting to fade towards the top.
What is the part number of the LCD out of curiousity.

not sure if they sell that piece separate, i found the whole cluster for $50. I would like to find out who makes these and if available in another color

You make it look easy.

Bookmarked. Thank you.

Another point to note for people who have not removed the cluster before - extend and drop down your steering column to aid easier removal of the cluster.

The Part Number for the 'Instrument Pulling Tool' is : W 140 589 02 33 00
(Saprissa posted this first on his coupe thread, post 108).

Nice write up Valexv. I'm watching with eager anticipation how an LED mod works out!

were there surface mount leds on the board itself as well? Or were they the standard 194's?

all surface mounts, i have pictures of the whole cluster taking apart. I will post those tonight.

Good looking on this DIY!!!!.. I will use this very soon!!!

cool..thanks man. I have done the led swap before on other cars and was pondering this one as well...

Tommy went to the dealer to see if they sell the screen, you will have to buy the whole cluster for 1g. The older s-class has a white lcd screen, I wonder if that would work