DIY: Instrument Gauge Cluster Removal; Screen Replacement
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From: Houston
02 cl203
DIY: Instrument Gauge Cluster Removal; Screen Replacement
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.
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.
Last edited by valexv; Nov 9, 2008 at 11:45 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: Houston
02 cl203
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 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
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From: Houston
02 cl203
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.
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.
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From: Houston
02 cl203
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.
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From: Houston
02 cl203
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.
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.
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From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
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.
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
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!
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Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
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From: Houston
02 cl203
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 
Last edited by valexv; Nov 13, 2008 at 10:24 AM.
