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Dont know how to take out my gauge cluster

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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 07:47 PM
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Dont know how to take out my gauge cluster

I am trying to install a new Gauge Bezel, I tried to use the coat hanger to pull it out, but I couldnt do it. is there a special way to do this?
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 07:51 PM
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the easiest way to remove the instrument cluster is:









search the forum....
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 08:28 PM
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Thanks for your info. I did that. and I couldnt find anything.

I always search before I post. but the hanger method didnt work.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 08:38 PM
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I think u can buy special tool for cluster removal in dealership.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 08:45 PM
  #5  
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so a coat hanger just wouldnt work?
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 09:08 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Saprissa
the easiest way to remove the instrument cluster is:

search the forum....
My efforts at this were unsuccessful. What search words did you use to get the requested results?
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 09:59 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by wingless
My efforts at this were unsuccessful. What search words did you use to get the requested results?

ya i tried before I posted. but I cant find it ether
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 11:18 PM
  #8  
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Not saying that it wouldn't work but the tool from MB, looks less offending if u noe wat i mean :P hehehehe
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 10:32 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by Saprissa
the easiest way to remove the instrument cluster is:

search the forum....
Originally Posted by wingless
My efforts at this were unsuccessful. What search words did you use to get the requested results?
Originally Posted by supershyguy
ya i tried before I posted. but I cant find it ether
Maybe Saprissa was just being rude.
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 02:50 PM
  #10  
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Cluster

I believe the tool your looking for, (actually you need two of them in most cases ) is a T shaped tool that has a hook at the end. Another words you have a t handle and then a rod that 's about 8 inches long and on the end is a curve somewhat like a hook shape. You take one on each side and you work the cluster out of the dash.
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 05:04 PM
  #11  
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You need this tool, if i am not mistaken.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38655
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 01:21 AM
  #12  
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Saprissa has the tools to remove the cluster. which i need to borrow btw in order to install the new bezel.
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:02 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by S_kLaSse
You need this tool, if i am not mistaken.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38655

you are mistaken, those are not the right tools for removing the instrument cluster, i was trying to find a pic of the right ones, but did not succeed...

As for the coat hanger, it works: cut a wire hanger into two 4in (approx) pieces (straight line), then use that to push it into the hole (one on each side) to release the cluster, pull it out slowly, but make sure the steering wheel is turned in a way so that the cluster can be taken out. I hope this helps, i havent done it myself, but watched my friend do it for me a few times
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 01:59 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by kompressorchick
you are mistaken, those are not the right tools for removing the instrument cluster, i was trying to find a pic of the right ones, but did not succeed...

As for the coat hanger, it works: cut a wire hanger into two 4in (approx) pieces (straight line), then use that to push it into the hole (one on each side) to release the cluster, pull it out slowly, but make sure the steering wheel is turned in a way so that the cluster can be taken out. I hope this helps, i havent done it myself, but watched my friend do it for me a few times
*waves*

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 02:11 PM
  #15  
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Exclamation Instrument Cluster removal instructions....

Geez people... OK OK, instructions posted below...

how did my lame @$$ figure out how to remove the Instrument Cluster ?
I had no clue, but searching in this forum months ago, i did find something. What "key words" did I use ? beats me... but I found it after searching & searching.... (all forums, not just W203) Believe me, it's in here somewhere... Otherwise, I'd be asking the same question over & over again !!

as to the right MB tools to use, here's the pic, I've posted quite a few times already with Part # W 140 589 02 33 00


Availabe from any MB Dealer for $12-$15.

for the STFF impaired:

Originally Posted by Saprissa
1) lower and level steering wheel as far down as it goes
2) stick each one of these special tools (or wire coat hanger, with small bends at the end), into each hole on the side of the instrument cluster.
3) make sure the small bends are pointing either inward or outward ( I can't remember which way), as you push them in. You will hear a slight click when they reach the end.
4) Pull out gently as it grabs the instrument cluster (IC) and continue to pull it out. (another person helping you pull out the IC will help).
5) Be careful with the trip mileage / interior light dimmer button on the far left, as it is very long, and can be broken or bent if you pull the IC too fast or too far to either side.
6) The instrument cluster has a wire harness plugged in behind it, so once you get it out far enough you will see it. If you have to unplug this harness for whatever reason it is you are removing the IC, then make sure the engine is off, and key is removed from the ignition. Otherwise, you might get some errors when you plug everything back in. For a simple gauge bezel change-out, you do not need to unplug the wire harness, unless you want to have more room to work with the instrument cluster on a work bench or table.
7) Mercedes-Benz has a holographic or serial #'d sticker on the top of the IC, which if removed will tear, and therefore void any warranty on the IC due to tampering. To remove this seal without tearing it, you will need to either use a heat dryer, and peel back slowly, or some other method of removing stickers without damage. If you do tear it, too bad !!
8) The IC has 4 or 6 tabs behind it that have to snap off (not too hard or you might break them) to pull the front plastic IC face from the electronic part of the IC.
9) Once you separate the 2 pieces, you will have access to the instrument face, with the gauge bezel in the middle. Be very careful with the orange indicator arrows (rpm, mph, gas). They are very fragile and could bend easily.
10) The gauge bezel has two small tabs at the bottom that need to pop off. Again, be careful, because too much force, and they will snap the tabs that hold it in place.
11) Pull up slowly on the gauge bezel, and it should slide up nice & easy. Replace with whatever new bezel you are putting in, and snap in place.
12) Put 2 main pieces of IC back together, making sure all tabs snap back into place, and then replace (reapply slight adhesive) to MB seal. Re-insert wire harness if you removed it.
13) Push IC back into place, carefully making sure that the trip mileage / interior light dimmer button is in place, and not bending. The MB tools are not needed to push the IC back in place.
14) You're done. Drink beer !
Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

Last edited by Saprissa; Nov 22, 2004 at 02:14 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 11:52 PM
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hey carlos, i still need to borrow those so i can install that bezel and give you mine in return!
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Old Nov 24, 2004 | 02:33 PM
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no worries,
I'll see you Saturday at Mark's ! Bringing alum door pins & 2 more CD's.
Also, how much $$$ to bring for the CLK Switch Row for the C320 Sedan ???

Don't forget, we need to hit up Steve on the AMG door trim parts !!!
I might have to bring up my wife's C320 Sedan, because my Coupé is having some suspension work done. Will try & see if Steve has any goodies for her, like W211 Side-mirror blinkers. Also install her power folding mirrors & '05 fog lights.

Speaking of my Coupé...
I need to order the full CLK Switch Row with IMS button from Sunil.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 01:12 PM
  #18  
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Got the cluster out...

But no one talks about how to remove the connector!
It's not budging easily, and I can quite see what it is I have to do to get to
come loose.
It's not something I want to break!

Here's a pic.

Yes, I STFF'd to death. No mention of anyone having trouble with the connector.
The coat hangers worked fine on the 1st try.
Help please!!!!!
Attached Thumbnails Dont know how to take out my gauge cluster-instrumentclusterconnector.jpg  
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 01:15 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by C230 Sport Coup
But no one talks about how to remove the connector!
It's not budging easily, and I can quite see what it is I have to do to get to
come loose.
It's not something I want to break!

Here's a pic.

Yes, I STFF'd to death. No mention of anyone having trouble with the connector.
The coat hangers worked fine on the 1st try.
Help please!!!!!
You push that locking clip down and slide that guide and it will pop out. You do NOT just pull it out. It is very similar to other connectors in the car, like the one on the back of the COMMAND.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jgsx
You push that locking clip down and slide that guide and it will pop out. You do NOT just pull it out. It is very similar to other connectors in the car, like the one on the back of the COMMAND.
Which part is the locking clip, and which part is the guide?
I see a gray piece, and then the clippy looking thing you can see in the pic.
Which is which?
Once I've identified the guide, which way does it slide?

Thanks....I'm usually good at these things!


Never mind I GOT IT!

Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 25, 2007 at 01:37 PM.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 01:41 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by jgsx
You push that locking clip down and slide that guide and it will pop out. You do NOT just pull it out. It is very similar to other connectors in the car, like the one on the back of the COMMAND.
OK, so it wasn't obvious at all...
surprised no one else had this issue.

So, here's a pic with arrows for dummies.
Like me.
Attached Thumbnails Dont know how to take out my gauge cluster-instrumentclusterconnector.jpg  
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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Well here's the finished product.
I ended up cutting the bottom off the ring...with a kitchen knife, since I didn't have a hacksaw or anything nice.
I'd already mangled it a bit, so I may pull it out again and
futz with it a bit more.

I spilled alcohol on the AMG sticker, and when I tried to apply it,
the vinyl part came away from the adhesive. Damn, but then I noticed, it actually looked cooler than the black, like it's etched.
Less in your face, so I left it.
Attached Thumbnails Dont know how to take out my gauge cluster-bezel.jpg  
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 03:47 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by C230 Sport Coup
Well here's the finished product.
I ended up cutting the bottom off the ring...with a kitchen knife, since I didn't have a hacksaw or anything nice.
I'd already mangled it a bit, so I may pull it out again and
futz with it a bit more.

I spilled alcohol on the AMG sticker, and when I tried to apply it,
the vinyl part came away from the adhesive. Damn, but then I noticed, it actually looked cooler than the black, like it's etched.
Less in your face, so I left it.
wow, im glad that ended up working out prettty well...mind taking a picture from further away, like from a drivers perspective...
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 04:07 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by C230 Sport Coup

I spilled alcohol on the AMG sticker, and when I tried to apply it,
the vinyl part came away from the adhesive. Damn, but then I noticed, it actually looked cooler than the black, like it's etched.
Less in your face, so I left it.
So, are you saying we are looking at glue shaped like letters?
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 05:11 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by ScottW911
So, are you saying we are looking at glue shaped like letters?
LOL, but yeh.
It actually looks cool, you can barely see it.
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