Help for removing instrument cluster
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Joined: Feb 2006
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02 CLK320
Help for removing instrument cluster
I need to remove my instrument cluster to have the LCD display repaired. Can anyone direct me to detailed instructions on removing the panel? If there are any special tools needed, please direct me to part numbers and/or sources for parts. Thanks!
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From: Nova / Rockville
Custom CLK / 05 E500 4matic / 04 Acura TL <<Daily
Thread Starter
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02 CLK320
Thanks... I've been searching for good step by step instructions for cluster removal for the W208. I've found many for other models, especially WIS instructions... unfortunately their not applicable to my car.
I did read post #46 (before I made my post) and it really doesn't say anything that I couldn't figure out by myself.
For extracting the instrument cluster I use a suction cup (like the ones the mechanics use for fixing dents on the car panels). It's an easy way to pull out the cluster without harming the dashboard or the cluster itself. You can then change the bulbs easily. Remember to pull out the driving wheel as far out as possible, and detach the two clips on the back of the cluster.
The problem I see is... How do I remove the two clips behind the cluster without first removing the cluster? Do I remove the panel under the steering wheel and reach up? Do I use a suction cup and "gently force" the cluster out of the dash? Could it be THAT simple? Any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks
I did read post #46 (before I made my post) and it really doesn't say anything that I couldn't figure out by myself.
For extracting the instrument cluster I use a suction cup (like the ones the mechanics use for fixing dents on the car panels). It's an easy way to pull out the cluster without harming the dashboard or the cluster itself. You can then change the bulbs easily. Remember to pull out the driving wheel as far out as possible, and detach the two clips on the back of the cluster.
The problem I see is... How do I remove the two clips behind the cluster without first removing the cluster? Do I remove the panel under the steering wheel and reach up? Do I use a suction cup and "gently force" the cluster out of the dash? Could it be THAT simple? Any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks
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02 CLK320
Greg,
Thanks... I'm going to tackle to job. I read you're thread about a repair shop in Germany, that fixes the dead pixels in the LCD display. I'll try a shop called BBA Manufacturing outside of Boston, as I get there for business quite often.
Thanks... I'm going to tackle to job. I read you're thread about a repair shop in Germany, that fixes the dead pixels in the LCD display. I'll try a shop called BBA Manufacturing outside of Boston, as I get there for business quite often.
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02 CLK320
Instrument cluster removal for a 2002 CLK320 (W208) is VERY SIMPLE! No tools needed... I just applied a little finger pressure to cluster bezel, and with a little wiggling pressure, the cluster slid out of the dash. There are two wiring harness connectors that have a safety lock, but other than that... THAT'S IT!
Another post suggests using a suction cup on the cluster face. Sure that would help, but if you don't have a 3-6" suction cup lying around... It's really not needed. The other tip I would suggest is that you lower (or extend) the steering wheel column, to give you a little more working space.
I'm sending off the cluster for repair. I'll post the results for all to share.
THANKS!
Another post suggests using a suction cup on the cluster face. Sure that would help, but if you don't have a 3-6" suction cup lying around... It's really not needed. The other tip I would suggest is that you lower (or extend) the steering wheel column, to give you a little more working space.
I'm sending off the cluster for repair. I'll post the results for all to share.
THANKS!
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Los angeles
2000 Clk320
Did you have to disconnect the battery?
When i remove my W202 Cluster before they said i would have to disconnect battery or the SRS will come on.
Let us know how much they charge you.
goodluck
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Here's a link from my website.
Should help.
Rumor has it that you can make this tool out of some coat hangers.
Cluster is a simple pressure fit.
Make sure your hands are dry, and sometimes you can work it out using the pads of your thumbs.
Link:
http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...ight-6x100.jpg
Should help.
Rumor has it that you can make this tool out of some coat hangers.
Cluster is a simple pressure fit.
Make sure your hands are dry, and sometimes you can work it out using the pads of your thumbs.
Link:
http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...ight-6x100.jpg
Last edited by Pancho; Apr 4, 2007 at 10:22 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 555
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From: Somewhere in Maryland
2000 CLK 430 Cabriolet
Here's a link from my website.
Should help.
Rumor has it that you can make this tool out of some coat hangers.
Cluster is a simple pressure fit.
Make sure your hands are dry, and sometimes you can work it out using the pads of your thumbs.
Link:
http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...ight-6x100.jpg
Should help.
Rumor has it that you can make this tool out of some coat hangers.
Cluster is a simple pressure fit.
Make sure your hands are dry, and sometimes you can work it out using the pads of your thumbs.
Link:
http://www.panchogun.com/FVWebPhotos...ight-6x100.jpg
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
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02 CLK320
First here is the update on the pixel repair issue.
BBA Remanufacturing did an excellent job on my cluster repair. All pixels are back and working. They made sure that cluster was clean. Very professional. The cost was $250, which included shipping & insurance BOTH ways! They setup UPS shipping outbound for you. Just print the label and drop off at UPS. Turn around time was great. I shipped on Monday and received the fixed unit on Friday including shipping time between Detroit and Boston. It has an unlimited warranty, so I'll post back if there are any problems. Here is their website for those interested.
http://www.bba-reman.com/content.asp...edes_Dashboard
Thanks to Pancho for his pictures and post. The MB removal tool really isn't necessary (or at least in my situation). In fact, I think you might have the chance of scraping or damaging the vinyl dashboard. If any tool would be more effective, the suction tool described in an earlier post would be better.
Regarding disconnecting the battery. I didn't! I'm sure it couldn't hurt, in fact, it's probably a smart thing to do. There is voltage constantly going to the cluster. Though the two wiring harness connectors make it virtually impossible to short.
BBA Remanufacturing did an excellent job on my cluster repair. All pixels are back and working. They made sure that cluster was clean. Very professional. The cost was $250, which included shipping & insurance BOTH ways! They setup UPS shipping outbound for you. Just print the label and drop off at UPS. Turn around time was great. I shipped on Monday and received the fixed unit on Friday including shipping time between Detroit and Boston. It has an unlimited warranty, so I'll post back if there are any problems. Here is their website for those interested.
http://www.bba-reman.com/content.asp...edes_Dashboard
Thanks to Pancho for his pictures and post. The MB removal tool really isn't necessary (or at least in my situation). In fact, I think you might have the chance of scraping or damaging the vinyl dashboard. If any tool would be more effective, the suction tool described in an earlier post would be better.
Regarding disconnecting the battery. I didn't! I'm sure it couldn't hurt, in fact, it's probably a smart thing to do. There is voltage constantly going to the cluster. Though the two wiring harness connectors make it virtually impossible to short.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 13
From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10
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clk 430
dear Pancho
read your post with keen interest.
will bulb replacement fix the missing pixel problem with W208 temp and clock LCD display?
please please say yes!
I have CLK 430 and very keen to get this problem eradicated.
read your post with keen interest.
will bulb replacement fix the missing pixel problem with W208 temp and clock LCD display?
please please say yes!
I have CLK 430 and very keen to get this problem eradicated.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 13
From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Pmbc,
wish I could make you happy, but, unfortunately, the bulb doesn't fix the pixel prob. When my bulb went out, I couldn't see my clock at all. Replaced the bulb, and clock was great, then, about 6 months later, the pixels started failing. Now, I can see the clock, but can't make heads or tails re. the time. Now I am also a candidate for sending my cluster in for a redo.
Such is life in the world of overpriced, pointlessly overcomplicated, and exceedingly fragile German engineering. MB used to make million mile cars. The Germans used to make real road worthy war machines. Now they make tempermental kitty cats that can't give you 50G miles without starting to fall apart.
I buy all of my cars brand new. Next time I'm getting one of the new Shelby KR Mustang convertibles. Twice the car (500 HP) for less dough, $55,000 or so. I'm going to drive my clk cabriolet into the ground first, and squeeze every expensive mile I can out of it. I've had 6 new MBs, and each generation has been getting more expensive and crappier at the same time. Those two characteristics are supposed to diverge, not converge.
Good luck.
wish I could make you happy, but, unfortunately, the bulb doesn't fix the pixel prob. When my bulb went out, I couldn't see my clock at all. Replaced the bulb, and clock was great, then, about 6 months later, the pixels started failing. Now, I can see the clock, but can't make heads or tails re. the time. Now I am also a candidate for sending my cluster in for a redo.
Such is life in the world of overpriced, pointlessly overcomplicated, and exceedingly fragile German engineering. MB used to make million mile cars. The Germans used to make real road worthy war machines. Now they make tempermental kitty cats that can't give you 50G miles without starting to fall apart.
I buy all of my cars brand new. Next time I'm getting one of the new Shelby KR Mustang convertibles. Twice the car (500 HP) for less dough, $55,000 or so. I'm going to drive my clk cabriolet into the ground first, and squeeze every expensive mile I can out of it. I've had 6 new MBs, and each generation has been getting more expensive and crappier at the same time. Those two characteristics are supposed to diverge, not converge.
Good luck.
Last edited by Pancho; Sep 10, 2007 at 06:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
The attached photo is an '07 Shelby I tested at Willow Springs. It's parked on the side of the track due to engine failure. That's not to say every Shelby is going to die on day one of testing, but this one did.
Best wishes with yours.
Best wishes with yours.
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 200
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From: FLORIDA
CLA45 C63 SL63 CLK BS C BS SL600 560SEC 500E
cluster problem
My cluster shows -36 temp always clock is ok but everything else is loosing as soon as the car get warm,maybe it has something to do with the battery, please help if you can...Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
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From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Wish I could help, but I haven't come across a problem where the whole cluster is failing simultaneously. BBA now has a U.S. location in Massachusetts. Give ebay a search for -Mercedes C + E Class Instrument Cluster Repair Service- and you will find a BBA auction, $225. I used them to repair my cluster, and it works beautifully now. Has a lifetime warranty. Send them a message and explain your problem. I did, and they fixed it.
PS. Make certain to disconnect your battery so that the removal of the air bag does not involve a decapitation. It'll ruin the interior.
PS. Make certain to disconnect your battery so that the removal of the air bag does not involve a decapitation. It'll ruin the interior.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 252
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From: San Francisco, CA
2001 CLK55
After following the procedure outlined in this thread to fix the pixel issue, some of the dial indicators are now misaligned. For example, the fuel gauge reads about 7/8 when the tank is actually full, and the analog speedo is about 5mph slower than the digital. I thought the dials were supposed to reset themselves automatically, is there a way to correct this?
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Remove the Plexiglas and drive to a gas station. Fill the fuel tank. Remove the fuel and speedometer needles and start the car. Install the fuel needle in the full position, and install the speedometer needle in the 0 MPH position. Drive the car back home and reinstall the Plexiglas.
