1puttpro

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!

acb3nz

Search is your best friend. Here is the link https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...rument+cluster post #46 will tell you how to remove it.

1puttpro

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

gregory13lil

It is that simple!! When you pull the cluster out the wires are long enough to allow you to pull the cluster out and then detach the 2 wire clips.

Greg

1puttpro

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.

gregory13lil

No prob!!! Abd please let everyone know if that place fixed your pixels!! There are many more with this same problem.

Greg

1puttpro

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!

crsh2

That cluster of yours is probably loose to begin with... But whatever works
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

Pancho

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

Whodat

Absolutely. I started wiggling mine with just my thumbs and sho nuff, that baby started comin out. I'm positive I could have gotten it all the way out if needed, but I don't have a pixel problem or a burned out bulb so it was quickly back in place!

1puttpro

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.

djdorifto

sounds good puttpro, I need to do this also... thanks for letting us know that they are a good company.

pgmc

My W208 CLK 430 is having LCD repaired next week.
Can i drive the car with the dash out?

Pancho

Nope.

Here's a link that might help.

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...ledProduct=556

pgmc

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.

CLK_430

cant see a pixel problem being a bulb, no pixels (total loss of of clock/temp) then probably. Mine has intermittent full pixels, temp and clock, usually just displays garble though.

Pancho

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.

MarcusF

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.

jajara

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

Pancho

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.

njgilligan

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?

MarcusF

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.

njgilligan

Brilliant, Marcus to the rescue again!

Thank you sir.