Colonel Ron

Having a problem with the analog speedometer, started all of a sudden, no symptoms before. It does not register the cars speed. It acts like it ttys to work as it will "flutter". Current showing 15 mph while parked in idle. Will occasionally return to zero. All other gauges in instrument cluster working fine. Digital speedometer works fine, only problem is with analog speedometer. Has anyone had the problem before? What was the problem. Recently had balance shart replaced, could this be caused by a loose connection somewhere? Thanks for any suggestions.

Glyn M Ruck

That usually means a new cluster. If the digital speedo is normal that means the speed sensor is fine so the fault lies with the analogue unit which takes the same feed.

Good luck!

Colonel Ron

Thanks for the reply, my indy mechanic did a test on it and suspected the same. My understanding is the clusters are not repairable either,

Rudeney

Well, you might be able to fix it. I have disassembled them, and it's not for the faint of heart. What you need to do is buy a used cluster (eBay?) and use that as a parts donor. You can't just swap with a used cluster because the odometer won't work (you can only sync a virgin cluster to the EIS, which also stores the mileage). Dealer will likely charge over $2k for the repair. Oh, another alternative is to check into buying a used cluster, then sending it to a repair specialist who can "erase" it so it looks like a virgin cluster.

Oh, and in case you're curious about taking a cluster apart, here's my details on the older style W203 cluster:

W203 Cluster Disassembly

Colonel Ron

Thanks Rudeney. I did find a way to get the needle to reset to zero by turning the key to the "dead spot" between engine run and start. I used to do computer repair and have repaired an iPhone or two, so I think I may try your suggestion. Question, will it automatically "re-sync" when I re-install the cluster or will I need a computer to do that?

Glyn M Ruck

These might also help especially Chris the Swede's dismantling of 211/209 cluster.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t=W209+cluster

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t=W209+cluster

Colonel Ron

Thanks Glyn, today I noticed once the needle had "fluttered it's way to about 22 mph it began to work fine, just registered 22 mph too fast. Got the needle reset to zero and it is "fluttering" again. I noticed from Chis's photos it appears that the needle is on a ring gear. I did find that the needle and gear can be purchased for about $40 USD. Does anyone have a photo or diagram showing how the needle gear interfaces? I may just have a gear issues vs an electronic issue.

Glyn M Ruck

Yes - I've seen the ring gear & pointer for sale in various pointer colours.

Chris is still semi active on the forum. Send him a PM. He is very helpfull.

Rudeney

Yes, as long as you don't drive the car without the cluster, there is no re-sync necessary. Basically, as long as the mileage stored in the EIS matches the mileage stored int he cluster, all is fine. Actually may be some wiggle room there - I've heard that as long as there is no more than 100 miles, or maybe 1,000 miles, that everything still syncs, but I do not know that for fact. Apparently, there is much secrecy surrounding the cluster/EIS sync. And for good reason, as that would enable odometer tampering.

Louie D

Hey Rudeny do you know off hand of any company that can erase the cluster ? I cant seem to locate one.

Reason I ask is found a White cluster that I would like to use the white background and was thinking it maybe easier to replace the whole thing instead of stealing the part from it I need. Here is the one I am looking at http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-CLK...921a12&vxp=mtr Any thoughts ?

Thanks

Rudeney

I've been looking for one. Someone recommended Palo Alto Speedometer, but I haven't contacted them. My idea on the C240 was to buy a replacement and send it to them for "erasure". Also, I have seen some devices sold that plug into the cluster or OBDII and can be used to program the mileage. They are expensive, though - more than buying a new cluster from MBZ. But, if they do exist and do work, that means that there are shops out there with them.

Louie D

Rudeney,

FYI

I called Palo Alto Speedometer and they can not do a full "erasure" all they can do is program the odometer, he also siad that the cluster MUST be the same YEAR make and Model he has seen to many proplems with diffrent years and so forth he suggested pluging it in and make sure the cluster worked and the odometer read what is on it and worked.

Rudeney

Well, I hate to hear that! I was hoping they could actually erase the EEPROM and make it start fresh. Anyhow, they are correct about model years as there was a CAN bus change beginning with MY2005. There were also some fuel gauge differences on earl W203's. He is wrong about checking the mileage by plugging in the replacement cluster - it will only read "------" on the odometer if it doesn't match what is stored in EIS. Regardless, you could test the other functions - menu items, fuel gauge, etc. I am still holding out hope that someone out there knows how to erase these clusters.

Nealgobert

Louie, I'm fairly confident that I can make that cluster work for you. I have found a way to interchange different clusters between models (W209/W211/W219) and trim levels (V6/V8/AMG) without any programming being required. Although I haven't attempted a swap exactly like the one you're suggesting I've done cars with similar systems, so I'm about 98.7% sure I can do it successfully. Unfortunately (very much so, as I love it there) I won't be in San Diego for quite a while, but of you want you can message me and I'll give you more info on how to do it. My email is my screen name @aol.com

Nealgobert

Colonel Ron,

I agree with Rudeney and feel this is your best option. If you decide to go this route feel free to message me and I'll walk you through the steps to repair your cluster once you get a donor. I've disassembled mine out of curiosity many times (I had an idea and wanted to try it).

Neal

Louie D

Neal,

I sent you a email.

Colonel Ron,

I may have have some donor parts for you just deciding on the way to go with this.
Let me know if you are interested.

Louie D

Welp guys cluster installed to the white version it was pretty easy, after following Neal's instructions by pulling out the 3 circuit boards from the current cluster and then reinstalling them into the used cluster I bought it worked just fine..Odometer reads the right mileage and all controls work..

homepukes

I got this company to fix my 2000 E320 instrument cluster a couple of years ago. It cost $125 with a life time guarantee. I am not sure if they repair CLK instrument clusters but it would be worth a call. Excellent service from these guys.

ssteele1

In Atlanta, analog speedometer not working properly after tire ruined in pothole. Stays on 0 or moves to 160, 140. Also, radio not showing after headlight replaced. Could use a good source in Atlanta. Thanks