Jer

Could anyone tell me how to remove the speedo cable from the tranny? I found it and loosened the 10mm bolt next to cable entrance, but the cable won't come free. Am I missing something?

I'm doing this to remove the instrument cluster to replace a lamp. Anything else I should know?

bamberger_1

To replace a bulb in the cluster you dont need to take the cable out of the tranny. First you take out the carpet driver side, then take the cable out of the steel spring holding it down, remove the steering wheel, then you pull the cluster (hope you know how that goes), move it to the left, remove all of the electric plugs, grab with your right hand (behind the cluster) the nut of the speedo cable and open it. Then the cluster is free to be removed. To put it back just do the same procedure in reverse. The only thing to get the cable screwed on to the cluster is a sh.... job, but it works if you're patiened enough.

In case you can reach the lamp which needs to be replaced w/o removing the cable, it is only half as bad, since putting on the cable to the speedo is the biggest hastle.

Jer

Thanks Bamberger. The service manual said "the speedometer cable must be removed without fail," which was why I tried in the first place. I fabricated a hook to unlock the cluster, and hopefully it'll work. I'm just afraid of removing the steering wheel. The manual made it look like a science to get the turn signal switch to function properly again.

soldsep

does that cable move the mileage meter?

Jer

Yes, the cable operates the speedometer, odomoter/trip meter, and the Hall sensor (for KE, cruise control, climate control, and much more).

No luck in even getting my hook to work. I'd rather not take off the steering wheel myself because it would entail removing the airbag. The SRS system was supposed to have been replaced in 1997, so it's probably about time it gets done. When that gets done, I'll have the new bulb installed then. It's only for the windshield wiper tank level, so no biggie.

Arnie

I was able to pull the cluster out of my '94 E320 by prying it out with the help of about 1-inch-wide thin steel pry bar. I placed the bar between the right side of the cluster and the center AC vent. Then GENTLY pried it out, crating a gap big enough to stick my fingers in there. Then with my bare hand pulled the right side out as far as the speedo cable lets it out. After that disconnect the speedo cable, electric plugs, etc. Then you can wrestle the cluster out of there without removing the steering wheel. It actually wasn't that difficult. And I totally agree with one of the previous writers, the biggest pain is re-connecting the speedo cable.

Good luck

Arnie.

bamberger_1

If it's just the windshield wiper fliud you may even get enough space replacing the bulb just by pulling the cluster to the right and remove the socket for the bulb change. Removing the wheel does not conflict with the turn signal switch. This part is seperately attached to the steering column and will not be touched when the wheel comes off. But the SRS issue is a valid concern. I dont have airbags in my cars so I'm not familiar with the care they would need.

soldsep

Ever since i removed my cluster the milage no longer turns.

Arnie

I don't think it was caused by removal of the cluster. Something happened with the plastic gear that connects speedometer to odometer.

Jer

The same thing happened to my speedo about 3 years ago. Speedo needle worked, but odo/trip meters stopped after a few miles. Had the speedo head sent to VDO for rebuild. I can't stand things not functioning as they should!

soldsep

how much was the rebuild?

Jer

I think it was $300-400 with labor to remove the speedo. I'll try to dig up the receipt.