dash bulbs
dash bulbs
02-24-2002, 05:32 AM
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I've spoken to a friend that works for the local MB dealer as a tech regarding the removal of the guage cluster. Here's what I got out of the conversation (and my translation, as best I can ;-):
He uses two wire picks (it's a wire with about 1/4" 90 degree angle hook on the end of it--need two, Snap On brand perhaps, or I've heard that Sears carries them as well). Follow the straight guage cluster bottom center (where it meets the dash vinyl on the bottom) on each end just until it starts to curve upward...about 1/2-1" or so. There are two "V" shaped slots about an inch inward that you have to "hook" the picks on and pull the guage cluster outward. You'll notice that there's more gap at this part of the cluster than the rest of the perimeter. He says that he uses his thumbs on the steering wheel for leverage.
He did say, too, that be careful not to have the picks slip off the cluster and crack the housing--evidently, it takes some force to get these babies out. Oh, and he puts a plastic sheeting (small piece) between the pick/wire and the vinyl as to avoid scratching the dash itself. He said that the odometer, clock and temp guage bulbs are the ones that always go out, so change them all once you're in there.
I don't know about you, but I'm thinking of having the dealer do this one! That cluster sure looks pricy. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck!
Aloha,
Keoni
He uses two wire picks (it's a wire with about 1/4" 90 degree angle hook on the end of it--need two, Snap On brand perhaps, or I've heard that Sears carries them as well). Follow the straight guage cluster bottom center (where it meets the dash vinyl on the bottom) on each end just until it starts to curve upward...about 1/2-1" or so. There are two "V" shaped slots about an inch inward that you have to "hook" the picks on and pull the guage cluster outward. You'll notice that there's more gap at this part of the cluster than the rest of the perimeter. He says that he uses his thumbs on the steering wheel for leverage.
He did say, too, that be careful not to have the picks slip off the cluster and crack the housing--evidently, it takes some force to get these babies out. Oh, and he puts a plastic sheeting (small piece) between the pick/wire and the vinyl as to avoid scratching the dash itself. He said that the odometer, clock and temp guage bulbs are the ones that always go out, so change them all once you're in there.
I don't know about you, but I'm thinking of having the dealer do this one! That cluster sure looks pricy. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck!
Aloha,
Keoni
