Problems with bulbs in instrument cluster
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9
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W210 E-class (E200 CDI)
Problems with bulbs in instrument cluster
I've got an 2001 W210 (210.007) with some problems in the instrument cluster. I've got problems with the illumination lighting inside the unit, so I would like to take the cluster out, and connect 12V DC directly to the pins controlling the lights. So, I'm sure there is several gurus her who's got the pinout of the two connectors memorized, 
or maybe one of you guys have a document which provides the necessary info. 
I'm not completely sure, but I think the connector which controls the illumination is the smallest one of the two.
or maybe one of you guys have a document which provides the necessary info. I'm not completely sure, but I think the connector which controls the illumination is the smallest one of the two.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
W210 E-class (E200 CDI)
Well, I didn't elaborate on why I want to do this, so here the info. In my case it's not that simple as a burned out bulb. The problem started when I wanted to replace the standard bulbs with LED's. I've somehow managed to black out 3 of the 4 buls which illuminate the LCD screens. Over socket 1 I've got 12VDC present, but on 2 and 3 I got like 8 or 9VDC, and over socket 4 I've got ~0VDC. I suspect my fiddling with the freakin' led's has resulted in damaged or even broken copper lines to the sockets. 
My thought was to place the cluster on my workbench, connect 12VDC to the pins and troubleshoot. Much more comfy than sitting in my car.
In my case it's not that simple as a burned out bulb. The problem started when I wanted to replace the standard bulbs with LED's. I've somehow managed to black out 3 of the 4 buls which illuminate the LCD screens. Over socket 1 I've got 12VDC present, but on 2 and 3 I got like 8 or 9VDC, and over socket 4 I've got ~0VDC. I suspect my fiddling with the freakin' led's has resulted in damaged or even broken copper lines to the sockets. My thought was to place the cluster on my workbench, connect 12VDC to the pins and troubleshoot. Much more comfy than sitting in my car.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 144
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From: Seattle
1999 MB E430 1998 SL500
Instrument panel
These can be a bit touchy to deal with. I have a spare one on my workbench that I have been fooling with so if you get in trouble with yours then let me know. I will part with this one for $60 plus freight from Seattle. I don't know how many miles are logged on it but all bulbs work fine.
Wait until you try to re-assemble it if you have the white plastic module out of the black master frame. As near as I can tell you have to completely re-assemble it and then carefully slip the two black triangular films on either end through the small slits on the bottom side of the plastic.
Wait until you try to re-assemble it if you have the white plastic module out of the black master frame. As near as I can tell you have to completely re-assemble it and then carefully slip the two black triangular films on either end through the small slits on the bottom side of the plastic.
