whatsnext

I have a light out in my 1999 500SL instrument cluster. The dealer wants $150 to replace the bulb. In the past, I had removed the cluster in my 1985 SEC with two hooks I made of coat hanger. Will this work with the SL and do I have to disconnect anything first?

f4i 954

It might work, but i would not recommend to do that.
the clusters on the SL are usualle very tight, making it very hard even with the proper tools (dash hooks).
And no you do not have to dinconect anyting.

whatsnext

I went out to turn on the lights today and all of the dash lights came on. I tried a second time and the left side of the cluster did not light up but on a third try they came back on. I can't imagine that it is the switch since there is probably not a seperate contact for the left and right side of the dash lights. Maybe there is a relay involved?

f4i 954

no, its not a relay.
with movement the bulb may work, may not.
you need to replace that bulb.

a2aa

take the bolster out and push the cluster from behind. This is the safest way not to crack the plastic cover of the cluster. This will pop that sucker out quick. Good luck. I had to do this when I replaced my evaporator on my R129. The whole dash came out.