SL/R129: '01 SL500: removing instrument panel?
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
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From: Fairfield County, CT
2001 SL500, '09 Murano, '04 Honda
'01 SL500: removing instrument panel?
I have an '01 SL500 and one of the light bulbs in the instrument panel has stopped working.
I am not a mechanic but a very handy guy nonetheless. I am simply trying to figure out how the instrument panel comes off for this model year so I can change the bulb myself for $5- rather than taking it to the dealer for who knows how much.
I have checked youtube and google for the answer but with no luck. The closest thing I have found references a small wire with an L on the end of it that tucks under the side of the panel and then pulls it out but I don't see any inset that would allow me to stick the tool into the instrument panel.
Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I am not a mechanic but a very handy guy nonetheless. I am simply trying to figure out how the instrument panel comes off for this model year so I can change the bulb myself for $5- rather than taking it to the dealer for who knows how much.
I have checked youtube and google for the answer but with no luck. The closest thing I have found references a small wire with an L on the end of it that tucks under the side of the panel and then pulls it out but I don't see any inset that would allow me to stick the tool into the instrument panel.
Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 11
From: Manchester, CT
There may be no 'spot' for the L -tool to go into....you might need to just get the L behind the cluster lips/edges and pull them both out together.
I do not know for sure as I never took out the cluster in my old 1997 SL600 Sport but I'm thinking its the same way as removing a W124 cluster using an L tool on each side.
I do not know for sure as I never took out the cluster in my old 1997 SL600 Sport but I'm thinking its the same way as removing a W124 cluster using an L tool on each side.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
The soft part of the dash will displace as you push the tool in, and then turn to grab the cluster.
Steering wheel down and out. No key in ignition.
Steering wheel down and out. No key in ignition.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
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SL 500
Just e-mail me at ajadesigns@aol.com, I can give you instructions on how to make the tool and remove it.
I can reply instantly via iphone.
I can reply instantly via iphone.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield County, CT
2001 SL500, '09 Murano, '04 Honda
Just e-mail me at ajadesigns@aol.com, I can give you instructions on how to make the tool and remove it.
I can reply instantly via iphone.
I can reply instantly via iphone.
Not to worry, the problem seems to have corrected itself. Very weird but i'm not complaining.
