SL/R129: Odometer/trip light
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19
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sl500 1995
Odometer/trip light
Problem: not lighting up. For a while they were on and a few minutes later off and finally quit?
You can see them in sun light; but, they won't illuminate.
I have no idea where to start. Help please!
You can see them in sun light; but, they won't illuminate.
I have no idea where to start. Help please!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Once the instrument cluster is removed (a very simple feat), there will be a 1/4-turn light bulb directly behind the odometer readout. Replace the bulb, replace the cluster, and you should be done. If you're smart, you'll consider replacing all the bulbs while the cluster is out - Murphy's Law... As soon as you replace one bulb, the others will fail serially and systematically.
Cheers,
Jeff
Cheers,
Jeff
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19
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sl500 1995
Hello MB Dude and thanks a bunch. Now to get out the instrument cluster? I some time ago bought the tool set containing multiple tools for such and have used them to replace the radio. Does the instrument cluster come out in similar manner?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
While the coat hanger wire with the 90% turn has worked for me, I felt better with the lower fabric panel above the foot well being taken out ( 3 fscrews? ) and a push out on the back of the instrument panel. I recall three electrical junctions that are friction retained. Getting the steering wheel down and extruded from the dash is also helpful. I did not replace all the bulbs once and that is why I personally know about the two methods of removal of the "slide-in" instrument cluster!
The lower panel has an air duct imbedded in the foam so I needed extra time to get that hooked up before I replaced the knee protector!
The lower panel has an air duct imbedded in the foam so I needed extra time to get that hooked up before I replaced the knee protector!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19
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sl500 1995
Thanks; much appreciated. I bought the speciality tool for radio, cluster, etc...
Plus one I just noticed: the temp illumination of the cabin temp setting just above the radio controlled by the thumb wheel isn't lighted either. Since it's LCD, does it have a bulb or fiber optics or ______________?
Plus one I just noticed: the temp illumination of the cabin temp setting just above the radio controlled by the thumb wheel isn't lighted either. Since it's LCD, does it have a bulb or fiber optics or ______________?
