I've been searching this subject and am concerned about this. Some have reported either Error messages after reconnecting the cluster and some others have reported losing the even more important center display.
I am so wanting to do this over the weekend. Just a little scared over what I've read.
ANYONE done it yet? Experiences appreciated.
Thanks all
regsatx,
Getting it fixed was a relatively long trial and error process of a few months. During that time I must have pulled the cluster out some twenty times if not more.
Actually, the first thing I ever bought right after buying this car, was the cluster removal tools. Any diy Mercedes owner should have them, even just for the purpose of replacing bulbs and getting familiar with the vehicle. The second one is learning how to remove the glove box to replace cabin filters, but that's another story ...
Rest assured nothing should go wrong - only precaution - have the key off the ignition while disconnecting and reconnecting the cables. There are no warnings or Windows style pop up dialogs, or blue screen of death, lol. Nothing to reset. There is no speedo cable to deal with, just two well engineered connectors.
Also, there is no cosmetic damage or mechanical wear to be caused by pulling the cluster out mulltipe times once you get the hang of it.
Hope it helps
__________________
“Design embodies the values of a company. Even if there were no star, the car must always be recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz.” Peter Pfeiffer, Daimler AG
I am quite familiar with how to pull the cluster out without any tools. It comes out the same way it does in my 1986 W126 and even in my now sold 1988 R107. Except those cars are not nearly as hi-tech. I will report back after trying this fix...and again,
BIG THANKS TO YOU!
Just put together this fix for the cluster pixel problem most of us are familiar with that I was able to do on my wagon. It covers the temp and clock displays fix. I posted it on the W210 section and figured I would post it here as well.
Enjoy
Very nice work . I'll try that this weekend. Thanks!
I did it... it works!!!! I had taken the bulb out for the temperature reading out at least two years ago because many pixels were missing... it was annoying to see it like that. It now reads with 100% pixels. The time display is not 100% because a few pixels are faded but I may be going back and playing with it more until I get those working better. Thanks Franasia for your input and DIY instructions. You saved me money from eventually having someone else repair this. Once again, this is a great website for Benz owners!!!!!!!!!!!!
A few days ago, i called the Benz Dealer here in Long Beach, CA, and i got quoted $1,080 on a brand new cluster. That doesn't include labor for putting it on and reprogramming. So i was really really really really lucky and i bought one on EBAY for $300. It's BRAND SPANKIN' NEW! A customer had a Mercedes Parts store order it for him. He paid for it in full, and guess what? THE CUSTOMER NEVER PICKED IT UP! So that same store put it up on ebay for only $300!!!!!!
If there's anyone interested in mine, let me know. I'll let it go for $150 shipped.
The ONLY PROBLEM is the pixels in the clock. It's in mint condition, no scratches, absolutely no damage.
I did it and it worked! I was even able to pull the instrument cluster out without any tool, just use all your fingers to grap on the side and gradually pull it out each side at a time.
Congrats Camnick13, another success story! And you're right, you can just pull the instrument cluster out by hand. I generally begin by extending my steering wheel out all the way, then pulling on the instrument cluster fom the bottom lip until I can grab the edges and then completely pull out the cluster. I've pulled this thing out so many times before, not only to attempt to fix the pixels, but other times to replace a light bulb, that the tabs behind the cluster would no longer hold and tighten the cluster. I found a tape that will hold in place without stretching under pressure which I used for the the back panel of the cluster but also to secure the pixel repair in place... it's refrigerant tape, the aluminum looking rolls that is also used AC ducts. It's very strong and will not stretch once you get the pixels to light up just right (I cut strips of this tape to secure the pixel repair).
I can't believe that someone came out with a fix for this! I even started a complaint about this issue last year with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see if a recall would be issue and posted the information on this forum.
. I'll try that this weekend. Thanks!
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