[:(]
The front dashboard has to be removed to get at the instument panel lights. This takes a lot of time, hence a lot of labor. Best to delay replacing bulbs until you have to have the interior disassembled for another reason.
As the matter of fact, this is a very simple job. You need to remove the instrument cluster. Sound hard to believe, but you just pull it out. Dealer sell the tool (called hook) to pull out the cluster for like $5, but I just use two flat head screwdrivers, wrapped w/ soft liner (prevent scratch), ply in each side (right at the thin wood liner on the dash), once it comes out a little, just use your hand and pull out the cluster. Unplug it and change the bulb (you'll see a bunch of them from the back, with twist knob). No screw what soever, it's all plastic clip. Once all done, plug in wire, test it, and push the whole thing back in.
It will probably take you a while the first time. Just becareful when you try to ply out the cluster. Everything after that is simple and straight.
Lower the steering wheel and extend it as far as possible when you do this. Make sure the key is not in the ignition.
I don't know where you live, but if you live in Southern California, and encounter too much problem (or outrage quote from dealer/shop), I can help (no charge), I open up Mercedes instrument cluster all the time (for custom job - cluster ring), take about 5 minutes at most to pull it out.
Quote:
alejandro01970 - 9/2/2004 12:38 AM
How can I replace the lights in the front gauge? 2 of my bulbs are out and I dont see how to take the gauge out. can some one help please.
I don't know where you live, but if you live in Southern California, and encounter too much problem (or outrage quote from dealer/shop), I can help (no charge), I open up Mercedes instrument cluster all the time (for custom job - cluster ring), take about 5 minutes at most to pull it out.
Zam,
Whereabouts in So Cal.? The rings looks great, I may need to call upon your expertise.
I'm in Torrance, Where do we get those chrome rings, and how much will you charge to install for me? I'm having difficulty removing the cluster, any hints?
you can buy a special tool (hook) to remove your cluster, or take a wire coat hanger and make a little hook about 1/4 inch long and on either side of the cluster get the hook behind the cluster and pull the cluster out I know it sounds easier said than done but thats how it comes out. The tool can be bought at the dealership or even on ebay.
To remove the instrument cluster, you can use the special tool or a coathanger with "L" shaped 8mm hooks. Insert the hooks at approx. 9 and 3 as you're looking at the cluster, then lower the hooks as low as you can. I worked one side at a time. In the photo below, you can see that the cluster is held in by the two metal retaining springs on the bottom, and that's why you need to work it from as low as possible.
<img src="http://img2.uploadimages.net/372022e320dash.jpg"/>
Linear Mode
