how do I remove the instrument cluster?

[DW SD]

'92 500e. Trying to remove the instrument cluster to explore a dead CEL. Is there a procedure here available? I read on benzworld 124 forum that you must remove the speedo cable from the rear of cluster before removal. I would have thought our cars have electronic speedos?

I've been fighting with the trim panel below the dash. Anyone know the proper procedure for removal?

I made a set of hooks out of stainless steel welding filler rod (1/16") to pull the cluster, but didn't want to pull too hard and thought the speedo cable hanging up may be the issue.

Thank you,

Doug

 

[Glen]

Doug, no speedo cable on our cars. The cluster is pretty tight and requires considerable force to pull out.

 

[2phast]

You really need the two Mercedes cluster removal hooks to do this. They slide in over the top of the cluster and grab onto some tabs, you then just pull the cluster out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Lo..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item564ee883db&vxp=mtr

You can fabricate your own tools though.

 

[gsxr]

Glen is correct. NO need to mess with the lower dash panel. Extend the steering wheel all the way out (to make room), then use pulling hooks on each side of the cluster to wiggle it out. If the cluster has not been removed in a long time, it can be quite tight. Bend up some thick wire coat hangers to duplicate the fancy factory hooks shown below:

 

[gerryvz]

You can get away with using two coat hangers, bent in a similar shape to the factory hooks that Dave shows above. THe factory hooks are around $12.00 a pair but you can use coat hangers with a loop in each end to serve as a handle. I used coat hangers for years. You insert them at around 10 and 2 o'clock and pull the cluster straight out (after extending the steering wheel out as far as it will go).

Then you carefully unhook all of the electrical connections behind the cluster, and pull out all of the warning bulbs (they're numbered so you will know where they go back in).

Also, BE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY before pulling the cluster. A couple of the gauges have small fuses in them and these can become blown if the car is still electrically energized with the battery. It doesn't happen often but it's a prudent thing to do. On the rare occasion a gauge fuse blows, the gauge will not work or will work intermittently. Trust me on this.

Once you get a "bite" with the hooks behind the cluster, you may need to wiggle it side to side a bit to loosen it up before it emerges from the dash. Also, BE CAREFUL not to gow up the inner edge of your dashboard with the hooks adjacent to where the cluster slides out. It's very easy to make indentations or scratches on the dashboard with the body or ends of the hooks.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

FSM main link:
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/Main.html

Direct link to procedure for cluster removal:
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD2/Program/Chassis/54-6015.pdf

 

[Jelmer]

I actually managed to pull it out by squeezing hard on the bottom part (where you have 3-4cm of flat area on the whole width) and gently pulling it towards myself. The clamps are pretty strong, but the worst is the "stickiness" it accumulated after sitting for a long time. Might need to pull on one side with both hands, getting it open a tiny bit, then pulling the other side, etc.

Hard, but doable.

Edit: Also, be careful not to yank it out, you'll hit your steering wheel with it, damaging the leather permanently.

 

[DW SD]

Hi Glen,
OK - a little more tugging with my home-made tools and it was out! I feel kind of silly for taking apart the lower trim panels.

The check engine light bulb was removed ....HMMMMMMM! But, I started the car after swapping bulbs and no CEL. (since the codes are cleared, it shouldn't). Question is: will they return... We shall see.

Doug

 

[Glen]

You'll know within a day or two if the CEL comes on. If/when it does, read codes from all the modules.

 

[8899]

Would be great to see a 'how-to' video of someone pulling out the cluster. Anyone know of one out there?

 

[DW SD]

My tools worked. Thanks so much for the advice. I am going to the dealer to buy some bulbs.

If I need to totally remove, I will disconnect he battery as suggested.

Doug

 

[DW SD]

Would be great to see a 'how-to' video of someone pulling out the cluster. Anyone know of one out there?

I will take a few photos and pretend it is coming out instead of going back in

 

[DW SD]

I will take a few photos and pretend it is coming out instead of going back in

Here are the tools in action. Then lights lit. Then lights out engine running ..... Oh yeah.

 

[DW SD]

Note.... SRS light had already extinguished

 

[8899]

Here are the tools in action.

Very helpful. Thank you.