Another dash thread

[deedum]

I have gone back through the archives, but still not sure how to remove the speedo/rev cluster.
I need to replace the bulbs with illuminate the trip and mileometer. I dont have adjustable steering wheel though, if that matters ?


Any help please? (1996 C180)

Thanks for the advice on heater control bulbs, i have sorted that now :mrgreen:

 

[television]

Either try and push it out from the rear or ask your MB dealer to pull it out with the hooks

 

[doversole]

This one is easy!

Did mine last weekend (with a little help from my good buddy Ellsy Tanners)

First make up two hooks from thin, strong wire - coathangers will do at a pinch but worth looking round for something thinner if you can. Bend approximately 3 or 4mm of the ends at right angles. Insert these at the bottom corners of the instrument panel both sides (hook bit facing upwards). Push them in and rotate inwards, they will locate in grooves on the rear of the cluster. Now pull the cluster out of the housing carefully. It helps if you can extend the steering wheel forwards as far as it will go.

When the cluster is out, there are two large connectors on the rear (resembling scart plugs). Unlatch these and you can pull the whole thing clear. Bulbs come out with an 8mm socket and are pennies from the stealers. It's worth getting half a dozen. I checked all of mine and replaced the blackened ones. When done, push the cluster back into it's housing and reset the clock.

Job done!

DoverSole

 

[C220GJS]

This will show you how; http://202tech.mkosonen.com/howto/instrument.html ; it is not necessary to remove the wheel to get the cluster out just rotate the wheel and ease the panel out to the side. Disconnect your battery before starting to avoid activating the SRS light which would need a dealer reset.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Can i suggest you replace all your illumination lamps in the cluster, as the lamp ages it becomes discoloured and the glass blackens, you may find that your new lamps will be brighter than your old ones.

 

[deedum]

I changed the dash bulbs with some new blue ones which look fantastic.
So is this a nightmare of a job then, something i might regret starting ?, I have no way of moving the steering wheel, it looks like i have no adjustment ?
(I do intend to replace all bulbs)

 

[doversole]

Not necessarily a nightmare, deedum - it just means you may have to remove the airbag and steering wheel to leave you enough room. See my earlier post (#3) on how to get the cluster out, the guide posted afterwards is also very useful. I have a Haynes manual, reference number: 3511 - which is very handy also. The Haynes recommends removal of the airbag/steering wheel, btw.

DoverSole