Cluster panel problem. please help.

[Desidaku]

Hi,
I have a mercedes C180 P reg, 1996 model. I have a problem with the cluster panel. basically the bulb behind the Speedo meter is off / not working. Bascially the bulbs in the center of the Cluster panel don't light up so at night i cant see my speed and nor can i c my rev. the light bulbs on the far left and far right of the cluster panel work. last week the light came back on by itself but it went off again. ive checked fuse boxes under the bonet and also in the boot, the all seem to be ok. are there any other fuses, somewhere in the car that i can check? any ideas on what can the problem be! Also where can i find an online service manual for my car. Thanks very much in advance.

 

[Aussie Nick]

The bulbs in the cluster have gone .See my post to clk1 earlier today

 

[television]

Have you tried twiddling the adjuster knob in the cluster, this is the dimmer and they often cause the lights to go out

 

[Aussie Nick]

This is another possibility but I would suspect the bulbs which some times come back on after some vibration sends the broken wires in the bulb back into contact and with more vibration out of contact. You need to unscrew the panel under the dash . Remove it. The bonnet latch mechanism incorporating the bonnet cable release is a little fiddly .Observe how this fits together before disassembly.Crawl backwards under dash with a light. Disconnect wiring harness to cluster. Push firmly from back on instrument cluster distributing the load evenly. .The cluster should pop out . The little bulbs are obseved and can be screwed out by hand . Suggest you replace all bulbs to avoid nuisance re occurring in near future.. reassemble and Bobs's your uncle.

 

[Desidaku]

This is another possibility but I would suspect the bulbs which some times come back on after some vibration sends the broken wires in the bulb back into contact and with more vibration out of contact. You need to unscrew the panel under the dash . Remove it. The bonnet latch mechanism incorporating the bonnet cable release is a little fiddly .Observe how this fits together before disassembly.Crawl backwards under dash with a light. Disconnect wiring harness to cluster. Push firmly from back on instrument cluster distributing the load evenly. .The cluster should pop out . The little bulbs are obseved and can be screwed out by hand . Suggest you replace all bulbs to avoid nuisance re occurring in near future.. reassemble and Bobs's your uncle.

Lol's you made it look easy but when it comes to cars, im quite usless to be honest with you, is there any website, which shows pictures of the clutser penal removal procedure. thanks in advance

 

[Aussie Nick]

No i doubt it . If you are all thumbs then I suggest you get a mechanic to do it for you as you might cause damage or get stuck. it is not hard once you remove the bonnet latch and pop out the cluster.