Instrument Cluster is being "eaten up"

[REVECOM]

This sounds crazy but... two days ago my instrument cluster (lower information screen, outside temp etc.) started to look like something is inside it that is munching through the black background. The LCD display itself is functioning OK but the black background is starting to disappear as if there is a bug in there eating up the black. This results in a kind of snaky yellow trail appearing right across the instrument ... you know, like there was a little caterpillar in there eating it up.
Is there anyone out there who has any ideas? Is it electrical or do I really have an alien in there eating up my instrument cluster??
Picture of my problem follows:

 

[REVECOM]

See picture

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Quite common sadly. Someone like ACtronics or ECU testing can repair the screen for about £200.

 

[REVECOM]

Thanks Steve!
Really appreciate the link.
I dropped them an email and I'll see how I go from there!

 

[Janchee]

Quite common sadly. Someone like ACtronics or ECU testing can repair the screen for about £200.

Do you know someone who can repair the new dual dash displays in 16 E class?

 

[REVECOM]

Ordered a new LCD screen (from www.minitools.com) and need to get the Instrument Binnacle out.
I have tried everything from scissors to twisted bits of coat hangar to get those two clips depressed to release the binnacle. But the binnacle just wont budge... Help!

 

[Blobcat]

Ordered a new LCD screen (from www.minitools.com) and need to get the Instrument Binnacle out.
I have tried everything from scissors to twisted bits of coat hangar to get those two clips depressed to release the binnacle. But the binnacle just wont budge... Help!

Don’t butcher it... you can get the proper removal tools online easy enough

 

[REVECOM]

Yeah you are right. I have bought some tools online. Thanks for the sound advice.
More news on progress to follow.

 

[REVECOM]

Got the tools. Inserted the tools, loosened the clips... but that instrument cluster is NOT for moving. No matter what I try and no matter how hard I pull... its jammed in there. Stop pulling and the cluster just clips itself back into position. On video looks easy as pie. Reality is there must be a demon in there pulling back as hard as I am trying to remove it.
Some advice appreciated.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Got the tools. Inserted the tools, loosened the clips... but that instrument cluster is NOT for moving. No matter what I try and no matter how hard I pull... its jammed in there. Stop pulling and the cluster just clips itself back into position. On video looks easy as pie. Reality is there must be a demon in there pulling back as hard as I am trying to remove it.
Some advice appreciated.

They often get stuck. I always push them out from behind (drop the lower dash, reach up past the steering column and push the back of the cluster.

Too many cluster plastics crack using just the hooks

 

[LostKiwi]

When I did my SL I had to come up from underneath and push it out. Even then it took a huge push. The plastic and dash seem to weld themselves together over time.

 

[Blobcat]

They often get stuck. I always push them out from behind (drop the lower dash, reach up past the steering column and push the back of the cluster.

Too many cluster plastics crack using just the hooks

If you can get access it's the way to go. I had to buy more than Skoda VRS clocks as you couldn't get the front plastic glass separately...

 

[REVECOM]

Thanks all...and yes alexanderfoti .. I am scared stiff of over-pulling and cracking something. This ML of mine is notoriously unfriendly to work on.
I will have a look at coming at it from behind as LostKiwi and alxanderfoti suggest... more to come!

 

[ajlsl600]

Another cluster f....had pixels disappear on.my clk .decided to live with it . Maybe same halfwits made yrs.nothin lasts today . Good luck on extraction and fix.

 

[LostKiwi]

Another cluster f....had pixels disappear on.my clk .decided to live with it . Maybe same halfwits made yrs.nothin lasts today . Good luck on extraction and fix.

Clk is easy to fix Andy.

AK speedo

BMW Range Rover Mercedes LCD Pixel Repairs Speedometer Repairs Import Conversion

www.akspeedo.com

 

[ajlsl600]

Yeh . I understand.on a car that runs fine but worth 1k or less,I am inclined to leave that in favour of anything that matters more .cheers on info .2nd time u give me .

 

[Flyinspanner]

Cartronix in Surrey also do dash repairs.

 

[REVECOM]

I have dropped Cartronix a mail. Thanks for the contact. They look just right!

 

[REVECOM]

Wow they came back to me right away ... and its 8.20pm Friday night!!
Just going to let them do it. Much appreciate the steer Flyinspanner!!