Replacing the instrument cluster in a 1996 C Class...

[pgilc1]

My instrument cluster unit is faulty and i'd like to simply replace it with one from a breakers yard.

However, i've heard that another instrument cluster would have to be 'programmed in' by a mercedes dealer and that can be 'expensive'.

Is it simply a matter of plugging another one in or is there more to than that?

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[television]

My instrument cluster unit is faulty and i'd like to simply replace it with one from a breakers yard.

However, i've heard that another instrument cluster would have to be 'programmed in' by a mercedes dealer and that can be 'expensive'.

Is it simply a matter of plugging another one in or is there more to than that?

Thanks in advance

Paul

Just off the top of my head I think that your cluster is before the ones where the data has to be transfered, sadly I cant check for sure for a few days, if it did have to have the data transferred it is not a long job, max 20 mins, but MB garages only work in hours, not mins.

What is wrong with the old one.

malcolm

 

[anyweb]

i cant imagine why it would need to be programmed at all as the only number it needs to keep track of is the mileage, and that as far as i'm aware is stored in the ECU,

one thing to remember when replacing the instrument panel is to keep the battery disconnected otherwise your ABS lights may need to be reset if you turn on the ignition while the cluster cables are disconnected (it perceives this as a failure...)

cheers
anyweb

 

[pgilc1]

Just off the top of my head I think that your cluster is before the ones where the data has to be transfered, sadly I cant check for sure for a few days, if it did have to have the data transferred it is not a long job, max 20 mins, but MB garages only work in hours, not mins.

What is wrong with the old one.

malcolm

speedo not working, temp gauge not working, lots of warning lights on. rev counter works sometimes, fuel gauge works sometimes (but only at the same time as the rev counter )

i've had a guy look at it, and he says if you hold the connector in place at the back all appears to work, but when you put the 'pin' in then it all stops working again. he has checked the contacts on the loom and they seem fine.

The faults are consistent with what BBA-reman.co.uk say is a common fault with the early c class units, though they are talking £250 to refurb mine plus postage there and back, so i was kinda hoping a replacement unit from a breaker would cure it...

 

[pgilc1]

i cant imagine why it would need to be programmed at all as the only number it needs to keep track of is the mileage, and that as far as i'm aware is stored in the ECU,

one thing to remember when replacing the instrument panel is to keep the battery disconnected otherwise your ABS lights may need to be reset if you turn on the ignition while the cluster cables are disconnected (it perceives this as a failure...)

cheers
anyweb

Interestingly the guy who looked at it this evening said that when he took it out and put it back in and held the connector in place, all the warning lights went out except the ABS one - sounds like an ABS light reset may be required now - d'oh!

 

[big x]

If you do need one I've seen them on ebay going cheap,in fact new ones are less than £250 on ebay.de
This BBA place is a joke pricewise.

adam

 

[eGuru]

A few weeks after I sold my old c250d (1995) to a friend the cluster started to fail. Have been told that the replacement cluster will need to be programmed. MB are quoting £500 for the cluster plus labour.
Let me know how you get on.
Jay

 

[pgilc1]

A few weeks after I sold my old c250d (1995) to a friend the cluster started to fail. Have been told that the replacement cluster will need to be programmed. MB are quoting £500 for the cluster plus labour.
Let me know how you get on.
Jay

thats exactly the quote that the car came with from the previous owner, as he had had the car in with a MB dealer.

I got a cluster from a 230 kompressor, which *looked* like it should work - all the fittings, clock positions the same, but it appeared to be wired differently (or maybe needed programmed in?) and started flashing different lights.

So, the original unit is on its way to BBA-reman who are going to put it on their test bench and see if its faulty and if they can repair it. my worry now is that its maybe the wiring loom...

They are quoting £200+vat if they can repair it. If they say they can't then its going to have to go to MB...

 

[eGuru]

Result!

Having had quotes for £500 plus VAT for a new cluster on my old C250D, booked the car in at local indie (www.parkhamgarage.co.uk) for the cluster to be removed and repaired.
Before removing the cluster garage decided to run diagnostics. Turns out the OVP relay was faulty causing ABS and SRS lights to stay on. New relay fitted and problem solved. This is despite two indies and MB insisting cluster would need replacing!
Great service and intelligent fault finding by the guys at Parkham.
Also, on my S320, MB claimed Cat needed replacing to cure loss of power. Guys at Parkham found a pipe had broken off the vacuum pump. Replaced pipe and saved me a small fortune.
Jay