W202 temp & clock display dim

[jools182]

Hi

the display on both my temp & clock have gone dim, also the milage part went dim yesterday but seems ok today

is it just bulbs that need replacing?

if so how easy is it to do?

ta

 

[Myros]

is that with the lights off, or on

if it's with the lights on, the panel display goes to whatever level you have set on the dimmer (the same knob that resets the mileage counter, just twist to brighten or dim).
It's unlikely that all three bulbs will have burned up at exactly the same time. Check the panel light dimmer first.

 

[jools182]

should have said the clock went out about 6 months ago, the temp maybe a few weeks ago and then the milage seems to be on and off

 

[dave.robbo]

There are lamps behind each of the displays. My guess would be that they've burnt out..

Remove the dash and twist the bulb holders out..

 

[jools182]

its the dash bit i'm worried about

how easy is it to get the dials out?

 

[dave.robbo]

Must admit, I haven't had mine out.

I bought my W202 with one lamp gone, and promptly took it to my indie to get the lamp changed for me!

Didn't want to risk anything on the first day!!!

 

[dave.robbo]

if it's with the lights on, the panel display goes to whatever level you have set on the dimmer (the same knob that resets the mileage counter, just twist to brighten or dim).
It's unlikely that all three bulbs will have burned up at exactly the same time. Check the panel light dimmer first.

I don't have a dimmer on mine, I don't think...:sad:

 

[Myros]

the dash does come out, if a bit fiddly

do a search here for dash removal or bulb replacement.

 

[Dec]

You don’t say what year our car is so check with dealer to get the correct type of bulbs before you start, yours may be different from those pictured.
See... http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=5122&d=1213221634

It is possible to remove the instrument cluster without removing steering wheel. See... http://202tech.mkosonen.com/howto/instrument.html
If you have an adjustable steering wheel it will be much easier.
Make sure the ignition key is in the off position while the two plugs at the rear of the cluster are disconected.

Dec

 

[Dec]

I don't have a dimmer on mine, I don't think...:sad:

I think you do, the left-hand knob that sticks out of the cluster glass is a dimmer when turned counter clockwise.
When pressed inwards, it lights up the mileage counter, clock and outside temperature gauge, if fitted, PROVIDED the keys are not in the ignition.

Dec

 

[dave.robbo]

Actually, I remember now!!! I do have a dimmer, in the form of two buttons, + and - on the left of the dashpod. I don't have a knob to turn (!)

 

[anyweb]

to remove the intrument panel....

removing the instrument panel is easy if you get the two removal tools from Mercedes, I've the part number of them if you want them,

i did google before removing mine and attempted to make removal tools using coat hanger wire or similar,

that didn't work, even though they should be approx 6 inches long with a one CM 60 degree bend at the end they just 'bent' on me when trying to remove the panel so i paid 20 quid and bout the coat hangers (sorry, removal tools) from mercedes

you insert them at the top left and top right side of the panel, if the key is still in the ignition make sure there is no power to the car (no lights lighting up -doh) in the panel or anywhere else)

there are two wire cables that plug into the back of the instrument panel, they have slidable catches to hold them in place so not too easy to remove accidently).

if you remove these while power is on (ie key turned in the ignition) then you will get SRS airbag warnings..

* removal of panel - pulling the wire tools towards you the panel will slide out until it hits the steering wheel, at this point you'll need to jiggle the panel left, and right in order to get it out

there is NO NEED TO REMOVE THE DASHBOARD OR STEERING WHEEL

once the panel is out, disconnect the two wire inputs by sliding each respective tab and then they will come out nicely

at this point DO not turn on the ignition using the key or you WILL get SRS airbag warnings when everything is re-connected.

replace the bulbs as necessary and refit is the reverse of removal (except easier)

good luck

cheers
anyweb

 

[jimsinessex]

removing the instrument panel is easy if you get the two removal tools from Mercedes, I've the part number of them if you want them,

you insert them at the top left and top right side of the panel
cheers
anyweb

That is certainly right for the earlier W202 and W208 cars but doesn't work for later models. On my 1999 W208 (same dash as W202) the hooks had to be inserted lower down, no higher than the top buttons and only for a distance of 1.5 cm, not the 8 cm quoted in the C Class Haynes manual. The serrated rim inside the panel is smaller than shown on pics of the earlier models.
Insert the hooks points upward and then rotate 90 degrees towards centre of the dash. Pull each side firmly without jerking, one side at a time, and ease the panel out a little bit at a time. Pulling both together risks breaking the glass.

I personally disconnected the battery first to be absolutely certain of avoiding any nasties with the SRS (air bags)

Jim

 

[Dec]

I have heard of people using suction cup dent removers, example, to remove the cluster instead of hooks, wonder if anyone has tried this method and if it would work, I imagine you would need 2 of them no bigger than 4” in diameter.

Dec

 

[mattkh]

removing the instrument panel is easy if you get the two removal tools from Mercedes, I've the part number of them if you want them,
replace the bulbs as necessary and refit is the reverse of removal (except easier)anyweb

Hi
Happy New Year
A different car, it is a pre-facelift A class W168.
My question is
Do you think that it will be a bulb in my case as well? The display has gone very very dim.

Regards.