Pulling 84 300SD Instrument cluster
 

Anything to watch out for when pulling out the cluster? I need to remove
the cluster to replace the caps in the clock circuit. Is this a pretty
straightforward procedure? I've read tales on this board of squirting
oil in the W123.

A w126 has a electric oil gauge, you won't have that probmem.

I use a paint can opener from Homer D. Pough. It fits between the cluster and dash very nicely and has just enough of a lip to pull the cluster out easily.

Just be careful of the big round plug. People have had them come apart spilling wires all over the place :eek:

i use a coat hanger. bend the end of the wire with a pliers to make a very small "L" - maybe 1/8". the slip it in between the dash and panel and turn it a quarter turn so the "L" will engage the little lip on the side of the panel. gently pull the panel out.. usually working one side out a little will allow the whole thing to pull out pretty easily. if it's never been out, it might be a little "sticky" . be patient and careful as always.

a 126? just grasp the cluster with your fingers and pull. I put my thumbs on the knobs for the clock and the odo reset, and my fingers along the top and just pull it gently out.
stop once it's out enough to pull out the round connector and set it on the steering wheeel, and pull out all the other stuff. make a note of where the bulbs go.

I like to remove the light switch on mine, reach up, and pop it out from behind. On my 91 at least each light bulb's wire has a little number on it for where it goes.

-Jason

Make sure to disconnect the battery before pulling the cluster, it's very easy to blow a fuse if a loose wire grounds out.

I usually use a thin blade screwdriver to get it started and then vstech's thumbs technique. I'd suggest cleaning up the contacts/(thin metal strip) on the cluster if you have it out, I'd also take a look at the plastic gears on the odometer to see if they've cracked or started to shed teeth yet.

I use a 6" piece of 5/8" wide steel shipping strap with a little less than 1/8" bend at one, like a hook, and a finger hook on the other.
Insert at the top, slide around to the side to the grove and pull.