I want to change the dimmer switch (the potentiometer?) behind my instrument cluster which means that I have to pull it out. If I'm not mistaken, it's only pushed in there which means I can just get my hands back there and push it out? What's the best way to do this? Also, do I have to disconnect everything and completely remove it? What's going to happen with the oil pressure gauge line? Will it slide off when I'm not expecting it and leak oil all over? Thanks for the help. I've never removed this thing before.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Hi Alex,I just had my instrument cluster out and it's not such a bad job .If I recall correctly you need a 8mm wrench for the oil line and Iwas prepared for a mess but only a drop or two leaked out.The speedo cable is easier to disconnect before you pop the cluster out a bit ,then reach in the left side (between dash and cluster) and unscrew the small fitting on the oil line.Next pull the cluster ahead until you can unplug the electrical connectors.Now the cluster is on the bench, there is one phillips screw on the dimmer .Here is where I had problems,once I removed the screw the dimmer still would not move so I used a jumper wire as Larry Bible suggested.HOLY COW I can see my gauges now!If you get the dimmer switch out let me know how because mine seemed to be soldered in place?or just stuck?Anyways hope this helps

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Democracy dies in darkness, you have to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight

Hmmm...... so there's no way to shimmy the instrument cluster out with all the lines connected? That's frustrating. If no, I will try in the next few days and see what I come up with with regards to the dimmer switch.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

This is a pain, but once you do it, it will seem easy. You need to disconnect the oil pressure line and the odometer cable, as well as electrical connectors. Only a drop of oil will come out of the oil pressure line. BUT...don't do what I did....I started the car with the cluster removed!!! More than a few drops of oil came out of the oil pressure line!!!

good luck

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)

Pulled out my instrument cluster this past weekend on my 300D. The other posts have it about right. Sent the speedometer unit to a vendor to fix the odometer. I replaced the dimmer switch and all bulbs---the bulbs also discolor badly over time. Only had a drop of oil--it was no problem. You might want to label the glow plug and seat belt bulbs---look identical when out of the cluster.