Removed instrument cluster to replace clock, now gas gauge and dash

[rosenfe]

Gas gauge, instrument cluster lights do not work as well as e brake light stays on.
84 300d non turbo euro. I checked fuses - look oki thought maybe prying off big cluster Jack with screwdriver may have shorted them
Any ideas where to look. All worked perfectly before I removed cluster
Can the dash plug only go on one way?

[rosenfe]

I think alignment tool is broken off and I may have plug on not correctly. I found an old post with pins on cluster numbered , will try to realign. It’s the only explanation that makes sense

[WWhitmore]

Add an additional ground wire from the back of the instrument panel to the ground position on the steering column. Any of the screws holding the instruments in place is a good place for a ground wire. Ground wires on your Mercedes are the color brown.

[WWhitmore]

In the future use a wire coat hanger with a hook formed on one end as a tool to pull the instrument cluster out from each side a little bit at a time. You may need to use a pair of pliers or vise grips to pull on the straight end of the wire. Be careful not to pull too hard and pull the plastic clear cover off the instrument cluster.

Mercedes actually makes a tool for this which I have but have found the bent wire coat hanger to be more effective.

[rosenfe]

I have Mercedes cluster removal tools. Someone else broke off centering pin before me. It’s a bit tricky to install without centering tool. Have to mark known pin on plug with known numer on cluster.

[rosenfe]

I think best with steering wheel off

[WWhitmore]

Once the cluster is out it is simple to lower the steering column a few inches by loosening the retaining nuts on the column support. This will provide additional room.

[rosenfe]

I’m the past I found just taking steering wheel off was enough. That Allen nut can be tough.

[vwnate1]

Oy, vey ~

After owning multiple W123's this gets far easier .

I push the binnacle out by hand from behind .

[rosenfe]

The best tip I’ve had is to look through windshield as attempting to line up marked pins

[vwnate1]

I'd just go to the LKQ and get another plug, make up a color / location map and replace it .

[rosenfe]

What is lkq

[vwnate1]

L.K.Q. is a nationwide self service junkyard chain, there should be one near you .

You can create an account and pout in what vehicles you'd like to be notified of when they arrive .

[rosenfe]

Thanks

[vwnate1]

Don't forget to come back and tell us how it went....

Here's the link to the yard locator : https://locations.lkqpickyourpart.com/en-us/

Be ready to get filthy and sweat like a politician in court .

Take along a BIG pair of dykes and cut the black plastic MPC off with several inches of wiring, no one else will want that harness, not even me and yes, I buy salvage and repair old W123 wiring harness' .

If you look in your local craigslist listings there may well be a person who sells used parts out of their garage / back yard, these guys are good to know .

Here's the list of California LKQ yards : https://locations.lkqpickyourpart.com/en-us/locations-list/ca/ .