96 SL 500 Instrument Cluster

I have a burned out instrument light behind the fuel gauge and feel confident I can remove the instrument cluster...if I knew the procedure. Have read most of the archives, but not comfortable weather one must remove the steering wheel, especially when one does not want to kiss an air bag so-to-speak. Anyone removed a instrument cluster from a 96 SL500 and what procedure did they use.

Thanks all!

[G-Benz]

I have a 95, and I believe the cluster is basically the same.

The steering wheel can stay put. Just set it to the furthermost position towards you. There will be enough room to remove the cluster and slide it out of the way.

There are cluster removal tools that work for a variety of MB clusters...I bought a pair. They go for around $15. You can use modified coat hangers and such (as others here have done), but I wouldn't attack an SL with anything but the proper equipment.


Still, the pullers will not guarantee success without damage. I got impatient once and one of the tools slipped, caught the lip of the lens and cracked it in half. I was out $372 for a new one, so you DON'T want to mess this up. So consider that the cluster is a snug pressure fit and has had years to expand and conform to the dash housing. It's pretty tight, and you must work patiently.

You have an electric speedo, so no cable to disconnect. Do NOT unplug the harnesses from the back of the cluster unless the battery is disconnected first. Doing otherwise will trigger the SRS light, and from then on, you'll be staring at the red SRS light for at least five minutes after every startup (ask me how I know). Only someone with a full-functioned ODBII scanner can reset the light.

While you are in there, you might as well get all of the bulbs, or you will be staring at this job once again in a year or so. They can be procured at the dealer for around $6 per bulb.

I learned how to deal with the SL cluster, made mistakes and paid the hard way, so you and everyone else won't have to. This really is a DIY job that can be performed in less than an hour. Get the cluster puller tools first...they serve many other purposes when you need to dislodge other interior panels or parts.

Thank you for the reply! I will take your recommendations seriously and will more importanly take my time. Another bulb went out that lights one of the HVAC vent knobs, Any suggestions on that one too? Thankl you again!

[G-Benz]

That fix is MUCH easier. The black panel surrounding the knobs pops of with a gentle tug of a flat-tipped screwdriver. That "puller tool I described in my previous post works well too.

You will find a clear bezel that distributes the illumination to everything in that panel. If I recall, it just lays there, and behind it are the bulbs you need to replace. I think these are the same as the ones behind the dash cluster.

[Carlos Serrano]

Hello everybody I apologize for jumping in but I have a "99 SL 500 with the same light bulb out behind the fuel gage,mine comes back on when I tap the dash next to the gage .My question is where did you get the tool and whether it will work on mine .thanks.

[G-Benz]

The tools should work on R129 gauge clusters (90-99).

Contact Phil at FastLane (click on tab at top of page) and he will get you the tools.

[takepic]

I have 97 sl500 and the HVAC panel does not light up. All the functions are still operational, however, I can't see the buttons or display at night.

Does anyone know how to replace the bulbs for this display?