Lights gone in R129 temperature monitor

[Rud]

The light in the outside temperature monitor in the instrument cluster of my R129'93 is gone. Is it possible to fix that and can you tell me how… or do I have to get a whole new one.

Rud

[TheV12pwr]

You have to remove the cluster, take it apart and resolder new bulb.

[Rud]

Originally Posted by TheV12pwr

You have to remove the cluster, take it apart and resolder new bulb.

Thank you… thought so… not that easy, but I’ll try. But still cheaper that a new one I guess.

[G-Benz]

Careful pulling the cluster...if you crack the plastic lens, it's nearly $400 to replace!!!

Also, DO NOT disconnect the wire harness from the gauge cluster unless you disconnect the battery first. Otherwise, you will set off the SRS light, and you have to live with staring at the light for several minutes every time you start the car!

[Rud]

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Careful pulling the cluster...if you crack the plastic lens, it's nearly $400 to replace!!!

Also, DO NOT disconnect the wire harness from the gauge cluster unless you disconnect the battery first. Otherwise, you will set off the SRS light, and you have to live with staring at the light for several minutes every time you start the car!

Thank you G, for your advice,

Actually the plastic lens broke last time the weekend mechanics pull the cluster out since most of the light was gone in the instruments. I offered him to get one from eBay, but he bought a new one and told me that he only paid $175 for this. Maybe this is cheaper in Denmark - for a change. Otherwise everything is more expensive when it comes to cars in this country. Car tax on 180% makes a 13 year old 500SL cost $75.000 in this country. A brand new SL550 cost $300.000.

Rud

[tecqboy]

Some one in this forum did a step by step on changing the bulbs ( 2 ). Do a search. It's not difficult, as the circuit board just slides out.

[Rud]

Thank you Tecq... found LeaUK's great description on the subject.

[Mike Miller]

Mine is awfully dim. Is there more than one bulb? I can see it but just barely in the day time.

[tecqboy]

There are two lamps. 12volt with solder type leads. You can get new ones at Radio Shack in the US for about $1. When you see the original lamp you'll know what to look for. The difficult part is getting the VDO out. Be sure to lower the steering wheel, then disconnnect the battery before pulling ( or pushing ) the VDO. ( do a forum search for info ) It is held in only by friction. Use only a low wattage soldering device to work on the small circuit board on which the lamps are mounted.

[Rud]

Originally Posted by tecqboy

There are two lamps. 12volt with solder type leads. You can get new ones at Radio Shack in the US for about $1. When you see the original lamp you'll know what to look for. The difficult part is getting the VDO out. Be sure to lower the steering wheel, then disconnnect the battery before pulling ( or pushing ) the VDO. ( do a forum search for info ) It is held in only by friction. Use only a low wattage soldering device to work on the small circuit board on which the lamps are mounted.

Tecqboy… two lamps...? But LeaUK photo only shows one, where is the other one located…?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30177&d=1134829790

Can this lamp be replaced with a LED…?

Rud