99SL odometer temp barely visible

[Carlos Serrano]

It's the small things that get to you
This morning as I climbed in my cockpit I notice something amiss my odometer that normally glow bright when the door is open was not visible nor was my temperature readout below, under close examination it appears as they are indeed operating but very,very dimmed, after pondering upon it I realised that I don't know anything about the operation of this devices I do think that there is a chance that Hydraulic fluid from a leaking roof cylinder might have something to do with the problem,since fluid leaked from around the overhead light in the center of the front channel and into some black semi circular devise left to the lights attached by velcro with a black wire coming from it. ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED.Thanks

[bwheitman]

Carlos,
Usually when the odo and temp go dim it is a little bulb behind the readout, mine did the same, I went and got the bulb and the IC (Instrument Cluster) removal tools from the dealer and pulled the IC, and the little bulbs just twist out and the new ones in, they are directly behind the readout. Also fluid leaking is not good, the sensor that was contaminated was probably a light sensor, Mine does not have that, do your headlights turn on automatically at night? If so that could be what that is for. If not, I don't know what it could be, I don't know of anything in a benz with wire coming out of it, a mic for the phone? Mine is up there on the top of the windshield, but there is no wire coming out of it, the wire goes in behind. Is it your rain sensor behind the rearview mirror? Where is this sensor located on the dash? Is it an aftermarket radar detector?
Brian

[Carlos Serrano]

Now that you mention it it does look like a microphone, the wire is not visible until you pull the device off the velcro as it goes thru a hole that is cover by the device itself. My phone is not activated but I know is equiped with one as part of the radio itself.I don't think the headlights come on automatically I've never seen it,the rain sensor seems to be operating, it rain last night and I turn them on automatic this morning and they worked fine, don't know about the auto dimming yet, but then again I will be smart to check them and as soon as possible,and get all that hyd. fluid out of the channel,I'll have to get the tool for the cluster .Is there anything sensitive I need to be aware of before I start digging. I hate to damage anything else. For a SL owner that is a fanatic about the welfare of his car I've sure let things get a little out of hand, I have the new hyd. cylinder tucked away in my tool box for some time now. I allowed myself to fall victim of procrastination and neglected my pride and joy.My thanks and appologies to all SL fans

[bwheitman]

Carlos,
I have published a video on how to remove the IC on our website, it is for removing the whole dash, but watch it and you will see the portion where it shows you how to remove the IC. Good luck!
Brian

http://www.mbca.org/northtexas/repair_videos.htm

The plugs in the back-2 round ones just pull out, the sqaure ones have a tab in the middle pull on that to release the plug. Be sure to move the steering wheel all the way down and out, lay a towel over the top of the column to prevent scratches and disconnect the neg terminal on the battery. (be sure you have the radio code!)

[Carlos Serrano]

This are some very helpful videos. I will review them and memorized the procedures.
Thank you very much