Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-23-2005, 08:36 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 128
Need help with instrument cluster removal

I need help removing the instrument cluster of my 1999 C230. I've seen several posts talking about removing it, but when I tried their suggestions, I had no luck. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? It goes something like:

1. Make hook tools (see picture) - 8 inch long with 1 inch hook on each end
2. Insert tools at 10:00 and 2:00 positions and turn to catch rear of cluster.
3. Pull out cluster. But the cluster won't budge. I pulled hard enough to bend the ends of the hook tools! It's as if its bolted-in, but everyone says it's just an interference fit.

What did I miss? Thanks,
Don

Attached Thumbnails
Need help with instrument cluster removal-img_0226a.jpg  

Last edited by DonB; 10-23-2005 at 08:44 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-23-2005, 11:18 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 95
On my 98 C class, I removed the panel above the foot well, then the panel under the steering wheel and reached up under and pushed the cluster out from behind. I could not reach up on the right side, so it was a bit difficult. My problem came when I couldn't fully remove the cluster due to my car's steering wheel not being a tilt version. I was able to still replace the bulb though.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-23-2005, 11:22 PM
Moneypit SEL's Avatar
Now what?
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SE PA
Posts: 525
What'd you make the hooks out of? Coat hanger won't cut it. I used a welding rod.
__________________
1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-24-2005, 12:06 AM
Strife's Avatar
General Purpose Geek
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: KY USA
Posts: 2,238
I think that coat hanger isn't very strong and it is thicker than you would want to use - it will distort the padding (dangerous with an older car like mine).

I made mine out of some really great wire I picked up at a hobby store - usually used for making airplane landing gear and springs.
__________________
86 560SL
With homebrew first gear start!
85 380SL
Daily Driver Project

http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-24-2005, 08:23 AM
pcmaher's Avatar
Big Black V12
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 430
A set of real hooks might help...they're much stiffer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Dashboard-Instrument-Cluster-Pull-Hooks-New_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43996QQitemZ4584421174QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Here is a page that is written for S class vehicles, but it might give you some help.

http://v12uberalles.com/instrument_cluster_removal.htm
__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-24-2005, 09:54 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 128
Wow, thanks for the great responses. Yes, I made the hook tools from a coat hanger, which may not be so great. So, I already ordered the tools from this site:

http://www.toolss.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=MK-1725A&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

The removal guide is very helpful. I didn't realize where to put the hooks. Do the attached pictures look right? These are pictures from the replacement cluster. Thanks again for the help.
Don
Attached Thumbnails
Need help with instrument cluster removal-img_0230a.jpg   Need help with instrument cluster removal-img_0229b.jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-25-2005, 08:04 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Ohio
Posts: 183
Make absolutely sure you disconnect the battery before removing any connectors from the panel or replacing bulbs.

Also, the airbag system interfaces with the panel. If you turn on the ignition with the cables disconnected the SRS will have to be reset by the dealer.

Good luck
__________________
Martineau Gauda
mgauda@sprintmail.com

96 C280 Mercedes
82 Rolls Royce Silver Spur
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-25-2005, 08:19 AM
pcmaher's Avatar
Big Black V12
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 430
Yes, the tools must engage fully with the "teeth". Be careful...don't let the tool unhook from the teeth while you pull. It could snag the frame or cover and crack it. And Martineau is correct, disconnect the battery before you do this. Good luck!
__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-05-2005, 10:38 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 128
Well, the tools finally arrived. Before I do this, I have one more question. How do I set the odometer reading on the replacement cluster to the right numbers?

I checked with a dealer and they say it can only be done by the factory. He said they have to set a serial number and the odometer reading. I guess the serial number comes from another computer on the car. And, the only way they can do all this is if I buy the cluster from them. Thanks again for the help,
DonB
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-05-2005, 05:30 PM
pcmaher's Avatar
Big Black V12
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 430
That's a good question, I don't know how to enter the mileage.
__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-06-2005, 08:13 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 128
Yes, and I don't seem to be getting much response on this question (as the original question has already been answered), so I think I'll start a new thread. Thanks,
DonB

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:18 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page