Instrument cluster removal - '91 190E 2.3
 

I recently researched this topic here to replace a burned-out turn-signal indicator. What worked (sort-of) in my case was removing the speedo cable from the tranny (routed down passenger side, but access directly underneath by output shaft), unsnapping both holding clamps down there, then pulling on the cluster to get a bit of hand clearance. I had to pull pretty hard to get that clearance, because I had fairly limited movement from the released cable. RE-attaching the cable to the cluster later was a b____! Should I have also popped loose the bellows grommet in the firewall?

Once the speedo cable was unscrewed from the cluster, it wasn't hard to uplug the needed connectors except in one case. A thin cable, likely encasing two wires, was captive at the cluster and disappeared south in the rough direction of the light switch. Other cables captive in the same bundle had easily access connectors directly behind the cluster, but I had to leave the cluster dangling by that one thin cable. This was ok for replacing all the 1.2W bulbs, but would not work if more extensive cluster work is needed in the future. Can anyone tell me to what this cable is attached?

Once the cluster was carefully put back, I had no problem re-attaching the tranny end of the speedo cable. I then carefully monitored all cluster functions, and noticed the 'engine' light was not coming with the other warning lights at turn-on. Honestly, I don't know if it was before my work or not. Should it turn on at this point?

Thanks for any input.

Steve

it should come on at startup to as a bulb check. It may have fallen out when you pulled the cluster out.

An easier way to remove the cluster (IMO) is to remove the drivers side vent, then reach your arm back in there to disconnect the speedo from the back of the cluster. Then you can pull it out without worrying about streching the speedo cable.

It was there on pulling out, but it fits loosely, so one suspicion is it came loose on re-insertion - or, it wasn't working before the operation either....

This is what I tried first time around, but I did not see any way to get the vent tube out and back. I've noted that comment from others, too, so I wonder if different years have some differences in this area..... Sure would be nice not to have to jack up and support the car to replace a dash lamp!

Steve