210 Instrument Cluster Fix

[JetTech]

I've searched everywhere and can't find what needs to be done to fix the 210 LCD's that commonly start to fade away on the 2000+ models. Would someone please point me in the right direction so I can fix this myself?

Thanks all,

Dale

[Matt L]

Is yours fading or losing pixels? Fading may be the bulbs.

[lkchris]

Everything I've read states the "fix" is a complete new cluster.

[uberwgn]

Someone trying to sell me an '02 wagon last year told me the individual modules (ambient temp, gear position, etc.) are replaceable. I don't believe it to be the case. This failure is widespread and may affect all cars. Our '02 wagon has been getting worse as more time passes. It's my understanding that there is no cheap fix.

I can't understand why MBz doesn't step up and correct this nonsense. I consider it a safety issue when I can't tell what gear I am in. Wouldn't this be a concern for NHTSA or whoever the agency overseeing auto safety would be?

[JetTech]

I can't remember where but one of the members here stated that there were several places that needed to be soldered on the back circuit board to bring the LCD's back to life. I know I read that somewhere but can't for the life of me find it....

[jcyuhn]

I just had the cluster in my 2001 210 replaced yesterday under Starmark warranty. Two pixels were out on the gearshift display, and the clock segments tended to come and go. The entire cluster was replaced, not just the offending displays.

The replacement cluster uses international symbols rather than english. Where the old one had a red light and the word "brake", the new one has an exclamation point being compressed by a set of brake shoes. So far it freaks me out every time I start the car because it registers as some new warning that I've not seen before.

The turn signal noise is different too. I don't like it much, so I'm gonna stop signalling.

There are some rebuilders out there that can rejuvenate these displays. I'm sure it's much less pricey than paying for a new one out of pocket. Can't think of any names at the moment. Lately there was a thread about a cluster being lost by UPS while returning from a rebuild...

- JimY

[Diesel Fan]

I think you might get lucky by removing the cluster and disconnecting/reconnecting the connections a few times. I think corrosion is the problem and Mercedes took another cheap shortcut which is not news to anyone anymore. Anyway, if it works, it's free.

[beevly]

Mine was going out pixel-by-pixel, right to left. Replaced under warranty with the new one - dealer said the problem with replacing it oneself was resetting the mileage; they said only MB could do it. Do a search - this has come up before.

[JetTech]

There is a place on e-bay that claims to fix these clusters for $250, problem is you have to send them yours, and that's what one of the members was complaining about because apparently his got lost during shipping. That would be a catastrophe if the darn thing was lost so sending them mine is not an option.

I've done many searches so far and have read all I can about them here. I've even tried some google searches but they lead me back to this forum where its been talked about several times.

Oh well, hopefully someone will know how to repair these and lead me in the right direction. If I can figure it out, and am successful at it, I'll be sure to post pics along with a detailed "how-to" on doing it because I bet a lot of people like myself would rather repair theirs on the kitchen table rather then fork out hundreds of dollars for a new one, or worse yet take the chance of it getting lost during shipping.

[chiro]

BBA- Reman for instrument cluster repair 1-866-573-2740.
Three day turn around and warranty for as long as you own the car. I'm very happy, however there is a post on doing it yourself . The cost was approx 230 dollars plus postage. One year later it is working great.

W210 instrument cluster repair pixels