w201 instrument cluster - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 01-30-2010, 06:10 PM

Wanted to try and get some help on instrument cluster removal on W201. I have it out just a little. No room to remove cable or anything. The manual says to remove bottom panel & unscrew tachometer cable. I am dubious about that I have the bottom panel off, and there is no room. There is a eliptical cylinder kind of part directly across the bottom. I don't have a clue what it is for especially. I haven't taken it out, but still don't think it would afford much room then. The spedo cable doesn't run up from the bottom on it by the steering column like other ones I have did. I actually haven't been able to trace the cable yet, but I haven't been under the car? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

ah-kay · #2 01-31-2010, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebe

Wanted to try and get some help on instrument cluster removal on W201. I have it out just a little. No room to remove cable or anything. The manual says to remove bottom panel & unscrew tachometer cable. I am dubious about that I have the bottom panel off, and there is no room. There is a eliptical cylinder kind of part directly across the bottom. I don't have a clue what it is for especially. I haven't taken it out, but still don't think it would afford much room then. The spedo cable doesn't run up from the bottom on it by the steering column like other ones I have did. I actually haven't been able to trace the cable yet, but I haven't been under the car? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Mine is a 190D but it should be identical. There are a number of way to remove it. I remove mine by

1) removing bottom panel.
2) remove air duct across the steering wheel. It is a accordian plastic tube about 2" diameter. It is a bit messy but no damage should be done.
3) Get your hand up behind the center of cluster and undo the speedo cable.
4) Push from the inside and it should come out.

I just replaced the temperature backlight light bulb. Good luck.

Holmesuser01 · #3 01-31-2010, 03:37 PM

On my 1984 190E, in addition to what was suggested in the previous post:

Center and remove the steering wheel. Push the cluster out enough to get at the oil pressure connection and loosen and disconnect it. Then, you can slide it out far enough to get at anything on the back of it.

Best of luck to you!

#4 01-31-2010, 08:59 PM

Do you know if you get it pulled out a ways if you can replace the idiot light bulbs without taking it completely out to the bench? I am only needing to replace one bulb at this time. I worked on a diesel today & didn't get time to work on the MB again. I did pick up some bulbs. I think they are like 1.2 W if I am remembering right.

ah-kay · #5 02-01-2010, 01:36 AM

I think you can replace most of the lights without pulling out the cluster.

babymog · #6 02-01-2010, 10:02 AM

Remove the vent and trim panel to the left of the cluster and you'll be able to reach the speedometer cable to un-screw/remove. BTDT a few times.

#7 02-01-2010, 07:54 PM

You say remove the vent & the trim panel. If you remove the vent I would think the air duct is attached, and maybe can't remove it from the front? Also, I am not sure what you mean by trim panel? Where is this trim panel located and what kind of access does that provide by removing it?

babymog · #8 02-01-2010, 08:30 PM

The vent grille pops out to remove the vent surround or trim panel, which contains the rear courtesy light switch. The duct snaps on/off of the vent assembly. Forgot to mention, you can't have huge arms and get in there, I'm 6' and 190lbs and can do it.

MTI · #9 02-01-2010, 08:47 PM

To go through the vent still means disconnecting the vent tube.

Since you're going to have to drop the underdash panel anyway, why risk breaking the driver's side vent, which has brittle tabs holding it in place?

babymog · #10 02-02-2010, 01:02 PM

Because it takes 5minutes, and the tabs don't break if you're careful. Why would you drop the underdash panel? I never have.

MTI · #11 02-02-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Because it takes 5minutes, and the tabs don't break if you're careful. Why would you drop the underdash panel? I never have.

As you stated, size of hands and forearms are limiting factors to the vent approach.

If you don't drop the underdash panel, how do you securely reattach the vent tubing back onto the driver's side vent frame? Dropping the underdash panel and removing the force fit plastic ducting provides a clear shot to the brass knurled speedo cable connection even if you have lobster claws as hands and then putting back the ducting at both ends is literally "a snap."