300E Instrument Cluster Bulbs--HELP, HELP!!

[Agron80]

As I was leaving campus tonight, and turned the headlights on, the right side of the instrument cluster is black--no lights. The section that Im talking about is where the tachometer and clock are. The left and middle part of the instrument (oil, gas, speedo) are fine. I tried playing with the dimmer to see if something would give, but nothing. I assume its a burnt bulb. I doubt that its a fuse because the whole instrument would not work. How easy is it to change this bulb in the cluster? Or should I take it to my independent shop and have it replaced. If I did take it to a shop, how much would they charge labor? If it is easy to change myself, can someone give me step by step instructions.

Sorry for all the questions and requests, but when I drive at night now, I cant see what my RPM's are, and what the correct time is.



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Agron
1989 300E
Monotoned Smoke Silver
97 Style Replica E420 Rims 205/55/16
Euro Headlights
Clear Corners
20% Tint
12" Sub-enclosure

[300EVIL]

try slapping the dash. it worked for me!
its most likely a corroded or loose connection but bulbs do burn out.
dealers can supply a special tool to remove the guage cluster its easier than using a screw driver to get it out.
good luck,
adam

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87 300E
BLACK GOLD WITH CREAM INTERIOR, SPOILER, AIRDAM
CLEAR MARKERS

87 420SEL
BRONZE WITH CREAM INTERIOR

[dacia]

I have not needed a special tool or even a screwdriver to remove the instrument cluster from my 190 or 300E, so far anyway (it is not to say that yours is not stuck). Simply tug on both ends, try to "rock" it if you will (it is held in place by a clip on each side) and it should come out enough that you can reach behind it and spin off the speedometer cable (be careful not to oversterch the cable though because it may not work after, I did learn it the hard way, after a couple of hard pulls had to change the speedo cable). Then the cluster will come out some more so you can remove all the electric connectors (by the way they are all different and designed so that they go on one way only so can't mix them up :-)don't you just love german engineering!)and those little warning lights at the bottom. The bulb for the light comes with the socket just twist and remove. By the way there is a fuse at the back of the cluster I beleive it is red in colour the same twist type as the light bulbs. A competent shop should not charge you more than 1/2 hour labor for this, as I can do it in less then that.
Hope this helps.

Alex

[dakota]

The MB manual sez to detach the speedometer shaft at transmission *without fail* before removing the instrument cluster....even if instrument cluster is only withdrawn halfway, eg replacing bulb. The speedometer shaft must not be kinked or tensioned.

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Steve
1979 240D
1990 300E

[Agron80]

Ok, so as I understand the instrument just pulls out, which I had some time to look at tonight, and it does indeed look easy. Mine is alittle stuck, and I think i'm going to need a screwdriver or some sort to pull it out. Once pulling it out carefully, trying not to stretch the speedo cable, what am I looking at? A bunch of bulbs going across the instrument cluster? I was thinking of changing all of the bulbs, since I have the darn thing off anyway. What color are these bulbs, and what size? I think their 12v3w if i'm not mistaken. Are these bulbs sold only from dealer or can I get some at my local autozone?

I appreciate everyones responses....

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Agron
1989 300E
Monotoned Smoke Silver
97 Style Replica E420 Rims 205/55/16
Euro Headlights
Clear Corners
20% Tint
12" Sub-enclosure

[rich30769]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Agron80:
Ok, so as I understand the instrument just pulls out, which I had some time to look at tonight, and it does indeed look easy. Mine is alittle stuck, and I think i'm going to need a screwdriver or some sort to pull it out. Once pulling it out carefully, trying not to stretch the speedo cable, what am I looking at? A bunch of bulbs going across the instrument cluster? I was thinking of changing all of the bulbs, since I have the darn thing off anyway. What color are these bulbs, and what size? I think their 12v3w if i'm not mistaken. Are these bulbs sold only from dealer or can I get some at my local autozone?

I appreciate everyones responses....

---

Agron,
I don't think AutoZone will carry these bulbs, but when you are finished let me know how easy it was to remove the cluster.


[This message has been edited by rich30769 (edited 11-01-2000).]

[jeffsr]

Agron, get a set of hooks to pull the cluster. Do it right or you will break something for sure. You should release the speedo cable at the tranny to allow enough slack to pull the cluster out at least 6 inches, otherwise you risk bending the speedo cable housing. The bulbs are in little twist sockets on the back of the cluster at the top. You can purchase the at Autozone. Don't cut corners with the cluster removal. it can get very expensive to repair or replace that item. Hooks are cheap. Try the Parts Shop here. They may be able to "hook" you up..BTW, try the whack on the top of the dash. That worked for me over a year ago, still going strong..

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 11-01-2000).]

[rjfjr1]

Can anyone confirm that cluster simply pulls out of a 500e without disconnecting speedo cable? I've read the posts and checked the Service Manual, but I want to be absolutely sure. I'll probably purchase the pullers just to be safe.

Thanks.

[JCE]

I believe that there is a tie down for the speedo cable behind the brake pedal area that can be loosened to provide a little slack for the cluster removal iof you don't want to remove the cable at the trans.

Something else worth doing when you have the cluster out - My high beam indicator was faded and appeared more white than blue, very annoying at night. The $5.00 answer is that the indicator/warning lamps are clear bulbs covered by a 'slide in' printed color plastic film. Buy one at the dealer, and when you change the bulbs, slide out the old strip and push in the new for instant as-new warning light colors. (DEEP blue high beam indicator instead of PIAA white. )

Regards, all

[Mercedes Fred]

the manual i have does not have a clear picture of the connection of the speedo cable at the transmission; can anyone supply a gooddescription of what the connection looks like and how to remove it?

[ricali]

Have pulled mine out several times. The hook idea is good.
I just used a putty knife slid on the outside and after the first time it comes out by hand. Speedo cable is easy to take off without going under. Watch the oil sender line, break that and it won,t be nice. Also replacing the little plastic strip is a real good idea. Had to put a little piece of tape to hold it in place. The key is slow and east

good luck

[rjfjr1]

This Forum is Great!

Tool arrived today in the mail from PartShop (nice to have, but coathanger with a 90 degree bend leaving 1/8" at end would suffice), and tried my luck after dinner. Cluster popped out no problem, no speedo cable as 500e is electronic. Inspection revealed that one of the copper connectors on back of dimmer had sprung off. Soldered it back on and, Voila! Everything lights up like a christmas tree.

Total time spent was under 15 minutes, (most of it waiting for the soldering iron to heat up

Thanks much and Happy Holidays.